Virginia Tech® home

Accelerated Communication Master's Program (B.A. to M.A.)

Accelerated UG/GR Program

Gain an Edge with the Accelerated M.A. in Communication (B.A. to M.A.)

Earn your master’s and a competitive advantage in the field with just one extra year.

About The Program

The Accelerated Master's in Communication allows current undergraduate Virginia Tech Communication majors the opportunity to complete their master's degree in as little as one additional year after completing their bachelor's degree. Students accepted in the program are eligible to take up to 12 graduate-level courses during their senior year and double count up to 6 credit hours for both their B.A. and M.A. Students have the opportunity to pursue either a Communication or Reputation Management track.

Campus:  

Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus

Type of Instruction

✔️ Flexible, Face-to-Face

✔️ Options for Remote Learners

✔️ Fully-Online Electives


Communication vs Reputation Management track

Communication track

The Communication major involves advanced study in strategic communication and society, media, and technology research from a variety of theoretical and methodological perspectives. The program introduces students to public and mass communication for application to academic and professional settings. Students engage in reviewing and discussing research and criticism while collecting and interpreting original research data.

All students in the Communication major are required to complete six credit hours total of Research & Thesis, one credit hour of Thesis Prospectus Practicum, and at least 36 credit hours total.

Reputation Management track

The Reputation Management major focuses on public relations management in a variety of sectors including corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. This degree is designed for students interested in advanced studies on how to improve public perceptions of organizations and enhance the goodwill asset on the company balance sheet. Students who complete the Reputation Management major earn a graduate professional credential that prepares them for broader management responsibilities and enhances their career advancement. 

All students in the Reputation Management major are required to complete three credit hours total of Project & Research, to take at least nine credit hours total of elective classes within a chosen specialty area, and to complete at least 36 credit hours total.


Curriculum

What You'll Study

Communication Track Credit Hour Requirements

  • Graduate-level: 30
  • Project and Report: 0
  • Research: 6

Reputation Management Track Credit Hour Requirements

  • Graduate-level: 33
  • Project and Report: 3
  • Research: 0

Degree options: 

  • Thesis only for Communication track
  • Non-thesis project and report for Reputation Management track

Core Courses

  • COMM 5014: Communication Theory
  • COMM 5024: Communication Research Methods
  • COMM 5054 Qualitative Methods in Communication

Elective Courses

  • Communication track: Six hours of electives in one disciplinary area, such as business or public health.
  • Reputation Management track: 9 credit hours of electives in suggested business courses

Requirements and Tuition

Requirements

  • Current Communication major with a minimum GPA 3.0 (4.0 Scale)
  • Compatibility with faculty research interests
  • TOEFL/ IELTS score required  (if applicable)

Application Materials

  • Grad school application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Writing Sample
  • Letter of Interest and Curriculum Vitae

Application Deadlines

Students must be accepted into a master's degree program and approved for Accelerated UG/GR prior to the first day of classes of the term in which the double-counted or GR-level-only courses will begin.

Tuition

Funding Opportunities

Both the Communication and Reputation Management majors have opportunities for funded graduate assistantships. These assistantships provide a GTA salary and payment toward tuition (tuition remission), but are only available for the residential option.

Need more info?

Schedule a Consultation with the Graduate Director


Cayce Myers, Graduate Director
Shanks Hall, Room 113
181 Turner St. NW
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-7165
mcmyers@vt.edu