Calvin University, which is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers a Master of Arts (M.A. in Media and Strategic Communication. This fully online degree program does not require in-person meetings and is intended for those looking to advance their professional careers while enhancing their education in strategic communication. The 33 credit-hour program can be completed in one year of full-time enrollment or two years for students who wish to attend part-time. Calvin University also has flexible start-dates, allowing students to begin their course work at four different times during the year.
The M.A. in Media and Strategic Communication program works to furnish students with applied “career-ready” skills while deepening their understanding of communication research methodologies and their social and ethical importance. The curriculum features six required core courses, including courses in media theory and research methods, media production, and media ethics.
Beyond these classes, students also take three electives, choosing from advanced courses in Advertising, Public Relations, and Multimedia Journalism. Depending on their chosen electives, students are required to complete a corresponding Media Lab, which affords unique opportunities for practical, hands-on experience working on applied projects using digital and multimedia communication technologies.
Students are also required to complete a Master’s Project that is designed to provide students an opportunity to develop their practical skills in producing a project that displays the expertise they acquired over their tenure in the program. As part of the Master’s Project, students are expected to create an e-portfolio that they can use in the future as part of their professional portfolio.
Calvin University is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.
Online Master of Arts in Media and Strategic Communication
Overview
Department: Department of Communication
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program primarily uses asynchronous instruction
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
Start Dates: Four starts per year (rolling admissions)
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 32 credit hours (10 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Capstone project
Example Courses: Storytelling Across Media Platforms; Audience Research and Analytics; Communication Ethics and Law; Advanced Public Relations; Advanced Advertising; Multimedia Journalism
Application Requirements
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; resume or CV; short-answer writing sample
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$21,120 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $660 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
