4+1 MA/BA for UC Students

4+1 BA/MA Program

What is "4+1"? How does it work?

The BA + MA program allows Communication majors accepted in the program to begin taking graduate classes in their senior year. After earning the BA degree, students in good standing will be formally admitted to the Graduate School and continue their graduate coursework.

Seniors admitted to the program may enroll for a maximum of 9 graduate credits before finishing their BA. Students who complete 6-9 graduate credits in their senior year should be able to complete their Master's degree in one additional year.

Can I count graduate courses taken during my senior year toward my BA degree?

• No. Students must complete all A&S and University requirements in order to receive the BA degree. Graduate credits taken during the senior year will count toward the MA degree, but not the BA degree.

What are the admission requirements?

• Students apply for initial admission into the program during their Junior year. You must have Senior status (a minimum of 90 semester hours) by the start of the following FALL term.
• Overall Undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Communication GPA of 3.4 or higher

At the end of their senior year, students have to apply for formal admission to the Graduate School in order to enter the final year of the MA program. This admission process will not require the GRE.

What is the application process?

Once you assemble your application, put your materials in a file folder in the mailbox of Dr. Zhuo Ban in the School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies Main Office (4234A Clifton Court Hall).

Your application should include:

• A completed Application Form
• Three Letters of Recommendation. These letters should come from individuals such as faculty, community partners or employers who can speak to the applicant's ability/achievement/potential/motivation for undertaking graduate study. At least one letter should come from a UC Communication faculty member.
• No official recommendation form is required.
• Recommenders can provide you with a hard copy to place in your folder, or they can email Dr. Zhuo Ban at banzu@ucmail.uc.edu or mail a hard copy to: Dr. Zhuo Ban, Director of Graduate Studies; School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies; University of Cincinnati; 2800 Clifton Ave, 4234A Clifton Court Hall, ML 0184; Cincinnati, OH 45221-0184
• Personal Statement. The personal statement should be approximately 2 pages in length and should address the applicant's goals in pursuing graduate study in the field of communication. It should describe the applicant's academic background and areas of interest in the communication field. The statement should clarify why you believe you are qualified and prepared to join the program. We are looking for a good fit between your goals and the program, as well as excellent writing skills.
• Writing Sample. Provide a sample of your best writing. Academic writing such as a course paper is recommended, but other kinds of writing such as news articles would also be accepted. Length may vary.  If the writing is shorter, you can submit more than one.

What is the application deadline?

• Applications are due by the second Monday in March in the year prior to your start in the program.

What kinds of financial aid are available for 4+1 students?

• When taking graduate courses in the senior year, students are charged undergraduate tuition. After earning the BA degree, students will be formally admitted to the Graduate School and be charged graduate tuition for their coursework. In that second year, students receive a UGS tuition scholarship equal to 25% of graduate tuition for two semesters of full-time graduate study.

Please note: Students who want to compete for graduate assistantships (often teaching in the program) should apply for our traditional two-year MA program during their senior year, rather than the 4+1 program.

What kinds of courses are offered in the MA program in Communication?

• 4+1 students have the option to take any course offered in the graduate program during their senior year. Students are encouraged to complete at least 2 of the 4 required courses (COMM 7041, COMM 7042, COMM 8001, and COMM 8007) during their senior year.

How many credits are required to complete the MA in Communication? How can I possibly finish the degree in one extra year?

• The Program requires 33 graduate credits (24 credits of Communication coursework plus 9 credits for a completion project) for the MA program. A 4+1 student can complete a 33-credit program within one additional year by taking 6-9 credits during the senior year, and then completing the program the next academic year (taking minimally 12 credits per semester).

What are the completion options available to 4+1 students? Will they be required to complete a MA thesis?

• Under both current two-year program and the 4+1 program, MA students are required to complete either a thesis (independent research) or praxis project (professional placement and written report) as their completion project.

Should I apply for the 4+1 or 2-year MA program?

• There are benefits to both programs. Your choice should be guided by your individual interests and goals.
• If accepted, the 4+1 MA program allows you to get your BA and MA in 5 years. This is a good path for students who are looking for a way to distinguish themselves in the job market and like a challenge. The 4+1 does not require taking the GRE. You receive a scholarship equivalent to 25% reduction in graduate tuition costs. 4+1 students are not eligible for program graduate assistantships (although some students do find assistantships elsewhere on campus).
• If accepted, the 2-year MA program gives students 2 full years of graduate study. A high percentage of students accepted in this program receive Graduate Assistantships (tuition remission and a stipend), which may include teaching in the program. Students may pursue professional work or go on to a doctoral program. If you are interested in doctoral studies, the 2-year program provides a good foundation. This program does not require taking the GRE right now, but ask if that has changed.

Whom do I talk to if I have questions about the 4+1 program?

• Dr. Zhuo Ban (banzu@ucmail.uc.edu) is the Director of Graduate Studies and advises students for the 4+1 program. She can be reached at 513-556-4544.