MA-Strategic Communication

INTRODUCTION

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication prepares students for careers in various areas of communication including public relations, corporate communication, and health communication. The curriculum combines a theoretical foundation with a focus on the essential skills for communication professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in media and communication is expected to grow faster than average with about 151,500 new jobs by 2030. These jobs arise from the need to create, edit, translate, and disseminate information across a variety of platforms.*

This STEM-designated program focuses on the increasing use of technology in the field of communication while also providing a foundation for media and communication analytics.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Media and Communication Occupations. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants interested in the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The undergraduate degree does not have to be in a communication-related field, but applicants are required to demonstrate a basic understanding and awareness of communication.

To apply:

• Submit a graduate application (https://apply.gannon.edu)

• Submit final, official, transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended

• Submit three professional letters of recommendation

• A statement of the applicant’s professional and career goals (not more than 500 words).

• All application materials must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office no later than August 1 (for Fall admission), November 1 (for Spring admission), or May 1 (for Summer Admission).

The graduate assistantship deadline is April 15 for assistantships beginning in fall semester.

ASSISTANTSHIPS

Graduate Assistantships are available for full-time students. Potential responsibilities of Graduate Assistants are:

• Serving as teaching or research assistants with experienced faculty members

• Teaching SPCH111: Public Speaking or other available courses

• Assisting with various programmatic duties

4+1 MA STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION DEGREE PROGRAM

The4+1 MA degree program is designed to allow outstanding undergraduate students the opportunity to earn both an undergraduate degree in many disciplines and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication within a five year period. Students from any major may apply and should do so in their junior year. Working with both the undergraduate advisor and the Strategic Communication Program Director, the student will customize a schedule in which they will take 6 credits of graduate courses during their senior year. Students who successfully complete these courses will continue into the MA in Strategic Communication to complete the remaining 24 credits. Applicants to the program must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Retention in the program requires that the student maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for their undergraduate studies.