MA in Communication with a Public Relations Concentration
Today’s 24/7-news cycle and the growth of integrated media put new emphasis and urgency on public relations efforts. With an online master’s in communication focused on PR, you will be prepared to strategically use publicity to enhance your organization’s image, develop creative messages to build or expand its brand, cultivate strong media relationships, and masterfully manage communication crises. You will learn from telecom faculty experienced in all facets of communication from the sports industry to the corporate world, all in the company of fellow communications professionals in a supportive online community.
The MA in Communication program is no longer accepting applications for new degree-seeking candidates.
Why Choose the Master of Arts in Communication?
This 30-credit curriculum program can be completed in as little as 15 months and is conducted exclusively online to better fit your busy schedule. Courses emphasize the strategic use of public relations in integrated media in today’s digital world. In a society where everyone has an online presence, you will gain new skills and insights to make your messages stand out in an ever-evolving media stream. As a PR professional, the current knowledge and strategic intuition you gain will make you an asset in the industry.
What Will You Study?
Your studies will focus on the core principles of public relations, with opportunities for you to explore specific industry interests through both required and elective courses. Required courses include Principles and Practices of Public Relations, Crisis Management, and Writing for Communications Professionals. Elective courses include Public Relations Strategies for Social and Digital Media, Strategic Approaches to Public Relations, and Public Relations and Nonprofit Organizations. Variable credit courses (COMM 680 and COMM 699) are designed to allow students to move through the program more quickly through a large-scale independent study or thesis project.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose the MA in Communication
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Personal Attention–Our small class sizes promote individualized interaction with your faculty mentors as you develop new tactics and strategies to inform your work in communications and public relations.
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Accelerated Terms and Online Learning–Four 11-week terms per year let you progress toward your degree at your own pace and finish your master’s in as few as 15 months. Our online format sets the stage for you to fit graduate study into your life.
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Marketable Skills for a Growing Field–This program offers excellent preparation or enhancement of your skills for the growing field of Public Relations (The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% growth rate through 2026).
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Expert Public Relations Faculty–Gain new insight and expertise through courses taught by faculty experienced in public relations and/or currently working in the field.
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Customizable to Your Interests–Tailor the curriculum to your interests and industry though an independent study and/or a thesis project.
Faculty
Our faculty members have extensive experience in the field. They have worked in television, education, international radio, business, public relations, and politics. As both your professors and mentors, they will teach you in-depth public relations skills and methodologies, and help you expand your experience in the industry. As influential members of the local community, our faculty can help connect you to both people and opportunities that will take your career to the next level.
Admissions Requirements
Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, ideally but not necessarily in one of the following disciplines: business, communication, English, journalism, marketing, or public relations. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) is required for admission. Candidates with an undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (on a 4.0 scale) will be considered for conditional admittance.
How are Courses Offered?
Course Delivery: Online
Total Credits: 30
Courses are delivered exclusively online via Kodiak, Western New England University’s online learning management system. Through this online classroom you will be able to view lectures, complete and submit assignments, participate in discussions with classmates, and communicate directly with your professors. This online learning model allows you to complete classwork on your own time, wherever you are.
How Long Will the Program Take?
Taking two classes per term, the program can be completed in 15 months with 10 courses for a total of 30 credits. If you take one course per graduate term, expect to study for approximately 30 months.
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Here’s What Our Students Have to Say
Students in the Master of Arts in Communication program are leveraging their courses to enhance their careers and explore how Public Relations is constantly evolving in a digital world.
In Their Own Words