4+1 Graduate Program

4+1 Graduate Program: Stay one more year and earn TWO degrees!

two women present in a group
Reach your career goals through Greenlee’s graduate program

 

HOW IT WORKS

The 4+1 program is designed for students majoring in journalism, advertising or public relations to complete their B.S. and M.S. degrees in five years.

In year 4, or their senior year of undergrad, students complete their B.S. degree and begin working on their M.S. degree. Some of the coursework during this year will count for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

In year 5, students complete their master’s degree in journalism and mass communication. This will include coursework and completing a thesis or creative component.

Here’s an example of a course schedule for students majoring in journalism:

FOURTH YEAR

FALL SEMESTER SPRING SEMESTER
JL MC 460 3 JLMC 462* 3
Elective or minor class 3 Elective or minor class 3
Elective or minor 300-level class 3 Elective or minor 300-level class 3
JL MC 501* 3 Elective or minor 300-level class 3
JL MC 502 3 JL MC 510, 503X or 504X 3
JL MC 592 1
Total Credits 16 Total Credits 15

*Course counts toward both undergrad and grad degrees.

 

FIFTH YEAR

FALL SEMESTER SPRING SEMESTER
JL MC 598 3 JLMC 599/699 4
500-level Greenlee elective 3 Non-Greenlee grad elective 3
Non-Greenlee methods/elective 3 Grad elective 3
Total Credits 9 Total Credits 10

 

HOW TO APPLY

Students must be admitted to the program before they start graduate work in year 4. The application process for 4+1 is easy. To apply:

TUITION AND COST

Students pay the graduate tuition rate while they’re enrolled in the program. Students should work with the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine what scholarships or other types of support will be available to them as a graduate student. Undergraduate students receiving scholarships should check whether their scholarships will continue if they become a graduate student.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Students entering the 4 + 1 M.S. program can apply for scholarships by submitting a resume, two references, and a short essay to the Director of Graduate Education. The essay should be between 300 and 500 words and address the student’s purpose for starting graduate study, area of academic interest, professional goals, and financial need. Students that will lose undergraduate scholarships or financial aid by enrolling in the 4+1 program should explain that loss in their essay.

SELECTION PROCESS

The Graduate Steering Committee will review applications for 4 + 1 scholarships on a rolling basis starting in the spring semester of each year. Applications will be assessed on students’ prior academic record, financial need (particularly if the student will lose undergraduate funding by entering the 4 + 1 program), potential for success in graduate work, and criteria set in scholarships’ memorandums of agreement. Awards will be reviewed and receive final approval from the DOGE and Director.