College of Communication > Academics > Digital Communication and Media Arts > Combined Degree Program

Combined Degree Program

​ The combined bachelor’s + master’s degree program allows students to complete 12 graduate credit hours while still enrolled in their undergraduate program. These graduate credit hours will count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Undergraduate students from any major across DePaul University can apply to the Digital Communication and Media Arts (Digital Communication track only) degree program.

Admission Criteria

Admission criteria for the combined bachelor’s + master’s degree program in Digital Communication and Media Arts (Digital Communication Track):

  • 3.5 GPA in major courses
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Junior status
  • Completion of CMNS 280: Introduction to Digital Media Skills (strongly preferred) or one 300-level communication course

Students who meet the above criteria must submit the following to the Office of Graduate Admission no later than six weeks prior to the start of their senior year (i.e., prior to the start of their final three undergraduate quarters):

  • Graduate Application (you will select a combined degree program during the application process)
  • Official DePaul undergraduate transcript
  • Statement of Purpose (750 words) explaining why the student is seeking admission to the program
  • Writing Sample (research paper that demonstrates the applicant's ability to synthesize and analyze scholarly work)
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors in the College of Communication or in the major

Please submit all admission materials* to:

Office of Graduate Admission
College of Communication
DePaul University
2400 N. Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614-2215

*Statement of purpose and writing sample can be e-mailed to gradcom@depaul.edu.

Program Standards

  • The three DCMA graduate courses taken as a senior cannot be used to fulfill core major requirements. They can be used to fulfill communication electives (for communication majors) and/or open electives.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to take three DCMA core courses during their senior year.
  • Students admitted to the program must maintain a 3.0 GPA (B or better) in the three graduate courses taken as a senior.
  • If a student fails to meet this GPA requirement, they will not be allowed to continue as a graduate student in the program.
  • Students can defer their graduate admission for one year. If students do not matriculate after completing their undergraduate degree or within one year deferral period, the graduate courses taken as undergraduate students will no longer count towards the graduate degree and students must reapply for admission to the graduate program.

Visit the Digital Communication and Media Ar​ts MA section for more information about the graduate program.