Questions about Annenberg, progessive degrees, and the English degree

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

Okay, so I am accepted as an English major Spring admit. I have some questions, just as I am trying to pre-plan what my three and a half years will look like at USC.

When I applied, I wasn’t really set on major, so I chose English because it is my best subject, and I figured it would be one of the easier majors to be admitted to. Now, I am thinking that I want to major in Communications or PR management from the Annenberg school.

How hard is it to be accepted to Annenberg once you are enrolled at USC? Is it still competitive, or pretty much if you meet the requirements, ya got it?

Also, what is the reputation of Annenberg like on the West Coast and nationally? I am coming from a small town in the Southwest corner of Georgia, so when I say USC, people think of Steve Spurrier and get bitter over UGA football. I know USC is known for their SCA, Viterbi and Marshall, but how prestigious in Annenberg? Is it a school that would impress a NYC employer just as much as a LA one?

Do any of y’all know anything about the progressive degree where you get your master’s in five years? I would like to avoid the awkward English-degree-with-no-job-opportunities rut that has become a cliche. I wouldn’t mind getting a B.A. in English if I could get a M.A. in Communications or PR.

I have two older sisters (each a year apart) also at private schools (Davidson in NC and American in DC), which is a doozy when it comes to finances. Would it be worth it to only have to pay for one year of grad school, but assume that extra debt right out of the gate? Or should I wait a couple of years, get a job, get some experience, get some loans paid off, and then apply for a master’s program.

Also, is it realistic to think I could get my B.A. in three years and my M.A. in one year, knocking it all out in four years? I will love USC forever, but less time = less debt. I know I am a Spring admit, but I will walk in with 30 hours from a community college and a couple of APs. Technically, I will be ahead of schedule.

so, to sum up this slightly disjointed post, here are my questions:

  1. How competitive is admissions to Annenberg?
  2. How prestigious regionally and nationally is Annenberg?
  3. What is the progressive degree like?
  4. Is it a smart investment to apply for a progressive degree?
  5. Is a four year progressive degree practical?

Thank you for your time.

2

Annenberg is generally considered a top 5 comm school nationally, and the best comm school on the West Coast. Admissions is going to be competitive, but personally I don’t know that I would worry about it above and beyond getting the best grades possible. There are plenty of people in that school who are serious students, but there are still those who are in it for the “Mrs” degree. Can’t believe they still exist, but they do.

  1. Pretty competitive, although at that point you've already made the cut for USC.
  2. Among comm schools, very well regarded. But whether people respect a comm degree is another matter entirely.
  3. Can't speak to this specifically - I'm a film school grad but know a lot of people who went through Annenberg.
  4. If you can bang out a master's in an additional year, and it helps you professionally, then yes.
  5. Yes and no. I'd talk to people in the particular fields you're interested in.

Also, I’d take a look not just at the undergrad comm program but also the master’s in communication management. I know a few people who’ve taken that degree as it’s a good alternative to an MBA.