Bowling Green State University (BGSU) offers a Master of Arts in Media and Communication through the School of Media and Communication. Managed through BGSU’s eCampus, the master’s degree can be completed entirely online. BGSU uses the Canvas online learning management system for its online courses. Students can access class materials and syllabi, submit assignments, participate in class discussions via messaging boards, and communicate with peers and instructors through email and other online messaging platforms.
The Master of Arts in Media and Communication requires 30 credit hours of study and can be completed in two years through part-time enrollment. The program has an academic specialization in Strategic Communication and Social Media. The ten-class curriculum has 7-week courses and introduces students to fundamental concepts in communication theory and research methodologies, teaching students how to assess communication issues and develop strategic initiatives in organizational communication, advertising and public relations, and social media.
The curriculum is divided between required courses (21 credits), elective courses (6 credits), and a comprehensive examination (3 credits). Required courses serve as an introduction to graduate study in the field of strategic communication and include courses in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students also study organizational communication, public relations, advertising research, and social media as part of the core curriculum.
Students may use electives to augment their strategic communication classes and develop specialized knowledge in areas of professional interest. Elective options are diverse and include subjects such as professional and technical writing, communication and conflict, international communication, audience research, and media programming. There is also an optional practicum where students study the latest practices in interactive online media and develop skills in areas such as social media or new media campaigns. Finally, students must successfully pass a comprehensive examination that measures their grasp of the materials covered in the program’s curriculum.
The program is designed for practicing media and communication professionals and admission requires a resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation, college transcripts, and GRE scores.
Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Online Master of Arts in Media & Communication
Overview
Department: School of Media & Communication
Specializations/Concentrations: Specialization in Strategic Communication and Social Media
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction - students can log on at any time of day, but must complete assignments by set due dates
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in approximately 2 years
Start Dates: Six starts per year (2 per Fall, Spring and Summer sessions)
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits (9 courses + Comprehensive Exam)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Comprehensive exam
Example Courses: Strategic Communication; Quantitative Methods for Strategic Communication; Qualitative Methods for Strategic Communication; Organizational Communication; Public Relations Research & Practicel; Social Media Seminar; Advertising Research & Practice
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; current resume; three letters of reference; personal statement; quantitative reasoning writing example
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.75 (or 3.0 in last 60 undergraduate credits)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$14,031 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $467.70 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
