Communication, MA


At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
  • Second Language Requirement: No


Are you ready for the next step in your career? Do you want to improve your leadership abilities? Effective communication is the skill most highly valued by employers. By continually working to improve your communication skills, you can build stronger relationships, advance your career and achieve your personal goals.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA Communication

The MA program in communication provides advanced training in communication skills and competencies for working professionals, preparing them for success in their careers and a dynamic job market.

The flexible nature of this online program benefits those with busy schedules. The faculty at ASU's Hugh Downs School of Human Communication are highly experienced in developing and delivering quality online coursework that prepares students for success in their careers.

Students gain necessary skills required in today's workplace, including conflict transformation, cross-cultural communication, and other essential leadership qualities.

The program concludes with a capstone course in which students work with an organization and create a training and development project to solve a communication problem within the organization. The final project can be implemented by the organization or shown to future potential employers.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (COM 550)

Required Core (12 credit hours)
COM 501 Research Methods in Communication (3)
COM 504 Theories and Models in Communication (3)
COM 530 Training and Development (3)
COM 540 Conducting Communication Research (3)

Electives (15 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
COM 550 Capstone (3)


Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in communication or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BA - Communication

Learn the deep critical thinking skills that will enable you to build strong relationships and communities, and become an effective leader.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Communication

Explore the complex role of human communication in everyday life, and gain the critical analytical skills that will be valuable assets in the workplace and beyond.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Business (Communication)

Website | Locations: TEMPE,CALHC,WEST,POLY,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
Online
July 25th
Final
Session B
Online
September 18th
Final

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
Online
December 15th
Final
Session B
Online
February 23rd
Final

Summer

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
Online
April 18th
Final
Session B
Online
June 3rd
Final


Career Opportunities

This program is designed for individuals looking to change career trajectories or get ahead in their current professions. Graduates with a master's degree in communication can expect to find work in:

  • fundraising
  • government
  • health care
  • human resources
  • management
  • marketing
  • nonprofits
  • public relations
  • sales
  • teaching

Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.