Accelerated Dual-Degree
On Campus
Visit the School of CommunicationsOn Campus
Visit the School of CommunicationsDo you strive for excellence? Earn your bachelor’s degree in just 3 years and your master’s degree in journalism, sports journalism, public relations, cinematic production management or interactive media in one additional year with our accelerated dual-degree program.
The communications and media production fields demand integrated skills, diverse experiences and the highest level of education possible for long-term success. These attributes are exactly what the 4-year accelerated dual-degree (3+1) program provides, along with the significant cost-saving benefits of an accelerated program.
The 3+1 program is immersive and interdisciplinary, with a strong focus on career development. Regular trips to studios, stations, agencies and other media facilities provide students with a close-up view of how all elements of communication come together in the field — not to mention networking opportunities. The program also features a strong support system. Students in the 3+1 program may choose to live in an optional Living-Learning Community (LLC) that provides an engaging and supportive academic and social environment. The program’s director also serves as a point-person for academic advising and will work closely with you to guide you through course selection and internship processes.
The Accelerated Dual-Degree BA or BFA/MA or MS (3+1) program is designed for outstanding School of Communications students. Students will be considered for an accelerated dual-degree program based on demonstrated academic achievement. While scores are not required, if a student wants to submit, they should have at least a 1200 SAT or 25 ACT to be considered. Students are invited to the program during their first year and complete the bachelor’s degree at an accelerated pace (3 years as opposed to the typical 4). Current and future first-year students will be required to live on campus for the 3-year (undergraduate) portion of their study.
Our accelerated dual-degree (3+1) program enables you to earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in the most efficient and economical way possible, positioning you for success in a competitive landscape. This approach to earning your degrees advances on traditional higher education models by focusing on rigorous, interdisciplinary and experiential learning.
Save time and money: You’ll complete your degrees sooner, save on tuition costs and enter the workforce at least one year earlier, with a graduate degree.
Competitive career positioning: Your graduate degree will give you an advantage in a competitive landscape.
Scholarships: Your Quinnipiac merit scholarships are available throughout your master’s degree program.*
Dynamic living experience: You’ll have access to a Living-Learning Community cohort housing opportunity, including a dedicated resident assistant.
Dedicated guidance: You’ll be partnered with the director of the program within the school who will also be your academic adviser.
Experiential learning: You’ll have access to special programming and networking opportunities for program students.
Students in the accelerated dual-degree program can major in 1 of 6 undergraduate programs. Links to each program page are listed below:
Advertising and Integrated Communications
Film, Television and Media Arts
Graphic and Interactive Design
Cinematic Production Management
Interactive Media and Communications (online)
Course overload fees are waived during the Fall and Spring semesters for students in accelerated dual-degree programs up to 19 credits per term (or up to 20 credits per term for up to two semesters for students engaging in a study abroad program). Summer and/or January term courses may be required to earn the accelerated graduate degree and are also offered at no cost to students in accelerated dual-degree programs.**
*This only applies to the one graduate program associated with your chosen dual-degree.
**Not to exceed a seven-credit limit per Summer (Summer 1 and Summer 2 combined) or a three-credit limit per January term in which you enroll in courses. Any additional credits in a Summer or January term will have associated credit hour costs. Please see the tuition and fee schedule on the webpage for specific costs per program.
Anya Grondalski '23, MS '24, recognized that we offered her the education and necessary skills to enter the workforce with real-world experiences and an advanced degree. Through the accelerated, dual-degree program, she is earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in just four years.
If you have been admitted into one of Quinnipiac’s Accelerated Dual- programs and would like to accept, please complete the reply form on your applicant portal by June 1, 2025, to indicate your interest.
The number of locations where communications students interned across the country during the 2019-20 academic year.
“The program is incredible, and I am so glad that I was given the chance to be a part of it. The work and classes are challenging yet engaging and keep my passion for the media industry alive. We are more than just a program. We’re a community of students and faculty who share a passion for our growth in the field of communications. Deciding to join the program is one of the best decisions I ever made!”
“I loved the idea of the 3+1 program because it meant that I would get the education I need as quickly as possible. I’m chomping at the bit to enter the workforce.”
“My most formative experience came in Summer 2018, when I took part in the QU in LA program. I secured an internship with Franklin Entertainment, a dynamic, multimedia entertainment company and Fox-affiliate owned by actor and entrepreneur DeVon Franklin.“
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.