Fast-tracked and fearless: A communication grad student’s journey at ASU

When Erin Burns first enrolled at Arizona State University, she never imagined she would complete her bachelor’s degree in just two and a half years and then move directly into a master’s program, all while working full-time as a manager for Dutch Bros. But that is exactly the path she found through the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication’s accelerated master's program.

A first-generation college student, Burns started at ASU as a business law major before discovering communication through a roommate’s encouragement. One class was all it took to spark her interest.

“I realized how much I love talking to people, writing, reading and learning,” she said. “In communication, you never stop learning because you are always adapting to new situations, whether verbal or nonverbal. After that first class, I knew I wanted to keep going.”

That love of learning eventually led her to the accelerated bachelor's and master's in communication program, which allows students to begin graduate-level coursework while completing their undergraduate degree.

By the time she started the program in January, Burns had already earned 12 graduate credits. According to Burns, the program’s structure, which is entirely online, makes it both rigorous and flexible.

“The word ‘accelerated’ can sound intimidating, but it is not as scary as it sounds,” Burns said. “You get a lot of the credits done during undergrad, which makes your last two semesters more manageable. It also gives you the chance to dive deeper into electives that really interest you. For me, the workplace communication class really stood out. That class helped me find my passion, and I was able to apply what I learned immediately."

The online MA program culminates in a capstone project, giving students the opportunity to put their skills into action and make a real impact by solving communication problems in their communities or workplaces. For her project, Erin surveyed more than 50 employees at three locations to study how upbeat workplace culture affects communication and what happens when employees need to raise concerns.

“It made me more self-aware about my own communication and how I could help create a safer environment for my team,” she said. “It was not just for school, it was for work, too.”

Burns points to faculty support as another reason for her success. She credits Professor Belle Edson, who led her study abroad program, for her mentorship, and says every professor she has worked with has been quick to provide feedback and encouragement. She was especially grateful for the support of Professor Joris Van Ouytsel, who she noted always responded to her emails within 45 minutes, no matter the time of day.

“The accelerated MA program helped me build confidence in myself,” Burns said. “I feel more confident not only in school but also going into the workplace. My professors and the school have really set me up for success, and I feel prepared for whatever comes my way.”