Master of Arts in Professional Communication

Program Description

The MA in Professional Communication program consists of two years of study with a three-week on-campus residency at the beginning of the first year and a two-week on-campus residency during the second year. Faculty who have expert, real-world experience provide a solid foundation of advanced professional and technical skills that underpin effective leadership in an increasingly communication-driven world.

The MA in Professional Communication program provides you a broad understanding of communication as a human activity. You will thrive in environments that require effective teamwork, adaptability, strategic planning, intercultural mediation, digital technologies, and a sophisticated understanding of interpersonal discourse. Additionally, you will compete in an exciting Live Case Challenge, presenting a communications plan and thoughtful analysis to organizational representatives

You may pursue a thesis option, a research paper option that is smaller in scope but allows for extra coursework, or a fully course-based option to complete your program.

Who it’s for

Working professionals who want to excel in the integration of strategic written and verbal communications in an environment that requires teamwork, adaptability, intercultural mediation, and a sophisticated understanding of interpersonal discourse. Through our Flexible Admission process, significant professional experience in lieu of academic requirements may also be considered. Please visit our Admission Requirements page for more information.

Courses

• ITAI: Introduction to Academic Integrity
• PCOM510: Introduction to Communication Theory
• PCOM515: Research Process and Methods in Communication
• PCOM530: Strategic Digital Communication
• PCOM540: Communication, Culture, Media and Technology
• PCOM550: Communication and Culture in Organizations
• PCOM630: Applied Communications Research and Research Proposal
• PCOM631: Media Production
• PCOM632: Conflict Analysis and Management
• PCOM633: Strategic Communication
• PCOM635: Communication for Development and Social Change
• PCOM639: Communication for Sustainability
• PCOM640: Communication Policy, Politics and Law
• PCOM645: Organizational Design, Communication and Knowledge Management
• PCOM650: Special Topics in Communication
• PCOM655: Organizational Cultural Development
• PCOM660: Research Paper
• PCOM661: Thesis

Outcomes

Graduates of the MA in Professional Communication are professionals with a broad understanding of communication as a human activity. They are leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the workplace. They are able to function in environments that require effective teamwork, adaptability, strategic planning, intercultural mediation, and a sophisticated understanding of interpersonal discourse. Finally, they excel in communication that requires the integration of superior written and spoken skills with digital technologies.

Graduates of the program will be familiar with government, social, and business organizations and will have an understanding of how information exchange is fundamental to their operation.

Graduates will have:

• Knowledge of both the fundamental and advanced concepts related to human communication and interaction and an ability to communicate successfully (written and oral discourse).
• The ability to use computer-mediated technology to manage the processes required for information retrieval and dispersal.
• Knowledge of the mass media and the information society, including information technology, telecommunications, public policy, publishing, and the cultural industries.
• Knowledge of government, social, and business organizations and an understanding of how information exchange is fundamental to the operation of these.
• An understanding of the management of communication industries and of internal and external corporate communications (public relations, advertising, marketing).
• An understanding of culture, international and intercultural communication, negotiation and conflict management. An ability to communicate effectively in diverse and difficult circumstances.

Most professionals require insight and capacity in the area of professional communication concepts and strategies. It is important for leaders of any kind to understand the channels, processes, and principles of communication in order to build culture, engage stakeholders, facilitate change, lead innovation, and strategize effectively. The MA in Professional Communication not only equips you to be a communications specialist in your workplace, it augments existing leadership, finance, or managerial capacities with the specific communication tools to enact your goals and implement your strategies.

The potential fields of practice for graduates are varied, and include:

• Communications officers for government and non-government institutions;
• Communications directors for corporations and marketing organizations;
• Professional writers of newsletters, trade publications, journals, instructional manuals, political speeches;
• Organizational development and training consultants;
• Human resources training and development specialists;
• Editors, freelance or for in-house publications or correspondence;
• Publishers of print or online journals, magazines;
• Teachers of communication skills courses at community colleges;
• Media consultants, correspondents, or journalists;
• Public relations officers;
• Marketing managers and advertisers;
• Administrative assistants for information-based production credits,
• Development communication consultants to foreign assistance funded projects.