West Virginia University offers a Master of Arts in Corporate and Organizational Communication degree through its Department of Communication Studies. The program is entirely online and does not require in-person visits to campus. Courses use asynchronous instruction, meaning there is no set time students must be online for classes during the week. The university uses the eCampus learning management system to deliver online courses. Through eCampus, students can access their class materials, submit assignments, participate in online course discussion boards, review grades, and communicate with instructors and peers.
Formally, the degree is a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Corporate and Organizational Communication. The program is designed for working professionals seeking to improve the effectiveness of their interpersonal, organizational, and written communication skills.
West Virginia’s online MA in Corporate and Organizational Communication requires 36 credits to complete. Students who take two courses per semester (fall, spring, and summer) can typically finish their degree requirements in around two years, although students have up to eight years to finish the program, if necessary. Curriculum follows a set 12-course schedule that teaches students how to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, use new media to communicate effectively, navigate professional and organizational networks, and become influential, strong communicators in one-on-one and group settings.
Courses explore subjects such as leadership, persuasion, diversity, and organizational conflict. Throughout their coursework, students can expect to develop the skills needed to negotiate conflict resolution in the workplace, gain working knowledge of how diversity influences workplace communication, learn how to apply persuasion theory to construct and defend arguments, and cultivate leadership skills that can be applied in their professional lives. Students also gain experience with creating, implementing, and measuring social media campaigns, using multiple media platforms (e.g. television, digital media) to launch communication campaigns, and evaluating professional and personal identities through digital footprints. Specific courses include Communication in the Organization, Social Media Management, Communication Campaigns, Organizational Culture, Computer-Mediated Communication and Professional Identity, and Conflict in the Organization.
During their final semester, students take a course in Case Studies in Organizational Communication. This course serves as the program’s capstone, requiring students to apply communication theories in an analysis of an original communication case study.
West Virginia University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Online Master of Arts in Corporate and Organizational Communication
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 24 months (2 courses per semester); students have up to 8 years to finish the program
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Final project
Credits Required: 36 credits (12 courses)
Example Courses: Communication in the Organization; Organizational Research & Evaluation; Organizational Culture; Conflict in Professional Life; Social & Digital Media Management; Persuasion
Application Requirements
Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.75 (below 2.75 may be eligible for provisional admission)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Start Dates: Fall and Spring admission
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$20,196 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $561 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
