Morehead State University offers an online Master of Arts in Communication through its Department of Communication, Media and Languages. This fully online program does not require students to visit campus to complete any academic requirements. For online courses, the university uses the Blackboard learning management system. Through Blackboard, students can access course materials, submit assignments, watch lectures, communicate with instructors and peers, and more. The majority of instruction is asynchronous, meaning students are not required to log on to Blackboard for live lectures or discussions.
The Master of Arts in Communication requires 30 credits to graduate and can be completed in as little as 12 months, if students enroll and earn six course credits during a summer session. The program is considered a generalist degree, with a curriculum that blends the study of core concepts and specialty areas within the communication field to help students sharpen their professional skillsets. The master’s degree offers a thesis and non-thesis track, and also requires students to submit a final portfolio. With the wide variety of courses available, students can design a curriculum that prepares them for roles in areas such as media management, public relations, corporate training, human resources, and community college education.
The curriculum for the program is divided between core classwork, electives and an optional thesis. In the non-thesis academic track, students complete core classes (9 credits) and elective coursework (21 credits). In the thesis track, students complete core classes (9 credits), electives (15 credits) and the thesis (6 credits). Core courses cover foundational topics in communication (research, writing and theory) through classes in research methods in communication, communication theory, and bibliographic research and writing.
In both the non-thesis and thesis tracks, students self-select electives that align with their academic and future career needs. These electives allow students to develop and refine their professional knowledge of different areas within communication. Example subjects include courses in public speaking, communication teaching and training, small group communication, organizational communication and behavior, communication media and popular culture, intercultural communication, crisis communication, and media criticism. Students who elect to write a thesis devote six course credits to their research and writing work, and they also receive mentorship and feedback from a committee of faculty mentors. Students who choose the non-thesis route must take two additional electives, relative to the students who complete a thesis.
In order to graduate, students must also present a final portfolio to the entire graduate faculty in communication. This portfolio includes at least one major paper from each of the student’s core courses and any additional materials students feel represent their best work in the program. In addition to the portfolio, students must successfully pass an exit interview/examination. This interview is typically conducted via Skype, phone, or in the Blackboard learning management system.
Morehead State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Online Master of Arts in Communication
Overview
Department: Department of Communication, Media and Languages
Specializations/Concentrations: General Program with Electives
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction and the Blackboard learning management system
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Full-time: program can be completed in 12 months; Part-time: program can be completed in 2-3 years
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Thesis and non-thesis options with graduate portfolio
Credits Required: 30 credits (10 courses)
Example Courses: Research Methods in Communication; Communication Theory; Bibliographic Research and Writing; Crisis Communication; Intercultural Communication; Organizational Communication; Media Criticism
Application Requirements
Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5 (Undergraduate GPA multiplied by GRE score must meet or be greater than 781)
Testing Requirements: GRE required (minimum GRE score of 163 on the verbal section) - students who have already completed a master's program may forego the GRE
Start Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer starts with rolling admission
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$17,100 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $570 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
