Combined BA/MA in Communication

Program Overview

Villanova University's Combined BA/MA in Communication offers exceptional students an accelerated path to advanced studies. The program combines 36 graduate credits with practical experience, preparing graduates for careers in public relations, marketing, journalism, and other communication fields. Students complete core courses in communication theory, research methods, ethics, and a seminar, along with electives and a thesis.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Combined BA/MA program in Communication at Villanova University allows exceptional Communication majors to earn a Master of Arts in Communication alongside their Bachelor of Arts, in an accelerated timeframe. The program is designed for students who are eager to pursue advanced studies in communication while gaining practical experience. Students can take graduate-level courses during their senior year and complete the remaining requirements for the master's degree in a fifth year of study. With completion of all undergraduate requirements, students are awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree at the end of their fourth year of study and then continue in the graduate program.

Objectives:

• To provide exceptional Communication majors with an opportunity to pursue advanced studies in the field.
• To allow students to gain practical experience in communication through coursework and research.
• To help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in communication.

Outline:

The Combined BA/MA program in Communication consists of 36 credits of graduate coursework, including 12 credits of core courses, 12 credits of elective courses, and a 6-credit thesis.

Core Courses:

• COM 5000: Foundations of Communication Theory
• COM 5100: Research Methods in Communication
• COM 5200: Communication Ethics
• COM 5300: Seminar in Communication

Elective Courses:

Students can choose from a wide range of elective courses in communication, including:

• COM 5400: Organizational Communication
• COM 5500: Interpersonal Communication
• COM 5600: Digital Media and Communication
• COM 5700: Public Relations
• COM 5800: Health Communication
• COM 5900: Communication and Social Justice

Thesis:

The thesis is a significant research project that students complete in their final year of the program. The thesis is supervised by a faculty mentor and must be approved by a thesis committee.

Assessment:

Students are assessed on their performance in coursework, research projects, and the thesis. Coursework is typically assessed through exams, papers, and presentations. Research projects are assessed on the basis of their originality, rigor, and impact. The thesis is assessed by a faculty committee on the basis of its quality, originality, and contribution to the field of communication.

Teaching:

The Combined BA/MA program in Communication is taught by a team of experienced faculty members. The faculty are committed to providing students with a rigorous and supportive learning environment. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, workshops, and research projects.

Careers:

Graduates of the Combined BA/MA program in Communication are prepared for a variety of careers in communication, including:

• Public relations
• Corporate communication
• Marketing
• Journalism
• Social media management
• Event planning
• Nonprofit administration
• Government relations
• Media relations