School of Communication

Communication, Accelerated 4 + 1

Program Overview

Communication, Accelerated 4 + 1

This accelerated program enables students to earn both a Bachelor's in Communication and a Master's degree in Applied Communication Theory and Methodology in 5 years. The program allows a School of Communication student to take up to 9 credit hours of designated COM graduate courses and count these courses both toward the Bachelor's and the Master's degrees in COM. High performing undergraduate students may apply for this 5-year program during junior year of undergraduate study and, if accepted, start COM graduate coursework during their fourth year. Students may then complete all remaining COM graduate coursework in one year of full-time graduate study.

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Additional Application Information

In addition to clicking on the Apply Now! button above to fill out an online application, please complete this application form and return it to Dr. Guowei Jian (g.jian@csuohio.edu) or the Main Office (MU 229). You can also pick up the form at the administration office.

Contact

For more information about the program, please contact Graduate Program Director Dr. Guowei Jian (g.jian@csuohio.edu; 216-687-3995) in the School of Communication.

Admission Requirements

A student is eligible to apply for the accelerated program if the following conditions are satisfied:

The student has been accepted as a COM major and:

  • The student has completed at least 60 credit hours (at least 15 hours in COM and at least 30 credit hours earned at CSU);
  • The student has at least junior standing at CSU; and
  • The student has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or better and a minimum average of 3.0 in COM courses.

Transfer students need to have taken at least 30 hours at CSU and to have a 3.0 GPA or better. Also, admission to the Accelerated COM program does not require completion of GRE or equivalent tests.

To apply students must submit the following:

  • A completed Application form (Online application)
  • A statement of intent describing why and how the Strategic Communication program will enhance the student's scholarly and career goals.
  • Two references from current or former CSU School of Communication faculty

Students who are accepted for an accelerated 4+1 program may apply or transfer a maximum of 9 graduate credit hours taken while an undergraduate. No additional graduate credit hours taken as an undergraduate may be applied or transferred to the graduate record.