Communication Major Dual Degree B.A./M.A.

Arts and Sciences Hall
CHDCM@shu.edu
shu.edu/academics/ba-ma-communication.html

Program Code: EC_COMJ_BA

The combined B.A./M.A. in Communication allows undergraduate students to register for 12 graduate credits during their junior and senior years.  Following the completion of the baccalaureate degree, students complete the remaining credits of the M.A. degree.  The Master of Arts in Communication is a 36-credit on- campus program in which students develop critical communication skills associated with human interaction and research practices in ways that are grounded in theory and can be immediately applied in practice. Students are challenged to think creatively, apply state-of-the-art technology, and sharpen their communication competencies and knowledge base in a dynamic and highly interactive environment reflecting real world scenarios. A unique Communication Portfolio course assists students in transitioning from their graduate studies to an employment opportunity or toward further study.

The program currently offers three areas of study.

• Digital Media Studies focuses on communication technologies in corporations, organization and human relations including device usage, adoptions and applications.
• Communication in Organizations teaches students to enhance workplace communication capabilities by focusing on decision making and problem solving within employee relations, management communication and digital interaction.
• Public Relations teaches students to develop strategic messages for diverse audiences and build mutually beneficial relationships by focusing on the unique management function of the discipline and examining advanced concepts, theories, and methods through a global framework.

Admissions Details

The Office of Graduate Affairs processes all applications and offers an overview of the application process.  Specific details regarding this program's admissions details are outlined below.

Application Requirements

Qualified students are considered for admission to the B.A./M.A. dual degree program either: (1) as an incoming first-year student or (2) following application after the completion of at least 45 undergraduate credits. Students may apply for admission to the dual degree program with additional credits, but preferably no later than the end of junior year (i.e., 90 credits).  The following materials are required:

• Online application and application fee
• Resume/Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement (up to 550 words, about two pages)
• Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended
• Letters of recommendation (2) from academic and/or professional references

Admission is based on earning a 3.0 minimum GPA and all submitted application items. Students from all undergraduate degree programs are welcome to apply, assuming they have completed four undergraduate courses in art history before completing their baccalaureate degree.  Please review the College's frequently asked admissions questions for supplemental requirements.

Application and Enrollment Dates

The program operates on a rolling admissions schedule where students may begin their studies in either the Fall or Spring semester.

Curriculum Requirements

Students in the B.A./M.A. program may complete up to 12 credits of the following courses, in consultation with a graduate program advisor, during undergraduate studies.  The remainder of courses are completed following the completion of Bachelor's-level requirements.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses*
COTC 7110	Communication Research	3
COMM 8000	Communication Research Methods	3
COMM 8500	Communication Portfolio	3
Subtotal		9
Area of Study
Select 12 credits from the M.A. Communication portion of the Graduate Catalogue		12
Subtotal		12
Master's Project Requirements
COMM 8199	Sp Tp - Master's Project I	3
COMM 8200	Master's Project II	3
Subtotal		6
Approved Electives
Select 9 credits from the M.A. portion of the Graduate Catalogue		9
Subtotal		9
Total Hours		36

*

When a student has completed all undergraduate degree requirements and earned at least 120 credit hours, the student will be awarded their baccalaureate degree. Upon completion of all remaining M.A. requirements and a minimum of 144 credit hours, the student will be awarded their M.A. degree.