Asbury University offers a Master of Arts in Communication for Media Professionals with an emphasis in Digital Storytelling through the School of Communication Arts. This program is designed for students who wish to enter careers in strategic communication, public relations, marketing and advertising, international communication, corporate and organizational communication, and the non-profit space. This program is offered fully online, and utilizes the online learning management platform Discovery, with live sessions in Adobe Connect. Through Discovery, students can access their course materials, submit assignments, participate in online discussions with their classmates, and communicate with their instructors and professors.
The program’s curriculum is comprised of 30 course credits, divided between 15 credits of Communication Core, 12 credits of Interdisciplinary courses, and 3 credits of either a Communication Apprenticeship or a Capstone Thesis/Project. For the Communication Core, students take courses in Advanced Communication Theory, Advanced Intercultural Communication, Integrated Communication Strategies, Introduction to Graduate Communications, Advanced Public Relations, and Communication Research Methods: Creativity, Tools & Evaluation. For their Interdisciplinary courses, students choose from a menu of courses that include Global Communication, Media Ethics & Criticism, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Cross-Platform Storytelling, International Business, and Viral Marketing: Methods, Messages & Media.
In order to confer their graduate degree, students must complete either a Department-approved Communication Apprenticeship or a Capstone Thesis/Project. For the Apprenticeship, students must find a role that is outside of their normal work experience, and which will utilize what they have learned in their graduate coursework and aid in their professional development towards their goals. For the Capstone Thesis/Project, students work on an independent, master’s-level research paper or creative project. Similarly to the Apprenticeship, faculty and Departmental approval are required for the Capstone.
Asbury University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.
Online Master of Arts in Communication for Media Professionals
Overview
Department: School of Communication Arts
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits (depending on track and professional experience)
Instruction Methods: Program mainly uses synchronous instruction with classes meeting online once a week for 1-3 hours
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Full-time: program can be completed in 12 to 18 months; Part-time: program can be completed in 2 years or longer
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Optional Thesis or creative project
Credits Required: 30 credits (10 courses)
Example Courses: Deconstructing the Documentary: Myths, Propaganda & Truth; Viral Marketing, Methods, Messages, Media; Media Ethics; Communication Research Methods; Cross-Platform Storytelling; Editing Practice & Theory; Feature Film Screenwriting
Application Requirements
Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5 (or 2.75 in last 60 credit hours of undergraduate degree)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required (unless GPA is below 2.5)
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$17,280 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $576 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
