Georgia Southern University’s College of Arts and Humanities offers an online Master of Arts in Professional Communication and Leadership that equips students with the research skills and strategic communication knowledge to step into a variety of leadership roles in organizational communication. This program uses both asynchronous and synchronous instruction, and requires zero visits to campus. Students can complete the program in approximately 18 to 24 months, depending on how many courses they take per term of their enrollment.
The MA in Professional Communication requires 30 credit hours, which are divided between 15 credit hours of core coursework and 15 credit hours of electives. The core coursework for this program includes classes that cover research for communication and leadership, practical leadership tactics, communication in the public arena, organizational communication for diverse environments, and professional communication strategies. After students complete their core coursework, they can choose from electives in areas such as public relations campaigns, mass communication theory, conflict mediation, social media marketing for health communication, nonprofit and grant writing, communication for training and development, and leadership and group dynamics.
For their final graduation requirement, students are required to complete either an internship or a comprehensive project in communication and leadership. For the internship, students fulfill a hands-on learning experience at a program-approved site, applying all of the skills and principles they have learned. For the comprehensive project, students can choose to complete a traditional thesis or an applied research project that enables them to implement the research skills they have gained in the program.
Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Online Master of Arts in Professional Communication and Leadership
Overview
Department: Department of Communication Arts
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses synchronous and asynchronous instruction depending on the course
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 18 to 24 months
Start Dates: Fall and Spring admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits (10 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Internship or comprehensive project
Example Courses: Organizational Communication in Diverse Contexts; Communication and Leadership; Professional Communication Strategies; Plain Language in Workplace Writing; Public Relation Campaigns in Health and Science; Strategic Communication; Applied Crisis Communication Theory; Nonverbal Communication; Communication & Gender; Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; resume or CV; letter of intent; two professional letters of recommendation
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA of 2.75 (or a minimum GPA of 2.5 with a minimum major GPA of 2.75)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$8,310 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $277 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
