Graduate in 3 Years

Plymouth State University > Communication & Media Studies > Graduate in 3 Years

The three-year track allows you to complete your BA in three years while the 3+1 track provides the opportunity to complete an MBA in your fourth year at PSU.

The three-year track is particularly well-suited for motivated students who have a strong work ethic and want to save money.

Potential Cost Savings

In-State: at least $13,700
Out-of-State: at least $22,000
Use previously-earned college credits to save even further!

Potential Academic Considerations

Earn your BA and MBA in a four-year PSU experience
Earn a certificate or a minor through elective courses

Contact Information

Students will need to work closely with their Communication & Media Studies faculty advisor to plan their degree path.

Dr. Metasebia Woldemariam
Professor of Communication & Media Studies
mwoldemariam@plymouth.edu

Karen Schaffner
Academic Operations Manager
kjschaffner@plymouth.edu

Media Studies Option | Curriculum Planning Guide

Year One

EN 1400	Composition	4
IS 1115	Tackling a Wicked Problem	4
SIDI	Scientific Inquiry Direction	3-4
CM 2000	Studies in Communication and Media (TECO)	4
CM 2006	Intercultural Communication	4
CTDI	Creative Thought Direction	3-4
MA	Mathematics Foundation	3-4
CM 2775	Media and Cultural Studies (TECO)	4

Year One Summer/Winter

SSDI	Self and Society Direction	3-4
PPDI	Past and Present Direction	3-4
Credits		40

If selected XXDI are 3-credit courses, take additional summer or winter course(s) and/or 1-2 credit elective courses

Year 2 (40 credits)

GACO	Foreign Language	6
PPDI	Communication and Media Theory (WRCO)	4
Directions	(choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI)	3-4
DICO	Diversity Connection	3-4
WECO	Wellness Connections	3-4

Media Studies Option Required (2 courses)	8
Media Studies Option (2 courses)	8
Elective/Minor/Certificate Courses	2-5

Year 3 (40 credits)

CM 4655	Communication Research Methods (QRCO)	4
CM 4905	Senior Seminar	4
INCO	Integrated Connection	4
BU 5070*	Foundations of Accounting and Finance	3
	(+1 MBA Requirement, to be taken after completion of 90 credits)
BU 5075*	Foundations of Management and Marketing	3
	(+1 MBA Requirement, to be taken after completion of 90 credits)

Elective/Minor/Certificate Courses	22
Total Credits	120

Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).
*If not pursuing 3+1 MBA, this can be replaced by elective/minor/certificate courses.

Professional Communications Option | Curriculum Planning Guide

Year One

EN 1400	Composition	4
IS 1115	Tackling a Wicked Problem	4
SIDI	Scientific Inquiry Direction	3-4
CM 2000	Studies in Communication and Media (TECO)	4
CM 2006	Intercultural Communication	4
CTDI	Creative Thought Direction	3-4
MA	Mathematics Foundation	3-4
CM 2915	Communication and Leadership	4

Year One (Summer/Winter)

SSDI	Self and Society Direction	3-4
PPDI	Past and Present Direction	3-4
Credits		40

If selected XXDI are 3-credit courses, take additional summer or winter course(s) and/or 1-2 credit elective courses

Year 2 (40 Credits)

GACO	Foreign Language	6
CM 3645	Communication and Media Theory (WRCO)	4
Directions	(Choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI)	4
DICO	Diversity Connection	3-4
WECO	Wellness Connection	3-4

Professional Communication Option Required (2 Courses)	8
Professional Communication Option (2 Courses)	8
Elective/Minor/Certificate Courses	2-5

Year 3 (40 Credits)

CM 4655	Communication Research Methods (QRCO)	4
CM 4905	Senior Seminar	4
INCO	Integrated Connection	4
BU 5070*	Foundations of Accounting and Finance	3
	(+1 MBA Requirement, to be taken after completion of 90 credits)
BU 5075*	Foundations of Management and Marketing	3
	(+1 MBA Requirement, to be taken after completion of 90 credits)
Total Credits		120

Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).
*If not pursuing 3+1 MBA, this can be replaced by elective/minor/certificate courses.

FAQs

Can I use my undergraduate scholarships/financial aid toward the 3+1 MBA?

You can use your scholarships/financial aid only for the 6 credits of business graduate-level courses you would take in your third year. Tuition for these 6 graduate-level credits will be assessed at the undergraduate rate.

What happens if I change my mind after I sign up for the 3+1 MBA?

You have several options should you change your mind. For instance, you could take 6 electives (instead of the graduate-level courses required for the MBA track) and complete the 3-year BA; you could ease into a 4+1 MBA, or you could simply complete the BA degree in 4 years.

Can I complete an undergraduate minor or a certificate at the same time?

Absolutely! Working closely with your advisor, you can choose courses to complete an undergraduate minor or certificate as you work your way through this program.

Can I earn a Business Graduate Certificate in the 3+1 track?

Yes, in addition to the MBA you could earn a graduate certificate in Strategic Marketing Management within the 3+1 model. For more information, please contact Dr. Chen Wu at cwu@plymouth.edu

Do I have to take courses every summer and early spring (winter) semester to complete this program?

No. There are several paths to complete the BA degree in three years. You should work with your academic advisor to select the best path to meet your needs.

Do I have to take the courses in the order outlined?

No. This is one just one path among several for obtaining your BA degree in three years. Please work closely with your advisor to ensure you have met all requirements and credits, especially if you are also completing a minor or a certificate.

How can I further reduce costs?

Students bringing college credits from high school could eliminate the need to take summer/early spring courses and/or reduce the number of credits per semester. Please work closely with your advisor to ensure you have met all requirements and number of credits needed

About the +1 MBA

If you are a current PSU student who is on track to complete your bachelor’s degree in the spring, you can take up to 6 credits that can count as electives for your bachelor’s degree and as graduate credit toward the MBA program. For these 6 credits, tuition will be assessed at the undergraduate rate and you are able to use your UG financial aid.

For more information, please contact Dr. Chen Wu at cwu@plymouth.edu