Accelerated Communication and Media M.A.

Earn your bachelor's degree and master's degree in only five years

Are you a high-achieving student who is looking for a challenging academic climate and new professional opportunities? Then the accelerated 4+1 program may be the right fit for you! Our program combines the MA program with the senior year of your BA degree to enable you to obtain both a Master's and Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media in just 5 years! Program features include:

Your 1st year of graduate school is covered by your undergraduate financial aid, loans, or scholarships.
You will be awarded a tuition scholarship of up to $2,000 for the 2nd year of graduate school.
Professional opportunities to enhance your post-graduation opportunities.

2 degrees in 5 years

Save time and money by earning your bachelor's degree and master's degree in only five years.

Maximize Your Earnings

Graduates with a M.A. degree in communication and media earn, on average, $17,000 more per year than their B.A. counterparts.

High-Growth Area

Employment in communication and media occupations is projected to grow 14% – faster than the average for all occupations.

Learn more about the Accelerated Communication and Media M.A.

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Department of Communication and Media
326 Lang Hall, Cedar Falls
Iowa 50614-0139

phone: (319) 273-2217
fax: (319) 273-7356
email: cm-office@uni.edu

Dynamic Major

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Contact Information

Steps for application

Please indicate that you are applying for degree status and what semester/year you plan to begin attendance. Applications must be on file by February 1st for full consideration for Fall admission, and by October 1 for Spring admission.

The TOEFL Score requirements for our Communication Studies Graduate Program international admission are: 600-604 (paper-based total), 250 (computer-based total), or 100 (internet-based total).

Application Materials

All materials except the “Graduate Assistantship Application Form” should be uploaded through the application portal. The UNI Communication Studies Department requires:

1. An official transcript of undergraduate work and any previous graduate work. An unofficial transcript is acceptable for initial application, but an official transcript MUST be received before the first day of class.

2. A “Professional or Academic Writing Sample.” A writing sample is typically 10-30 pages, and should demonstrate the highest attention to detail and rigor. Writing samples can include an undergraduate research report, honors thesis, argumentative/analytic essay, or organizational report.

3. A “Statement of Purpose for Graduate Studies" essay. The statement should be 2-4 pages, typed, double-spaced, and follow the highest attention to detail and rigor. The following points should be addressed in the essay:

a. Explain your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree from the UNI Department of Communication and Media.

b. Describe the areas of our department that interest you, and which faculty would be best suited to your concentration.

c. Describe your professional goals, and how a degree from the our program will help you actualize these ambitions.

4. Three recommendation letters. Preferably these should be from previous instructors or academic advisors.

5. Once admitted, arrange for a meeting with the Director of Graduate Studies, C. Kyle Rudick, to register for courses. The director will assist in planning your initial graduate program. This meeting must occur prior to initial registration. Later you may be assigned a permanent advisor. However, only course work approved by your academic advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies may be counted toward degree credit.

6. Application to graduate school is a large investment in your professional and personal growth. In recognizing this, we invite potential applicants to request a campus visit to meet current graduate students and faculty. The responsibility of ensuring that applications are complete rests with the applicant. Please contact the Graduate Program Director, C. Kyle Rudick, if you have any questions or would like to set up a campus visit.

Do you have questions? Reach out!

‌Ask our Graduate Program Coordinator, Kyle Rudick!

kyle.rudick@uni.edu
(319) 273-2525
358 Lang Hall