Idaho has two schools, Boise State University and Idaho State University, that offer three master’s in communication programs, both of which are offered on-campus. Between the two programs, students have a choice between a master’s in communication and a master’s in technical communication. Both Boise State University and Idaho State University are non-profit institutions that are regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Campus-Based Master’s in Communication Programs in Idaho
Boise State University’s English Department also offers a Master of Arts in Technical Communication, which educates students in the different forms of technical communication and the professional contexts in which they are used, which not only include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, but also cognitive psychology, sociology, linguistics, and cultural studies. Students in this program also learn how to manage multimedia forms of communication, including written communication, digital design, and web development. Core courses cover topics such as rhetorical theory for professional writing, technical rhetoric and editing, visual technical communication, and optimizing user experience. Students then choose electives in areas such as software documentation writing, proposal development and writing, writing for online communities, technical publications management, and developments in print documentation.
Idaho State University’s Department of Communication, Media, & Persuasion offers a Master of Arts in Communication program that gives students significant flexibility in their course selections, so that they can tailor the program according to their academic interests and professional goals. Students in this program collaborate with an advisor to develop a course of study that meets the program’s graduation requirements while also fulfilling students’ learning objectives. At the beginning of the program, students must take a course on graduate research methods in communication, as well as a seminar in communication, after which they can select among elective courses in areas such as group communication, public relations writing, advertising strategy, media planning, mass communication, rhetorical criticism, and management communication. Students are also required to complete either a graduate degree paper or a master’s thesis.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs for Students in Idaho
For students who do not live near Boise or Pocatello, for example, students who live in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, or Coeur d’Alene, or for students who cannot commute to campus, online programs provide access to a graduate education. At present, there is only one school in Idaho that offers an online master’s in communication program. Idaho State University offers an online version of its Masters in Communication program, which is equivalent in curriculum structure, course options, faculty support, and learning outcomes to the campus-based program.
In addition to Idaho State University’s online program, many out-of-state colleges and universities offer online graduate programs in communication that accept students from Idaho. While most online master’s in communication programs accept students from Idaho, students should confirm with each school of interest that they accept students from Idaho before applying. In addition, some online master’s in communication programs include mandatory on-campus intensives, also known as campus residencies. (Note: The majority of online master’s in communication programs can be completed fully online.) Campus intensives are typically held at the school’s main campus, and usually span multiple days ranging from a weekend to a week. During these events, students may attend in-person lectures and discussions and/or engage in networking events, written or practical examinations, and hands-on learning activities. Students are often responsible for the lodging and travel costs associated with in-person residencies, and should take these additional expenses into consideration when researching and selecting online programs, as they are not typically included in tuition estimates.
Note: For students who live in Coeur d’Alene, Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA offers an on-campus and an online Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies program.
Directory of Master’s in Communication Programs in Idaho
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