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.
- Campus partnerships for fellowships, networking and experiential learning.
- 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.
- Curriculum is closely aligned with workforce needs, so students stepping out of the program prepared for their next career move.
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:
- Engage communication history and theory to be an informed and critical producer/consumer.
- Plan and execute targeted oral, written, and mediated message strategies.
- Draw from leadership and group communication skills to be an effective member of a team.
- Demonstrate artistic, technical, and aesthetic skills for visual, audio, and moving media design.
- Apply communication and media ethical competencies to decision-making.
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: Social Media Organizations and 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
COM5801: Directed Study in Communication Credits: 4
COM5900: Capstone in Communication Credits: 4
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