Communications Management (MA) 

Program Description

The master of arts (MA) degree in communications management is intended for students working in any communications-related field, who are seeking to advance to a position with broader managerial responsibilities. For forward-looking communications professionals, this degree is a necessity.

Qualifications include a strong educational background or professional experience in a communications-related field. A student may be required to enroll in 6 hours of prerequisite undergraduate coursework. The selection of prerequisites will be determined through consultation with an academic advisor. Students must earn a grade of “B” or better in the prerequisite courses before they will be allowed to enroll in graduate courses.

The prerequisite courses do not count toward the 36 credit hours required for the degree, nor will they be considered as part of the credit hours required for advancement to candidacy.

This degree is also available online. Online courses require excellent organizational skills, self-direction, and motivation to master the challenges of this learning environment.

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Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates of this program will be able to:

• Apply all functional areas of communications to specific organizational issues or challenges;
• Manage projects within a communications framework;
• Communicate more effectively with upper level management;   
• Work effectively in a business environment;
• Present solutions to communications problems;
• Work with and manage creative and technical experts;
• Use strategy and tactics in implementation of communication plans and programs;
• Adapt and integrate new skills as technologies change.

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Program Curriculum

This degree offers students the opportunity to earn a master's degree in communications while having the flexibility to choose elective courses from various business and management disciplines. MEDC 5000 Media Communications is the requisite course in the communications management program.

It examines communications theory and its application to mass media, as well as introduces students to the graduate program, describes program expectations, and discusses academic preparation for MEDC 6000 Seminar in Media Communications. Therefore, students must take this course even if they have academic and/or professional experience in media communications.

The required and elective courses listed may be taken as Directed Studies, subject to the conditions stated in the Directed Studies section listed under Academic Policies and Procedures and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. Students taking courses that are a part of their approved curriculum and that are from outside of the School of Communications should verify prerequisites with the appropriate school or college.

The course of study for students working toward an MA in communications management is as follows.  Any variation from this curriculum should be approved in advance using a program option request form.

Core Courses (21 credit hours)

Elective Courses

A minimum of 15 credit hours must be completed from the following:

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Admission

Students who are interested in applying to this degree program should see the Admission Section of this catalog for general requirements.

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