Western Kentucky University offers an online Master of Arts in Organizational Communication through its School of Media & Communication. This program prepares students for communication leadership in areas such as public relations, marketing, education, healthcare, and human resources through courses that focus on organizational communication. This program combines asynchronous courses with synchronous online discussions with faculty and peers.
The curriculum for the MA in Organizational Communication consists of 30 credits, divided between three core courses, five elective courses, and a capstone. For their core courses, students gain foundational knowledge and skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods in communication, as well as an understanding of organizational communication theory and principles. From there, students take electives according to their interests, and can select from a wide variety of courses covering topics in health communication, family communication, non-profit communication, democratic communication in organizations, crisis communication, multinational communication, and digital communication for organizations. Students are also allowed to conduct independent study or engage in a graduate internship in communication, as long as they receive faculty approval of their internship site and supervisor.
For their final graduation requirement, students must complete a capstone, which can take the form of either a thesis or additional coursework and a comprehensive examination. For the non-thesis capstone option, students must take two more elective courses in organizational communication, human communication, or another field of their choice pending faculty approval. For the thesis option, students complete an original work of scholarship under the guidance of a faculty advisor and committee, before whom students ultimately present and defend their research findings and conclusions.
Western Kentucky University is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Online Master of Arts in Organizational Communication
Overview
Department: School of Media & Communication
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses both synchronous and asynchronous instruction
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 24 months
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits (10 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Written comprehensive exam or thesis capstone
Example Courses: Organizational Communication Theory; Health Communication; Family Communication; Communication in the Nonprofit Sector; Global Leadership Communication; Crisis Communication; Interpersonal Communication; Intercultural Communication
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; personal statement; writing sample
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.75
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$18,210 + fees (in-state); $27,510 + fees (out-of-state)
Cost per Credit Hour: $607 per credit hour (resident); $917 per credit hour (non-resident)
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
