Maddy Crozier is a graduate assistant in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse. Through her participation in the combined BA/MA degree program, she completed her undergraduate degree in Fall 2018 and will graduate with her Master’s degree in June 2020. We asked her to share her experience in the combined degree program so prospective students can learn a little bit more about what it’s like.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
As a Midwesterner from Indianapolis, Indiana, I knew I wanted to go to college in Chicago right after graduating high school. I moved to Chicago in Fall 2015 so I could attend DePaul as a journalism major. After I realized that journalism wasn’t for me, I joined the Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse program. I am passionate about collaborating with writers, so outside of the department, I work as a peer writing tutor at the University Center for Writing-based Learning. I’m also a freelance editor and writer, and my writing projects range from national real estate trends to the sustainable food movement.
What made you want to participate in the Combined BA/MA Program?
Dozens of programs across the university offer combined degree programs, so my studies in journalism first introduced me to the concept. After joining WRD, I realized that I wanted to earn a Master’s degree in writing studies. The combined degree worked best for me because it has allowed me to earn my Bachelor’s and Master’s sequentially, which meant that I could earn both degrees from DePaul in the shortest amount of time possible. It also saves a significant amount of money by allowing three graduate-level courses to count towards both the BA and the MA.
How has the Combined BA/MA program been beneficial to you?
The combined degree program has allowed me to save time. Since I had the chance to take three graduate courses while completing my undergraduate degree, it gave me the advantage to complete my Master’s degree in the most convenient way I could. I also finished my undergraduate studies two quarters early, which meant I could become a graduate student right away, rather than waiting for the new academic year to begin. I ended up completing my Bachelor’s in three-and-one-third years, and I will have completed my Master’s in one-and-two-thirds years. All in all, it will be a true five-year program for me.
What advice might you have for any undergraduate students considering the Combined Degree program?
Start exploring your options now! It’s never too early to start planning a trajectory for the next few years of your education. I wholeheartedly recommend the Combined BA/MA in WRD, which is available to undergraduate students across the university. You don’t have to have a BA in WRD to participate! I say start planning now because the scheduling side of things can feel a little messy, especially when balancing major requirements and minor classes. But with enough determination, most students can make the program work for them. For those who want to earn a BA and MA from DePaul, the combined degree programs offer the best way to do it.
Learn more about the WRD Combined Degree programs here!
Have you thought about any career paths that you might be interested in?
Well, I could see myself going in a few directions. For a long time, I have wanted to work in the book publishing industry, particularly at a university press. I see editorial work as an opportunity to work with writers and their writing, which has always been my primary career interest. However, since entering graduate school and participating in research projects, I have started to consider university careers. I am very interested in writing programs and writing center administration. I definitely see this year as an opportunity to explore these careers in-depth and to consider new possibilities for me as well.
What’s one thing that you are looking forward to this year?
At the end of the academic year, my partner and I are planning to move out of Chicago. I’m really looking forward to deciding where we want to go and embracing all of the new excitements and challenges that come along with it. Hopefully, we will be relocating to pursue new educational or job opportunities, so while it will be difficult to leave Chicago after five years, it will be for the best. If all else fails, we want to move to Nashville, Tennessee.