Old Dominion University offers an online Master of Arts in Lifespan & Digital Communication through its Department of Communication and Theatre Arts. This program combines studies in interpersonal and relational communication with courses on digital media to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address contemporary communication challenges.
The curriculum for this program consists of 36 credit hours, divided between 15 credits of core content coursework and 18 credits of electives, and a culminating experience that can take the form of either a capstone seminar and accompanying project, or a master’s thesis. The core courses in the program cover topics in research and theory in lifespan communication, research methods in lifespan communication, digital communication theory and research, communication systems and social change, and critical methods in digital communication. These courses provide students with a foundation in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to inform students’ applied work in communication. From there, students choose electives within the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts that align with their interests sand professional goals.
The culminating experience in the program, as mentioned, is either a capstone project or a master’s thesis. Students who choose the capstone project option must take a 3-credit capstone seminar, during which they complete a digital communication project or a research paper under the guidance of the course instructor. This option is ideal for students who want to pursue professional work post-graduation. The master’s thesis is geared towards students who want to pursue further scholarly studies at the doctoral level. For the thesis, students must have the support and guidance of a faculty committee consisting of a chair and two other faculty members in graduate studies. The thesis also requires an oral examination and defense.
Old Dominion University (ODU) is regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Online Master of Arts in Lifespan & Digital Communication
Overview
Department: Department of Communication and Theatre Arts
Specializations/Concentrations: Focus Areas in Strategic Communication; Lifespan Communication: Relationships & Groups; Media Studies
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 the course
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 2 years
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 36 credits (12 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Thesis or capstone project
Example Courses: Lifespan Communication Research and Theory; Digital Communication Theory and Research; Social Change and Communication Systems; Lifespan Communication Research Methods; Public Relations and Crisis Communications; Strategic Communications and Emergency Management; Organizations and Social Influence; Social Marketing
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree in communication or a related field; two letters of recommendation; personal essay
GPA Requirements: Minimum undergraduate major GPA of 3.25 and a minumum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Testing Requirements: GRE required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$22,320 + fees (in-state); ~$23,112 + fees (out-of-state)
Cost per Credit Hour: $620 per credit hour (in-state), $642 per credit hour (out-of-state)
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
