Missouri State University's Department of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film - Online Master's in Communication Programs

Missouri State University (MSU) offers an online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Applied Communication through its Department of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film. The program is offered entirely online and does not require in-person visits to campus to complete degree requirements. To access course materials, participate in discussion boards, and submit assignments, students use the Blackboard learning management system. Missouri State also offers a Master of Arts in Communication program which offers some, but not all of its courses online (i.e., it is a hybrid program).

The Master of Professional Studies in Applied Communication is a 33-credit degree program that can typically be completed in two years of study. The degree program is unique in that it is highly interdisciplinary in nature, bringing together the fields of communications, business, leadership and technology. Before commencing their applied communication coursework, students take classes that cover business leadership and management, finance, and research and project design. Through the diverse yet cohesive selection of courses, students develop team leadership skills, learn about negotiating and mediating conflict, become familiar with the latest in media technology and build their written, oral and presentation skills.

The curriculum is divided between core coursework, applied communication courses and a research or capstone experience. The core curriculum includes 21 credit hours and is split into the following eight foundational learning outcomes:

• Finance, budgeting or economics
• Law, ethics or regulatory functions
• Personnel, management or leadership
• Research design, project development or data analysis
• Corporate relations or communication
• Technology and data security
• Organizational structure, development and diversity
• Professional and technical writing

Students take one course from seven out of eight of the above learning outcome areas. The program provides suggested courses for fulfilling these seven areas, but students can also choose from a list of approved alternative courses if they wish (students must work with an advisor and receive approval for their core course selections). Example courses that are available to students include Accounting Concepts for Managers; Administrative Law; Personnel Selection, Placement and Classification; Applied Communication Research Methods; Concepts and Analysis of Communication in Organizations; Fundamentals of Computer Networking, Cloud Based Technology, and Internet Safety; Seminar in Administrative Management and Organizational Theory; and Professional Writing.

After their core classes, students select from a set list of applied communication classes to complete 12 credits (4 classes). Classes include Conflict and Communication, Communication and Diversity in the Workplace, Ethical Issues in Communication, Theories and Concepts of Small Group Communication, and Public Relations Campaigns. These courses build upon the business and managerial foundation students learned in their core curriculum. Students investigate and discuss the dynamics of interpersonal conflict, learn about theory behind communication in the workplace, develop skills in mediation and negotiation, become skilled in creating and managing public relations campaigns and become familiar with the interplay in small group communication settings. Through their 4 applied communication electives, students can earn a graduate certificate to highlight their professional communication training. They also have the option to complete another graduate certificate program within MSU’s Master of Professional Studies offerings, with faculty approval.

During the final semester of the MPS program, students must complete a research project, internship or capstone experience that demonstrates their mastery of problem solving, research and writing in the field of applied communication.

Missouri State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.