The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) houses several communication programs, offering in-person MA’s and PhD degrees in Communication intended for students interested in pursuing academic careers. For those looking to professionalize and advance careers in the private sector, the University of Colorado Boulder offers an online Master of Arts in Corporate Communication through its College of Media, Communication and Information.
A fully online, 30-credit program, CU Boulder’s corporate communication MA is specifically structured to meet the needs of students who are also working professionals. Each semester consists of two eight-week terms. Graduate students take one course per term, allowing them to balance their schedules and personal and professional obligations. Typically, students who take courses over the summer complete the program in five semesters, or a year and a half.
To complete the program, students complete five core courses and five specialized courses, each worth three credits. There is no thesis or capstone requirement. Core classes include Corporate Communication and Ethics and Strategic Corporate Communication, which must be taken first, before moving onto advanced classes in Global Corporate Communication, research methodologies, and electives.
Specialized courses allow students in-depth explorations of issues like crisis communication, digital and social media, internal communication, and public affairs. All of these classes are designed to be both research and skills-based, providing students with a robust education in communication with take-aways they can immediately put to work in their professional lives.
Another distinguishing feature of the Corporate Communication program is the diverse intellectual and professional background of its faculty members. Course instructors include researchers and professors, but also feature leading practitioners like agency consultants, many of whom have worked in international corporations and can lead students through the nuances of communicating in today’s globally connected, corporate world. This chance to network and learn from expert practitioners in addition to leading communication scholars affords a unique opportunity to students for professional growth as they work to gain their Masters of Arts in Corporate Communication.
The University of Colorado Boulder is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Online Master of Arts in Corporate Communication
Overview
Department: College of Media, Communication and Information
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 19 months
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: No capstone requirement (program is coursework only)
Credits Required: 30 credit hours (10 courses)
Example Courses: Strategic Corporate Communication Management; Corporate Communication and Ethics; Strategic Global Corporate Communication; Risk and Crisis Communication; Corporate Communication and Digital and Social Media
Application Requirements
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.75
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Work Experience: Minimum of three to five years of work experience is preferred
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; three letters of recommendation; current resume or curriculum vitae; statement of purpose
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$21,750 + fees (in-state), ~$23,850 + fees (out-of-state)
Cost per Credit Hour: $725 per credit hour(in-state), $795 per credit hour (out-of-state)
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
