Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro (PennWest Edinboro) offers a Master of Arts in Corporate Communication through its College of Science, Technology and Business that can be completed fully online, without any required student visits to campus. PennWest Edinboro uses the learning management platform Desire2Learn for its online programs. Through Desire2Learn, students can access their course materials, review lectures, participate in online discussions, submit assignments, and reach out to instructors and peers. This program uses a combination of asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities.
The Master of Arts in Corporate Communication requires 30 credit hours, which can traditionally be completed in approximately three to four semesters of study. The program is designed to advance students’ applied skills in managerial and leadership communication, integrated marketing communication, and other crucial areas of enterprise and corporate communication.
The 30-credit curriculum for this program is flexible. Students take one core course, Communication Theory, before choosing one of two research courses: Communication Research (a course that emphasizes quantitative research methods) or Qualitative Communication Research. After fulfilling their six core credits, students select seven electives to tailor their program of study. Examples of electives students can take include Managing Conflict, Communication Strategies in Advertising, Interpersonal Communication Strategies, Crisis Management, Integrated Marketing Communication, Communication Consulting, Digital Events Strategies, Public Relations Management, Persuasion & Social Influence, and Managerial & Leadership Communication. Through these electives, students can hone their skills in public-facing and internal corporate communication.
For their culminating experience, students have a choice between completing an internship, a thesis, or a practicum in corporate communication. For the internship, students apply what they have learned in their courses to an integrative professional experience, with mentorship from faculty and program advisors. The internship option is ideal for students who have minimal to no professional experience, and who want a structured transition into the corporate communication realm. The thesis option consists of a major scholarly work wherein the student investigates a problem or phenomenon in corporate communication through qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, and crafts a unique argument that contributes to the literature on persuasive professional rhetoric, communication processes, and practices. A graduate faculty member provides guidance and feedback for students during their thesis research and writing process.
Finally, the practicum in corporate communication provides students who are already working professionals with the opportunity to evaluate the efficacy of the communication systems and practices within their organizations, and to design or otherwise improve communication plans for said organization. For example, a student who chooses the practicum option might develop a crisis communication plan or an integrated marketing communication template for their company. As with the thesis and the internship, the practicum option includes faculty advising and support for students.
PennWest Edinboro is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Online Master of Arts in Corporate Communication
Overview
Department: College of Science, Technology and Business
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses both synchronous and asynchronous instruction depending on a student's plan of study and capstone option
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in three to four semesters (1.5 to 2 years)
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits (10 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Three capstone options: internship, thesis, or practicum
Example Courses: Communication Theory; Communication Research; Qualitative Communication Research; Interpersonal Communication Strategies; Managing Conflict; Crisis Management; Ethics & Social Responsibility; Managerial & Leadership Communication; Persuasion & Social Influence; Public Relations Management
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; two letters of recommendation (if GPA below 3.0); statement of purpose
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: GRE is not required for students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 GRE or MAT required)
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$15,480 + fees (in-state); ~$15,780 + fees (out-of-state)
Cost per Credit Hour: $516.00 per credit hour (in-state); $526 per credit hour (out-of-state)
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
