4+1 Graduate Program

Are you interested in an accelerated degree that can broaden your career opportunities? Our 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

*Course counts toward both undergrad and grad degrees.

Fifth Year

How to apply

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

• Talk to your advisor and/or faculty mentor and discuss if this program is right for you.
• Meet with the director of graduate education. Email greenlee-masters-program@iastate.edu to schedule a meeting.
• Fill out and submit the Graduate Application.

Tuition and cost

You will pay the graduate tuition rate while enrolled in the program. You should work with the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine what scholarships or other types of support will be available to you as a graduate student. If you are an undergraduate student receiving scholarships, check whether your scholarships will continue if you become a graduate student.

Application process

If you are entering the 4+1 M.S. program, you 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 your purpose for starting graduate study, area of academic interest, professional goals and financial need. If you will lose undergraduate scholarships or financial aid by enrolling in the 4+1 program, explain that loss in your 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 director of graduate education and director of the Greenlee School.