Regent University offers an online Master of Arts in Communication through its School of Communication & the Arts. The program is offered fully online and does not require in-person visits to campus. Regent University uses the Blackboard Learn platform for its online programs. Students can log-in to Blackboard on their own schedule to access course materials and readings, watch lectures, submit assignments, participate in course discussions, and communicate with instructors.
The Master of Arts in Communication requires a minimum of 33 credit hours, offers three academic concentrations: Media & Arts Management & Promotion, Political Communication, and Strategic Communication, and features courses that span eight weeks, allowing students to complete their degree in approximately two years of enrollment. The program’s curriculum emphasizes the study of communication leadership theory, research methods, and how storytelling across various media can shape people’s values and worldviews. The curriculum of the program varies by concentration, though each concentration shares similar academic structure with required coursework, electives and a culminating capstone (e.g., thesis or project). Each track requires a two-credit class in Foundations for Success or Information Research & Resources that prepares students for the rigors of graduate-level study.
It’s important to note that students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Mass Communication, Journalism (or related field) are required to complete an additional class, Graduate Foundations for Communication Arts, prior to commencing the core classes in their program.
Media & Arts Management & Promotion Concentration
The Master of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Media & Arts Management & Promotion teaches students how to design and implement communication campaigns for media companies and arts organizations, as well as how to manage and promote film and theatre productions. Students also learn how communication research and analysis can help inform and hone media management and marketing strategies, as well as how the latest media industry trends and technologies can be leveraged to achieve organizational goals. After the introductory course, students complete five required core courses, which include Leadership Theory & Communication; Story, Popular Culture & Worldview; The Business of Film; The Production Company; and Theatre Promotion & Management. They also choose one research course from the following: Media Research & Analysis, and Organizational Research, Analysis & Problem Solving.
From there, students complete electives (18 credits) from four subject areas: Research (3 credits), Business Plan & Finance (3 credits), Law (3 credits) and Marketing, Image & Promotion (3 credits), as well as six additional credits from any of those subject areas. They may select their classes from a set list of options in each subject area. For example, Research subjects include Organizational Research, Analysis and Problem Solving, and Media Research & Analysis. Business Plan & Finance topics include Production Management, Role of the Producer, and Investment, Financing and Funding Relationships. Law courses include Contract Law, Employment Law, and Issues in Media Law & Ethics. Marketing, Image & Promotion classes include Social & Internet Media Advertising, Viral Marketing, and Crisis Communication & Organizational Image.
The program culminates with a capstone course, a directed media project that aligns with their degree plan and Media & Arts Management & Promotion concentration.
Political Communication Concentration
The Political Communication specialization teaches students about the practices of political media representatives, building skills in crisis management, public opinion research and policy messaging. After the introductory course, students take seven required courses, including Story, Popular Culture & Worldview; Media Research & Analysis; Media & Social Influence; Political Communication; American Politics; and Christian Foundations of Government. From there, students take 12 hours of electives, nine of which must come from Communication and/or Journalism courses.
In addition, students are take up to two courses (6 credits) of Government Electives, which include classes such as International Relations Theory, American Political Thought, Terrorism and Homeland Defense, Crisis/Disaster Consequence Management, and Healthcare Policy & Ethics. After completing their courses in all of the aforementioned categories, students will have completed 30 of their 33 credit hours required to graduate.
The final three course credits are comprised of students’ Capstone Course, which is their culminating experience in the program. Students can choose between an Internship, a Directed Project, and a Thesis.
Strategic Communication Concentration
The Strategic Communication specialization blends the study of communication theory, research and analysis skills, and organizational and social influence through communication to prepare students for a wide variety of communication leadership positions. After the introductory course, students complete two core classes (6 credits): Story, Popular Culture and Worldview; and Media Research & Analysis. From there, students work with their academic advisor to design a course of study from a broad range of electives.
Unlike the two other academic concentrations, Strategic Communication is more flexible with eight courses (24 credits) of electives that allow students to shape a program of study that best meets their professional development goals as strategic communicators. Sample elective courses include: Public Relations: Cases and Campaigns, Media & Social Influence, Multiplatform Writing, Media & the Church, Social Media & Internet Marketing, Crisis Communication & Organizational Image, Critical Approaches in Strategic Communication, Leadership Theory & Communication, and Influence through Entertainment.
The concentration culminates with a Capstone Course that enables students to choose either a Directed Project or a Thesis.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Online Master of Arts in Communication
Overview
Department: School of Communication & The Arts
Specializations/Concentrations: Concentrations in Media & Arts Management & Promotion; Political Communication; Strategic Communication
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction - courses may offer optional synchronous sessions that are recorded for students who cannot attend
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 2 years (students have up to 5 years to complete the program)
Start Dates: Six starts per year: January, March, May, June, August, October
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 33+ credits (11-12 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Capstone course: directed project, thesis, or internship (options vary by concentration)
Example Courses: Curriculum depends on concentration, sample courses include: Rhetoric of Business, Science and Technology; Multiplatform Writing; Organizational Communication in the Digital Age; Media Research & Analysis; Leadership Theory & Communication; Social Media & Internet Marketing; Crisis Communication and Organizational Image; Media & Social Influence; American Politics
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; writing sample; personal goals statement
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$22,110 + fees (based on 33 credits)
Cost per Credit Hour: $670 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
