Communication, MA

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Communication

Effective communication is one of the most sought-after skills in today's job market. Improving your communication skills enables you to build stronger relationships and enhance your leadership style. Are you ready to unlock your potential with the communication skills necessary to achieve your goals?

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA Communication

The Master of Arts program in communication provides advanced training in communication skills and competencies for working professionals, preparing them for career advancement and leadership in a shifting job market.

The flexible nature of this online program benefits those with busy schedules. The faculty members 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 essential skills required in today's workplace, including conflict transformation, cross-cultural communication, negotiation, persuasion and crisis management.

The MA program concludes with a capstone project, giving students the opportunity to put their skills into action and make a real impact by solving communication problems in their communities or workplaces. The final project can be implemented by the organization or shown to future potential employers.


At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Student Handbook

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 must 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. resume
  4. letter of interest
  5. 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.

Applicants should include a resume and letter of interest. The letter should be two to three pages, and should outline work, educational background and volunteer experience, as well as discuss why the applicant is interested in this degree, field and program.


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

In today's interconnected world there is a growing need for professionals who can engage effectively across cultures and communities. Learn how to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully and build trust through communication.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Communication

In a world increasingly driven by technology, strong human communication skills are more essential than ever. They foster collaboration, spark creativity and help reduce misunderstandings and conflict. Across industries, effective communication remains one of the most valued skills employers seek.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Business (Communication)

Become the voice that helps to drive business success. In this program, you'll put your creativity, writing skills and knowledge of business principles to work to create compelling narratives and communications for a variety of audiences.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,WEST,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 23rd
Final
Session B
Online
September 16th
Final

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
December 15th
Final
Session B
Online
February 16th
Final

Summer

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
April 20th
Final
Session B
Online
June 3rd
Final


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Career Opportunities

This program is designed for individuals looking to change career trajectories or get ahead in their current professions. Graduates can expect to find work in:

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

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.

Learn about online options

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.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-5095


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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