Gonzaga University's School of Leadership Studies - Online Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies Program

Gonzaga University offers an online Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies through its School of Leadership Studies. The program can be completed entirely online, though students have the option to visit the campus in Spokane, WA to participate in one immersion learning session (this immersion is also available virtually). For its online program management, Gonzaga University uses the Blackboard learning management system. Through Blackboard, students can access class materials, submit assignments, participate in online discussion forums with classmates, and communicate with instructors and faculty members.

The Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies requires 30 credit hours, which students can typically complete in two years of full-time study. The program emphasizes skill development in communication, problem solving, and negotiation, teaching students the fundamentals of conducting audience analyses, evaluation research, interpreting data, and delivering effective presentations and messaging.

The ten-course curriculum is divided between theory and practice core courses (4 classes), electives (5 classes), and a capstone (1 class). Core coursework covers major concepts and fundamental principles in communication theory, writing, communication and leadership ethics, intercultural and international communication, and content creation and strategy. Electives cover a wide range of topics, allowing students to select coursework in areas such as relational communication, digital storytelling, media literacy and digital citizenship, strategic and corporate communication, digital and social media, communication consulting and training, and more.

Through their electives, students can either craft their own course of study or select from one of six optional academic concentrations: Change Leadership, College Teaching; Digital Media Strategies; Global Leadership; Servant Leadership; or Strategic and Organizational Communication. These concentrations are outlined in greater detail below.

• Change Leadership: This concentration teaches students how to employ key interpersonal and organizational communication strategies to guide diverse groups and/or organizations through change. The concentration requires three courses that cover leadership and human potential, organizational change, and relational dynamics; a 3-day immersion (offered both virtually and on-campus); and one elective.
• College Teaching: Designed for individuals pursuing communication teaching careers at the postsecondary level, this concentration includes three required courses, including Communication Teaching and Pedagogy, an internship or advanced pedagogy course, and an elective.
• Digital Media Strategies: This concentration teaches students how to use digital platforms to develop, launch and evaluate digital media messages and campaigns. Students must choose two required courses from a list of three courses on Digital Storytelling, Digital Media Analysis, and Digital Surveillance, Algorithms & Ethics. They must also choose two electives.
• Global Leadership: This concentration helps students understand complex global work environments, allowing them to negotiate and lead within diverse cultural contexts. The concentration requires students to take a course titled Introduction to Global Systems, as well as two electives. Students must also complete a study abroad experience in Belgium or Colombia.
• Servant Leadership: This concentration is for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of the philosophy of servant leadership and develop strategic skills to practice servant leadership in their industry. The concentration includes two required courses that cover servant leadership principles and proactive strategy, and two electives, several of which have study abroad or immersion experiences.
• Strategic & Organizational Communication: This concentration is for those who want to advance their skills in strategic communication and learn how to solve organizational challenges through effective communication. The concentration includes one required course in either Organizational Communication or Strategic and Crisis Communication, along with two electives.

After finishing core courses, electives, and concentration classes, students complete a capstone project for their final graduation requirement. This capstone consists of the creation of a digital portfolio that supports students’ professional goals, and an applied research project or research paper which students present at a forum at the end of the program. For students who select a concentration, the topic of their final project or research paper should relate to their chosen course of study.

Gonzaga University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.