West Virginia University offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies degree through its Department of Communication Studies. The program, which features an emphasis in Corporate and Organizational Communication, is entirely online and does not require any visits to campus. Courses use asynchronous instruction, meaning there is no set time students must be online for classes during the week. West Virginia University uses the eCampus learning management system to deliver online courses. Through eCampus, students can access their class materials, submit assignments, participate in online course discussion boards, review grades, and communicate with instructors and peers. This program is designed for working professionals seeking to improve the effectiveness of their interpersonal, organizational, and written communication skills.
West Virginia’s online MA in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Corporate and Organizational Communication requires 36 credits to complete. Students who take two courses per semester (fall, spring, and summer) can typically finish their degree requirements in around two years, although students have up to eight years to finish the program, if necessary. Curriculum follows a set 12-course schedule that teaches students how to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, use new media to communicate effectively, navigate professional and organizational networks, and become influential, strong communicators in one-on-one and group settings.
Courses explore subjects such as applied communication theory and organizational communication principles, as well as leadership, persuasion, diversity, and organizational conflict. Throughout their coursework, students can expect to develop the skills needed to negotiate conflict resolution in the workplace, gain working knowledge of how diversity influences workplace communication, learn how to apply persuasion theory to construct and defend arguments, and cultivate leadership skills that can be applied in their professional lives. Students also gain experience with creating, implementing, and assessing social media campaigns using multiple platforms (e.g. television, digital, and mobile media), and crafting an effective professional identity in the digital space. Specific courses include Communication in the Organization, Social & Digital Media Management, Social Marketing for Behavior Change, Organizational Culture, Computer-Mediated Communication and Professional Identity, and Conflict in Professional Life.
During their final semester, students take a course in Case Studies in Organizational Communication. This course serves as the program’s capstone, requiring students to apply communication theories in an analysis of an original communication case study.
West Virginia University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Online Masters of Arts in Communication Studies
Overview
Department: Department of Communication Studies
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 24 months (2 courses per semester); students have up to 8 years to finish the program
Start Dates: Fall and Spring admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 36 credits (12 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Final project
Example Courses: Communication in the Organization; Organizational Research & Evaluation; Organizational Culture; Conflict in Professional Life; Social & Digital Media Management; Persuasion
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; current resume; statement of purpose
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.75 (below 2.75 may be eligible for provisional admission)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$24,336 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $676 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
