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"Being employable in different areas is important to communication students who will be graduating in the next decade. When they understand the business side of the house and business concepts, it makes them so much more attractive to potential employers.”

Stephen Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business

Beginning Fall 2022, Point Park University's School of Communication and Rowland School of Business are offering a new opportunity to students to earn two degrees in five years as part of the Early Start Master’s program.

Our distinctive Early Start Master’s program gives students an affordable opportunity to earn both a Bachelor's degree from the School of Communication — and a Master's degree from the Rowland School of Business — in as little as five years.

"This collaboration will provide communication students with an in-depth understanding of the business side of the communication industries," said Bernie Ankney, Ph.D., dean of the School of Communication. "I know that communication graduates with this degree can compete for business-related jobs as well.”

The Early Start program is available to students in the following undergraduate programs: broadcasting, digital journalism, graphic design, multimedia, photography, public relations, advertising and social media and sports communication.

“The Rowland School of Business and School of Communication are following the mission of the University to provide an innovative education to our students by offering an opportunity to accelerate their undergraduate education and complement their knowledge of communication with business practices and theories," said Archish Maharaja, CFP, CPA/PFS, Ed.D., professor of business and graduate programs director.

How the Early Start Program Works

Select an undergraduate major in the School of Communication:

Next, select a graduate program in the Rowland School of Business:

School of Communication students begin graduate classes senior year as part of the Early Start Master's program, one in the fall and one in the spring semester. The summer after earning their undergraduate degree, students take business courses in the graduate program of their choice, earning a master's degree upon successful completion of coursework and degree requirements.

"Being employable in different areas is important to communication students who will be graduating in the next decade,” said Stephen Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business. “When they understand the business side of the house and business concepts, it makes them so much more attractive to potential employers. It also means they can establish their own businesses. It’s an exciting collaboration.”


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