Nov 23, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication


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Minimum number of credits required to graduate:  32

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate:  3.0

 

Program Director: Andrew Tollison, Ph.D.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication prepares students to work in professional communications, from digital media content creation and campaign design to public relations and crisis communication, as well as related fields.

The M.A. in Communication offers a solid foundation in communication theories that shape communication analysis and strategy. Coursework incorporates various platforms, technologies, and tools to execute a communication strategy.

You will graduate with a robust resume and portfolio. We offer the following resources and opportunities:

  • Media production spaces and equipment, such as a television studio, radio station, Mac lab and field production tools.
  • Industry partnerships for networking, experiential learning and special events.
  • Small class sizes and a “high touch” environment giving you one-on-one attention and advising from your first course through the completion of your capstone project.

Admissions Requirements

You must have a degree in a liberal arts, art, or humanities discipline, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. We require that you submit a recommendation letter from a professor or professional outside of the Merrimack Communication and Media department, a writing sample from a previous course or work project (research paper, opinion piece, newsletter article, press release, market analysis paper, etc.), a statement of purpose, and an undergraduate transcript. If you have under a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA, please address any unique circumstances in your statement of purpose that will show your preparedness for graduate-level work.

Requirements for the Degree

The Master of Arts in Communication can be earned by completing a one-year program comprised of eight (8) courses for a total of 32 credits. Students may also enroll part time and complete the degree in two years or at their own pace.

Program Outcomes

Upon the completion of their M.A. in Communication at Merrimack College, students will be able to: 

  1. Engage communication history and theory to be an informed and critical producer/consumer. 
  2. Plan and execute targeted oral, written, and mediated message strategies. 
  3. Draw from leadership and group communication skills to be an effective member of a team. 
  4. Demonstrate artistic, technical, and aesthetic skills for visual, audio, and moving media design. 
  5. Apply communication and media ethical competencies to decision-making.

Program Requirements

         Required Courses

            2 courses, 8 credits

            COM5010: Principles of Communication                                         Credits: 4

            COM5900: Communication Capstone                                               Credits: 4

 

         Elective Courses

            6 courses, 24 credits

            COM5200: Industry Research                                                            Credits: 4

            COM5274: Media Ethics                                                                   Credits: 4

            COM5300: Digital Storytelling                                                         Credits: 4

            COM5350: New Media Industries                                                     Credits: 4

            COM5360: Writing for Strategic Communication                            Credits: 4

            COM5370: Social Media Strategy and Analytics                              Credits: 4

            COM5380: Advertising                                                                      Credits: 4

            COM5500: Advocacy & Communication                                         Credits: 4

            COM5510: Persuasion                                                                       Credits: 4

            COM5520: Risk & Crisis Communication                                        Credits: 4

            COM5531: Intercultural Communication                                          Credits: 4

            COM5620: Leadership, Management, & Group Communication     Credits: 4

            COM5625: Communication Campaigns                                            Credits: 4

           

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