Duquesne University's Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies - Online Master 's in Communication Programs

Duquesne University offers a Master of Arts in Corporate Communication and a Master of Arts in Communication through its Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies. Both programs are offered entirely online and do not require students to make in-person visits to campus to complete course requirements. Students who live near the university can choose to take courses on campus as well. The University uses the learning management system Blackboard to facilitate online instruction. Students log-in to Blackboard to access course materials and syllabi, submit assignments, communicate with instructors, and participate in online class discussions.

Online Master of Arts in Communication

The Master of Arts in Communication requires 30 credits and can be completed in one to two years of study, depending on the number of classes taken each term. The graduate program teaches students broad communication skills that can be applied in an ever-changing media, communication and marketing landscape. The curriculum is designed to build students’ competency in several areas, (e.g., interpersonal communication, event planning, organizational communication) thereby preparing them for leadership careers in industries ranging from public policy to digital marketing.

Courses in the program broadly introduce students to foundational concepts in communication theory, research methodology and practice. In addition to communication fundamentals, students may also choose to specialize their studies in one of two academic concentrations: Rhetoric and Philosophy of Technology or Communication Studies. The overall curriculum is divided between program core classes (15 credits) and emphasis area classes (15 credits).

The ten-class curriculum has five required program core courses. These courses provide students with a well-rounded understanding of ethical communication practice and research. The program core touches upon oral and written communication skill development, audience behavior, decision-making, communication dynamics in the workplace, and qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

With core base knowledge, students then complete five classes in their chosen emphasis area. Communication Studies is an open emphasis that allows students to select five electives – in collaboration with their advisors – that best meet and align with the student’s professional development needs and goals.

The Rhetoric and Philosophy of Technology is an academic-focused emphasis that examines the nature and process of communication. Example courses include Rhetorical Theory, Rhetoric & Philosophy of Cyberspace, and Philosophy of Communication. Students consider philosophical theories to analyze communication processes, learn about contemporary schools of thought (e.g., behaviorism) and review rhetorical scholarship in digital technology and how technology is shifting human attitudes and behaviors.

The Master of Arts in Communication does not require a thesis, practicum or capstone experience.

Online Master of Arts in Corporate Communication

The Master of Arts in Corporate Communication is a 30-credit graduate program that can also be completed in one to two years of study, depending on the number of credits a student takes each year. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership and management positions in communication roles across numerous industries and encompassing both for-profit and non-profit organizations. The curriculum emphasizes integrated professional development, where students complete a practicum throughout the program following a four-stage approach that includes: professional planning, praxis, experience, and finally professional integration.

The coursework introduces students to advanced communication theory and professional communication practices and offers students the ability to pursue one of four specialization options: Integrated Marketing Communication, Management Communication, Crisis and Risk Communication, and Nonprofit Communication. Through a blend of professional core classes (15 credits), specialization coursework (9 credits) and professional integration courses (6 credits), students can design a program of study that aligns with their career development goals.

The five professional core classes explore multiple functional areas of communication, ranging from organizational to corporate communication. Students develop familiarity with creating public relations documents, business correspondence, annual reports, presentations, and other forms of organizational and external-facing messaging. They also study the latest research in organizational communication and consider how information is transferred and processed in business settings. Additionally, the program introduces key concepts in audience segmentation and how various messaging impacts consumer behavior. Example courses include Persuasion in the Marketplace, Professional Communication, Corporate Communication: Economic and Financial Foundations, and Communication Ethics & Professional Civility.

Each of the four academic specializations have three classes, with one required class and two other courses that students select from a choice of options.

Crisis and Risk Communication: Students complete a course in Rhetoric & Philosophy of Crisis Management. Other possible classes include Conflict Management in Organizations, Strategic Corporate Communication, and Communication Management.

Management Communication: The required course is a blend of Communication Management/Strategic Corporate Communication. Other potential classes include Communication & Community Relations, Integrated Marketing Communication, Conflict Management in Organizations, and Event Planning: Communication Architecture.

Nonprofit Communication: The required class is Non-Profit Development & Philanthropy Communication. Students then select from courses such as Environmental Communication, Health Communication, Strategic Corporate Communication, and Communication & Community Relations.

Integrated Marketing Communication: The required class is Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) with additional options including IMC Strategies I (Public Relations), IMC Strategies II (Advertising), and Event Planning: Communication Architecture.

The overall program culminates with a professional integration experience that includes a communication practicum and professional integration project.

Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.