Fatma Abid

Accelerated Master’s Degrees

The Cronkite School’s Accelerated Master’s Program (formerly referred to as 4+1 programs) allows high-performing undergraduate students to earn a master’s degree in just two semesters. Students begin taking graduate courses while they are still undergrads, and they can count up to 12 credits toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students can complete both degrees in four years (for students completing the bachelor’s degree in three years) or five years (for students completing the bachelor’s degree in four years).

Streamline your educational journey, save time and expense, and supercharge your career growth with the Cronkite accelerated master’s program.

Available accelerated pathways

A Cronkite News reporter holds a camera and microphone.

Options for Journalism and Mass Communication, BA students

A student reports from a confetti-filled stadium at the Final Four.

Option for Sports Journalism, BA
students

Students in this program can complete:

Program requirements

Students must have at least a 3.25 GPA in the BA-Sports Journalism program or the BA-Journalism and Mass Communication program.

Benefits of an Accelerated Master’s Program

By beginning graduate coursework while they are still completing an undergraduate degree, students can complete a master’s degree in two semesters rather than the typical three. This saves the cost of one semester and the stress of applying for graduate programs after leaving the Cronkite School. 

Accelerated master’s students come to the program with a range of goals, including:

Becca Smouse, '22, BA, Journalism and MS, Digital Audiences Strategy

I’m so grateful for my experience at the Cronkite School; the digital audience program gave me the tools and skills to assess data and turn it into a specific digital strategy that best suits the needs of our district. I was really able to hit the ground running! I’m very grateful for all of the support from my Cronkite professors. I wouldn’t have been able to take this professional leap without their guidance and expertise!

Becca Smouse (’22) Digital Recruitment Specialist, Tempe Elementary School District
Students gather and study

Accelerate your career trajectory

Deepen your skills, grow your portfolio, develop leadership experience and launch special projects to set yourself apart in the job market. Take advantage of the Cronkite School’s master’s mentorship program to supercharge your professional network and career trajectory.

Cronkite students in class

Save time, money and stress

An expedited admissions process and reduced time as a graduate student mean savings in time, money and stress, so you can focus on work that matters and advancing your career.

Cronkite student and faculty

Faculty you know and trust

The accelerated master’s program gives students more time for mentorship and immersive learning with faculty they know and trust.

Program details

Getting started

First-year students
Students should begin to discuss the accelerated program with their adviser in their first year at the Cronkite School to ensure they are on track to complete required courses on time. Students apply to the Graduate College at the beginning of their last undergraduate year, when they begin taking courses that are to be shared between the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Non first-year students
Students can still be on track to complete the accelerated program. It is highly encouraged to meet with their advisor as soon as possible to ensure they are on track to complete required courses on time. Students will still apply to the Graduate College.

Next steps

Let your adviser know you are interested in the program or reach out to Advising Coordinator Brad Longwell (brad.longwell@asu.edu). The advising team can talk through specific requirements of each degree program, the expedited graduate admissions process and other considerations. You will complete a Declaration of Intent to enter the accelerated master’s program, and you will begin meeting with your adviser each semester to make sure you are on track to complete the requirements on time.

Kiarra Spottsville

I’m excited to be a Cronkite graduate with both my bachelor and master degrees under my belt in the time it would take to get one. I know I saved money, time and energy in participating in the Cronkite accelerated program.

Kiarra Spottsville (’22)