Current Emerson students working toward a bachelor’s degree in the Department of Communication Studies may apply for the 4+1 program at the completion of their sophomore year. Applications will be evaluated by the MA graduate program director and faculty of the department. Students will be notified of acceptance during the first semester of their junior year. The three 4+1 MA programs (Public Relations, Political Communication, and Sports Communication) are 36-credit degree programs.
Students who are in a major outside of the Communication Studies Department should consult the Political Communication, M.A. page of the Graduate Catalog, under 4+1 Program for College-Wide Majors (Non-CS Majors) for program requirements.
Current Emerson Communication Studies undergraduate students will be given 4 credits of advanced standing towards the MA in their chosen program (Public Relations, Political Communication, or Sports Communication). By receiving advanced standing, the total number of required credits for the master’s program will be reduced to 32, eight classes instead of nine. Students are required to take eight graduate-level courses as aligned with their program’s curriculum in Public Relations, Political Communication, or Sports Communication.
A maximum of three graduate courses (12 credits) may be taken in a student’s senior year. These classes will count as electives toward the undergraduate degree and toward the master’s degree.
Students in the program cannot take three graduate foundation courses, CC 652 Emerging Communication Technology, CC 645 Research Methods & Practice, and CC 608 Public Affairs toward the MA.
All students must complete CC 692 Capstone or CC 699 Thesis.
Students pursuing a 4+1 combined baccalaureate and master’s degree must earn at least a B- in each graduate-level (600-level) course in order for the credits from that course to count toward their master’s degree. Students must complete all requirements for the Political Communication: Leadership, Politics, and Social Advocacy, B.S. program by the end of their senior year and are required to complete the following courses as part of their degree: