Degree Title: Master of Arts

Program Name and Number: Organizational Communication - MA5332

Department/Unit: School of Communication Studies

Delivery Mode: Online/Distance

Program Mission:  Our mission is to prepare students for a variety of career paths by equipping them with knowledge and skills for assessing communication problems and enhancing the quality of communication in organizations. An emphasis is placed on both message design and delivery across a variety of organizational contexts as they pertain to both internal and external constituencies.  

Program Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Engage in effective organizational communication skills by designing and adapting messages for internal and external audiences.
• Implement best practices in conflict resolution.
• Develop skills to promote effective communication among diverse members within an organization.
• Analyze and evaluate organizational communication issues through quantitative research methodologies.
• Encourage a supportive climate and best practices for introducing change within organizations.
• Design and deliver effective training programs to enhance employee development.
   

Program Overview: 

The MA in Organizational Communication is designed for working professionals seeking an applied learning experience that will not only advance their professional careers, but allow them to make critical contributions toward improved organizational practices at work, in society, and beyond.  Our program allows students to gain advanced expertise and practical skills essential to implementing communication strategies designed to promote the mission of their organizations.

This online degree combines a variety of distance technologies to provide students with a dynamic learning experience. Our courses enable students to interact with colleagues in online class discussions and group projects, and video conferences are available with instructors and advisors to allow students to complete the degree from the comfort of their home at times that are convenient with work schedules.

The program is designed in such a way that a student can, potentially, complete all course requirements for the Master’s degree in approximately 15 months (enrolling in two classes per semester) or two years (completing one class per semester).

Opportunities for Graduates:

Upon graduation, our students gain exceptional knowledge and real-world application in survey research methods, organizational leadership, training and development, organizational change, managerial communication, conflict, diversity and communication, and persuasion techniques. 

Link to Program: http://www.ohiocommstudies.com/graduate/masters

Graduation Requirements:

1. A total of 30 semester hours is required for graduation
2. Completion of eight (8) credits of required core courses:
   1. COMS 6100 – Measurement Methodology in Communication (4 credits)
   2. COMS 7220 – Communicative Practices in Organizations (4 credits)
3. Completion of 16 credits of elective courses (4 courses)
4. Additional six (6) hours of Capstone Project credit.  Students choose one (1) of the following options:
   1. Comprehensive Examination
   2. Applied Research Project
   3. Thesis
5. The program is offered entirely online.  Students may take up to two (2) classes per semester.  Students can complete all class requirements in approximately 15 months (enrolling in 2 classes per semester) or two years (completing one class per semester).  Additional time may be required for completion of the Capstone Project.

Admission Requirements:

Admission to graduate study is granted on the basis of a match between the student’s academic goals and the primary mission of the program, recommendations of those familiar with the student’s academic and other work, undergraduate cumulative grade-point average, scores on the Graduate Record Examination (for those with a cumulative GPA of < 3.0), personal goal statement, and experiential and other experiences as evidenced on the resume. International students from non-English speaking countries are required to submit a TOEFL score.