Combined Degree Program Application

Combined Degree Program (BA | MA)

The Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Degree program allows well-prepared Columbia students to earn graduate credits toward an MA in Entrepreneurship for Creatives, Media for Social Impact, or Strategic Communication, while still enrolled in any undergraduate major.

You will not be able to save your progress on this form, so we recommend checking out what materials you need to prepare before returning to submit your application!

Have questions?
Contact Kelly Schmader
312-369-7298
keschmader@colum.edu

Welcome

Are you a current Columbia College Chicago Undergraduate student?

Yes

The Combined Degree program is only eligible to current Columbia College Chicago juniors. Please visit this page to determine which application is right for you.

When do you plan to complete your Undergraduate degree at Columbia?

Thank you for your interest in our Combined Degree program. You must be a current junior to apply. If you are still interested in pursuing graduate study at Columbia, please review our programs here or email gradstudy@colum.edu.

Thank you for your interest in our Combined Degree program. You must be a current junior to apply. Please visit this page for more information, or contact gradstudy@colum.edu if you have any questions.

Your Personal Information

MyColumbia ID

First Name (Legal/Given)

Would you like to provide a name that is different from your legal/given first name?

Yes

Other First Name

Middle Name

Last Name (Legal/Family)

Birthdate

Contact Information

Personal Email Address

Columbia Email Address

Primary Phone

My mobile number is the same as my primary number

Mobile Phone

May we text your mobile number?
(standard text and data rates may apply)

Yes

Permanent Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Your Combined Degree Program

You are applying for

Entrepreneurship for Creatives, MA

Media for Social Impact, MA

Strategic Communication, MA

Graduate Program Enrollment Term & Year

Fall 2025

Undergraduate Graduation Date

Professional References

Please provide two references. At least one should be from the Columbia College Chicago community. Your references do not need to submit letters of recommendation.

Name

Title

Name

Title

Professional Resume

Please upload your professional resume below.

Your resume should be in a PDF or Word document format.

Personal Statement

Media for Social Impact, MA

Your personal statement should address the following questions in an essay format (between 700-1,000 words):

Describe your background and one major influence to be socially conscious.
How does your personal and professional experience align with the program’s values?
Why you feel you are a good fit for the program?
What inspired you to pursue the Media for Social Impact, MA?
What do you hope to learn from the program?
What social issues interest you and how would you like to use media to address them?
Anything else you think the review committee should know?

Entrepreneurship for Creatives, MA

Your personal statement should be 750 words and use specific examples to answer the following questions:

Why are you interested in the MA program, and why at this point in your life?
What entrepreneurial goals are you pursuing now or hope to pursue?
What have you done that demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, engage in purposeful research, and lead people?
What have you done that reveals your individual initiative, judgment, and maturity?
In what ways have you used business-related software and technologies effectively?
What else would you like the committee to consider when reviewing your application?

Strategic Communication, MA

Your personal statement should address the following questions in an essay format (750 words max.):

Why are you interested in the MA in Strategic Communication at this point in your life?
How do you think this degree will augment your current skills and expertise, both short and long term?
What special skills and perspectives do you bring to the field of Strategic Communication?
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing communication professionals today working for businesses, organizations, and/or associations?
Anything else you think the review committee should know?

Upload your personal statement

Or, type or copy-and-paste your document here:

Signature

Please understand that submitting this application does not guarantee admission to Columbia College Chicago's Combined Degree Program.

Please review your application and make sure your responses are accurate.

Once you have submitted your application and documents, they will become the official property of the college. Please note that you cannot change your answers through this form once you have submitted it.

Columbia College Chicago complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. Admissions, financial aid, and employment decisions made by the college are free of any discrimination based on age, race, color, creed, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin.

I certify that the information supplied by me on this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
In place of your signature, please type your full legal name then click "Enter":