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Communication (Accelerated B.A./M.A.)

Accelerated B.A. in Communication, Journalism or Theatre Arts/M.A in Communication

Fast-track your education with an accelerated degree in Communication and complete the requirements for both a bachelor's and master's degree in just 5 years.

If you’re looking for the straightest line from degree to professional, a UND Master's in Communication (M.A.) degree is right for you. UND’s Accelerated Master's in Communcation combined degree empowers you to choose courses from a variety of academic departments while earning a master's degree in Communication.

Program type:
Accelerated (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
5 years
Credit hours:
138

Why earn an Accelerated Communication Degree?

Undergraduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
May 15* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Oct. 15* | Dec. 1
Summer:
March 15* | May 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

When you combine a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Journalism or Theatre Arts (with a specialization in Theatre Communication) with a master’s in Communication at UND, you will earn a unique skill set that can open doors to many careers.

Accelerated 4+1 Track

Designed for incoming and current undergraduate students, the accelerated 4+1 track allows three 400-level courses to be double-counted toward both the B.A. in Communcation, Journalism or Theatre Arts (with a specialization in Theatre Communication) and M.A. in Communication, enabling you to complete the 30-credit master's program in just one calendar year after earning your B.A. In this track, you'll accelerate your educational journey while receiving expert instruction from the largest and most respected communication program in North Dakota.

If you are an incoming student, apply to UND and the Communication (B.A.), Journalism (B.A.) or  Theatre Arts (B.A.) (with a specialization in Theatre Communication) program Then as a current student, connect with an advisor to make sure you stay on track for the accelerated program. During your junior year, you can officially apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Complete the required courses and you'll earn an M.A. in Communication in just one year after earning your Communication, Journalism, or Theatre Arts (with a specialization in Theatre Communication) undergraduate degree. You can earn both degrees at the same time.

Accelerated Communication Degree at UND

  • The Communication M.A. courses are 100% online. 

  • A GRE is not required for admission. 

  • Learn from recognized leaders in the field of international and intercultural communication

  • The Department of Theatre Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

  • Strengthen your connections by joining the Communication Club—a student organization led by Communication majors and minors.

  • All Journalism B.A. required and elective courses will be regularly offered in person and asynchronously online. 

 

Career Opportunities with an M.A. in Communication

62K

Median annual salary for media and communication workers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

157K

Median annual salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Why a Communication Master's Degree is a High-Return Investment

An M.A. in Communication from UND positions you for a lucrative and dynamic career. You'll be equipped for high demand, leadership roles across virtually every industry.

A Communication degree gives you highly marketable communication skills you need for just about any career, including:

  • Advertising
  • Public relations
  • Brand management
  • Print and digital journalism
  • Broadcasting
  • Social media
  • Fundraising
  • Politics
  • Video production

What Skills Wll You Develop?

Our curriculum is designed to build a comprehensive communication skillset, blending theory with practical application:

  • Social Data Analytics: Master the tools to collect, analyze, and visualize social media data to inform strategic communication decisions.
  • Digital Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives using multimedia, emerging technologies, and data-informed insights to communicate ideas with impact across digital platforms.
  • Science Communication: Learn to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences, a critical skill in healthcare, environmental advocacy, and public policy.
  • Organizational Communication: Develop expertise in managing internal and external communication for organizations, including crisis communication and change management.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Enhance your ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and influence decision-making.
  • Digital Strategy: Gain proficiency in leveraging digital platforms and emerging technologies for effective communication campaigns.
  • Research Methods: Acquire the skills to design studies, collect data, and translate findings into actionable communication strategies.

Master's in Communication Alumni

Communication alumni from the University of North Dakota have gone on to a variety of successful careers, including:

  • Social Media Manager of the National Hockey League
  • Print and broadcast journalists across the United States
  • Press secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior
  • Founders of public relations and advertising firms

 

Accelerated Communication Degree Courses You Can Take

COMM 540. Communication and Organizations. 3 Credits.

Examines the general communication processes and dynamics within and among organizations and explores the dynamics in network organizations, with a particular focus on communication in interpersonal groups and inter-organizational working teams. Theories of power and politics in and among organizations, as well as of decision-making, conflict management, and strategic communication are explored.

COMM 420. Interactive and Data Journalism. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to teach concepts, tools, and techniques for data-driven journalistic storytelling on digital platforms. Students will develop ways to find and display stories by acquiring, cleaning, and analyzing data as well as creating visualizations to illustrate trends and patterns data through emerging tools. Students will rely on open-source tools, but will also learn basic coding to customize those tools for more effective digital presentation. Students will also learn about other digital storytelling formats, user experience concepts and web analytics. Prerequisite: COMM 330. S.

COMM 363. Multimedia Reporting and Storytelling. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to teach the principles and practices of multimedia reporting and storytelling, including writing and editing for digital media, blogging, gathering and editing images, working with audio and video, using emerging communication technologies, and understanding legal and ethical issues facing multimedia journalists. Students will learn the skills to produce in-depth multimedia stories using photography, audio, video, text, and infographics. Prerequisite: COMM 305 or COMM 339. S.

COMM 345. Social Media Strategy. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on scholarly and commercial aspects of social media strategy as a Communicative practice. In particular, course topics include a variety of social media driven outcomes including social activism, constituent engagement, outreach and advocacy, reputation management, analytics and optimization, and enhancing the quality and impact of message transmission in the social online environment. S.

COMM 406. Future of Communication Technology. 3 Credits.

Evaluates different perspectives on the future of communication technology, ranging from utopian through dystopian views of the impact of communication technologies on modern society. Examines the implications of new means of creating, storing, manipulating and disseminating/communicating information, and analysis of whether potential benefits may be realized. This course is also offered for graduate credit. S.

COMM 451. Risk and Crisis Communication. 3 Credits.

This course explores identifying risks to organizational goals and key stakeholders, and communicating effectively during crisis events to maintain organizational legitimacy. Risk and crisis key theories and concepts, applications and analysis are addressed. Prerequisite: COMM 200 or consent of instructor. F.

Accelerated Master's in Communication Online

+170

online programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For this master's program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare, and you’ll see UND is a lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Online Master's in Communication Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Online Communication Master's Program

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

Explore More Options

Looking for similar graduate work or to connect with the department?

Dr. Joonghwa Lee
Department Chair & Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.4726

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