The University of Arkansas offers a fully online Master of Arts in Applied Communication that provides students with the theoretical, scholarly, and professional foundations to become ethical and effective communicators across diverse industries and organizational environments. This program features asynchronous and synchronous coursework, with an emphasis on maximizing flexibility for working students.
This program is comprised of 33 credits, which are divided between 24 credits of core courses, six credits of electives, and three credits devoted to their final capstone project. The core courses are Human Communication Theory, Applied Communication Research, Interpersonal Communication Concepts, Organizational Communication & Culture Analysis, Conflict Analysis & Intervention, Communication Change & Information Diffusion, and Effective Crisis Communication, with the last course being a seminar that guides students through their capstone project.
Students tailor their course of study through two electives that they can select from a wide variety of courses that include Communication Training & Pedagogy, Negotiation, Communicating & Managing Difference, Listening & Civil Dialogue, Social Media, Transformations in Health Communication, Family Communication, Intercultural Communication, Organizational Communication, and a Seminar: Studies in Communication that features different faculty instructors who discuss communication research and practice within their areas of expertise.
For their final graduation requirement, students complete a master’s-level research paper on an issue or challenge in applied communication. Students receive dedicated support and advice from faculty during their work on their research paper.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is accredited regionally through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Online Master of Arts in Applied Communication Studies
Overview
Department: Department of Applied Communication
Specializations/Concentrations: Optional Graduate Certificates in Conflict Management; Nonprofit Management; Human Resources and Organizational Communication
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: 33 credits (11 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Capstone master's research paper
Example Courses: Human Communication Theory; Applied Communication Research; Interpersonal Communication Concepts; Organizational Communication & Culture Analysis; Effective Crisis Communication; Communication Training & Pedagogy; Organizational Communication; Intercultural Communication
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; writing sample; statement of purpose; resume or curriculum vitae (CV); two persons of reference
GPA Requirements: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA 2.70 (or 3.0 in last 60 credit hours)
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$13,068 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $396 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
