Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies, BA/Communication MA Accelerated Graduate
Accelerated master’s degrees (AMDs) allow high-achieving students to begin graduate-level work before completion of the undergraduate degree. By double-counting some credits for both the bachelor’s and the master’s degree, students can earn both in five years total instead of the usual six.
The curriculum is quite structured in an AMD – specific classes need to be taken at specific times – so early planning is critical to be able to benefit from the time savings built into the program. Students should begin planning in their first year and be prepared to start at an advanced level of Communication that same year.
Students begin the program working on the undergraduate coursework needed for the bachelor’s degree. By the third year, students are taking advanced undergraduate coursework and some graduate coursework at the same time.
Admissions to the AMD will be determined at the start of junior year and is dependent upon meeting the normal criteria for graduate school admissions such as GPA. Students who aren’t admitted to the AMD can continue on in the undergraduate program to earn just the bachelor’s degree as long as they are in good academic standing.
You can read more about AMDs and our FAQ via the UWM Graduate School website.
Program Type
Accelerated Graduate Degree
Program Format
On Campus
Advantages of an Accelerated Master’s Degree:
Rigorous Curriculum — the pace and courses are well-suited to gifted and advanced students
Cost Savings — finishing two degrees in five years instead of six saves one full year of tuition cost
Time Savings — completing both degrees a year early gets you started in your career faster
Boosted Salary — starting your career with a master’s degree can garner you a higher starting salary
JAMS Major Requirements
Students must complete 18 or more credits in courses numbered 300 or above, and at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at UWM. Students may count a maximum of 6 credits in any combination of JAMS 399 and JAMS 600, each of which can be taken to a maximum of 6 credits. The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM. Students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including transfer work.
A Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies (JAMS) major requires a minimum of 36 credits in JAMS and at least 12 credits in a single program other than JAMS, of which, at least 6 credits must be at the 300 level or above:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| JAMS 101 | Introduction to Mass Media | 3 |
| JAMS 201 | Media Writing | 3 |
| JAMS 559 | Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age | 3 |
| or JAMS 461 | Media Ethics | |
| Complete 12 credits of JAMS Electives 1 | 12 | |
| Select 12 credits in a single program outside of JAMS 2 | 12 | |
| Select at least one JAMS 600-level course with the word "Seminar" in its title to meet the L&S requirement for a research experience in the major | 3 | |
| Concentration (see requirements listed below) | 12 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
Journalism | ||
Media Studies | ||
Advertising/Public Relations | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | |
- 1
COMMUN 103 and COMMUN 105 also count as lower level JAMS electives.
- 2
At least 6 credits must be at the 300 level or above.
Concentration Requirements
Journalism
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JAMS 204 | News Writing | 3 |
| JAMS 320 | News Reporting | 3 |
| Select at least two of the following: | 6 | |
| Audio Storytelling | ||
| Introduction to Digital Documentary | ||
| Television News Reporting | ||
| Advanced Integrated Reporting | ||
| Specialized Reporting: | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Media Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JAMS 262 | Principles of Media Studies | 3 |
| JAMS 562 | Media Studies and Culture | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations | ||
| Publication Design | ||
| Photojournalism | ||
| Introduction To Video Storytelling | ||
| Feature and Magazine Article Writing: | ||
| Audio Storytelling | ||
| Media Graphics | ||
| Introduction to Social Media and Search Engine Optimization | ||
| Critical and Opinion Writing | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
| News Literacy | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in the Media | ||
| History of Mass Media | ||
| Media Ethics 2 | ||
| Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age 2 | ||
| Seminar in Media and Public Opinion | ||
| Seminar in Media and Politics | ||
| Seminar in Global Media | ||
| Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Media Studies: | ||
| Seminar in Media Communication and Society: | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
One Media Studies course from among the following (in addition to at least one JAMS 600-level course with the word “Seminar” in its title selected to meet the L&S requirement for a research experience in the major).
- 2
If JAMS 461 or JAMS 559 is chosen for the Media Studies Elective, it cannot be double-counted as an Upper-Level Core Requirement.
Advertising/Public Relations
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JAMS 207 | Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations | 3 |
| JAMS 307 | Persuasive Media Writing and Production: | 3 |
| JAMS 524 | Advertising and Public Relations Campaigns | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Design for Advertising | ||
| Media Planning | ||
| Branding and Campaign Analysis | ||
| Research for Advertising and Public Relations | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Accelerated Program Requirements
Advancement to Major/Admission
Undergraduate Requirements
It is recommended that students indicate an intention to pursue the accelerated MA when they declare their track within JAMS, but they can declare their intention to pursue the MA any time before the end of their junior year. Interested students may meet with the Undergraduate Director in JAMS to determine eligibility for the accelerated graduate degree at any time. If eligible, students must meet the minimum UWM Graduate School GPA requirements before taking any graduate-level (G) courses as an undergraduate student. Approved enrollment into graduate-level coursework during an undergraduate career does not guarantee admission to the MA in Communication as part of the accelerated graduate degree. These courses fulfill requirements for the BA in JAMS, regardless of acceptance into Graduate School.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
The graduate program will have selective admission. The maximum number of admissions will be based on the available resources of the Communication MA program. Students should apply to enter the accelerated MA program by the end of their junior year. To be considered for priority admissions, applications must be received by February 15th.
To be considered for admission, students must meet all Graduate School admission requirements, successfully complete at least 105 undergraduate credits, be a declared JAMS major with an intention to peruse the accelerated MA, and submit:
- A personal statement of goals, abilities, and reasons for pursuing the MA degree (no longer than 1 page).
- Two names of academic references who agree to complete a short recommendation form. At least one of these references must be an instructor in the JAMS program. Full letters of recommendation are not required for accelerated MA applicants.
Double Counted Courses
This accelerated graduate degree involves the following bachelor’s and graduate degrees: Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies BA and Communication MA. There are 6 forward-shared credits and 15 backward-shared credits for a total of 21 shared credits.
Eligible Forward-Shared Courses
6 graduate-level credits taken in JAMS or Communication taken while the student is in undergraduate status may forward share to the graduate degree.
Eligible Backward-Shared Courses
Fifteen graduate credits may be shared backward. Any graduate-level JAMS course can be backward shared to fulfil upper-level JAMS credits, and any graduate-level Communication course can be backward shared to fulfil the requirement of 12 credits in a single outside program.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
Students are encouraged to supplement their classroom learning with experiential learning through relevant part-time jobs or internships. Experiential learning is built into the curriculum of the AMD but additional experiences will enhance a resume and better prepare students for their first professional job.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.