4+1 Graduate Program

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

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

• Talk to your advisor and/or mentor and discuss if this program is right for you.
• Meet with Dr. Kelly Winfrey (kwinfrey@iastate.edu), Director of Graduate Education.
• Fill out and submit the Application for Concurrent Enrollment.

Tuition and cost

Students pay the graduate tuition rate while they’re enrolled in the program. Students should work with the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine what scholarships or other types of support will be available to them as a graduate student. Undergraduate students receiving scholarships should check whether their scholarships will continue if they become a graduate student.

Application process

Students entering the 4 + 1 M.S. program 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 the student’s purpose for starting graduate study, area of academic interest, professional goals, and financial need. Students that will lose undergraduate scholarships or financial aid by enrolling in the 4+1 program should explain that loss in their 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 DOGE and Director.