Emerson College offers an online Master of Arts in Digital Communication Leadership that is offered through its School of Communication and the Department of Communication Studies. This program is geared towards working professionals who want to build skills in cross-platform communication, marketing, public relations, multimedia campaign development, and organizational leadership. The coursework is delivered completely online and asynchronously, enabling students to complete their degree on their own schedule, either part-time or full-time.
The MA in Digital Communication Leadership has two tracks: a Standard Format, and an Executive Format for professionals who have five years of experience in the field and who meet other criteria. The only difference between these two tracks is the Standard Format is 32 course credits, and the Executive Format allows students to waive just one elective course, bringing total credits for the program to 28 instead of 32.
The curriculum for the program consists of four core courses that cover organizational change leadership, project management and communication, conflict management, inclusive leadership, and effective team leadership. From there, students tailor their program to their interests through elective courses in areas such as emerging communication technologies, online content strategy, user experience (UX) design, crisis management across digital platforms, digital analytics, and cross-platform messaging and audience strategy. Students of the Standard Format take four electives, or 16 credits, while Executive Format students take three electives, or 12 courses. This program does not require a capstone project or thesis as a culminating experience, and students can complete the curriculum in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.
Emerson College receives regional accreditation through the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Online Master of Arts in Digital Communication Leadership
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 1 to 2 years
Start Dates: Fall and Spring admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 32 credits (8 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: No capstone or thesis required
Example Courses: Leading Organizational Change; Project Management & Communication; Inclusive Leadership & Conflict Management; Leading Effective Teams; Emerging Communication Technology; Online Content Strategy; User Experience Design; Cross-Platform Audience Strategy & Messaging; Digital Crisis Management; Digital Analytics
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; admission essays; resume; two letters of recommendation
GPA Requirements: No minimum GPA to apply
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$46,208 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $1,444 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
Online Master of Arts in Digital Communication Leadership (Executive Format)
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 1 to 2 years
Start Dates: Fall and Spring admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 28 credits (7 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: No capstone or thesis required
Example Courses: Leading Organizational Change; Project Management & Communication; Inclusive Leadership & Conflict Management; Leading Effective Teams; Emerging Communication Technology; Online Content Strategy; User Experience Design; Cross-Platform Audience Strategy & Messaging; Digital Crisis Management; Digital Analytics
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; admission essays; resume; two letters of recommendation
GPA Requirements: No minimum GPA to apply
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Work Experience: Five years of relevant professional experience
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$40,432 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $1,444 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
