Earn your joint BA and MA in Strategic Communication

Iowa U2G—undergrad to grad in five years

The University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers a unique opportunity for students to accelerate your education through the Undergraduate to Graduate (U2G) program. This pathway allows you to earn both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Communication in just five years.

The U2G program provides a cost-effective and time-efficient route to a graduate degree. By beginning graduate coursework during their senior year, you can transition smoothly into the MA program, benefiting from small class sizes, expert faculty, and a flexible, career-focused curriculum. This innovative program meets the increasing demand for professionals who can navigate today’s evolving media landscape with both journalistic expertise and strategic communication skills.

BA coursework MA coursework

The U2G advantage

Want to take your communication skills to the next level—without spending extra years in school? The SJMC’s Undergraduate to Graduate (U2G) program in Strategic Communication lets you earn your master’s degree in just five years, giving you a head start in media, marketing, corporate communication, and more.

  • Stay ahead of industry trends – Today’s communication pros need more than just great writing skills. This program blends journalism, strategic messaging, audience engagement, and digital media expertise to keep you competitive.
  • Save time & money – Get a jumpstart on graduate coursework during your senior year, meaning you’ll finish faster and pay less in tuition.
  • Build real-world skills – From storytelling to research to ethical communication, this program equips you to create impactful messages across industries.

Who can apply?

The U2G program is open to Journalism and Mass Communication majors at the University of Iowa who are in good academic standing. Students apply during the second semester of their junior year and must complete their undergraduate degree before entering the graduate-only portion of the program. Must already be enrolled at the University of Iowa.

  • Must have completed a minimum of 80 semester hours at the time of admission to the joint program, with at least 30 semester hours earned at the University of Iowa.
  • Must have a cumulative University of Iowa grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.25.
  • Must have discussed the program with their undergraduate advisor and the MASC program director.
  • Must have completed JMC:341 Strategic Communication Writing.

Application process

Students interested in the program must submit their application to the Graduate College by December 1 for a Spring start and July 30 for a Fall start.

Each applicant must:

  • Meet with your undergraduate advisor and the MASC program director.
  • Complete the University of Iowa Graduate College application.
    • Submit a statement of purpose including professional goals.
    • Once you apply you will be asked to submit three names of recommenders that the university will contact on your behalf. You can ask people to expect this request. 
    • Note: The GRE is not required.

Tuition

With the U2G program, you’ll pay undergrad tuition for your first four years while getting a head start on your master’s degree. Graduate tuition rates only kick in during your fifth year, making this an affordable way to earn an advanced degree. Check out the Tuition Calculator to see how much you’ll save!

Questions?

For more information please email joanna-krajewski@uiowa.edu