Nov 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Communication, M.A.

Minimum number of credits required to complete the program:  32

Minimum cumulative GPA required:  3.0

 

School: School of Arts and Sciences

Learn more about the program

 

The Omni-modal 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.

Program Learning 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.

Concentrations within the M.A. in Communication (all 12 credits, counts toward total 32 required credit hours):

  • Communication and Marketing Analytics
  • Communication Leadership and Management
  • Digital Media and Content Creation
  • Strategic Marketing Communication

Program Requirements

The Omni-modal M.A. in Communication can be earned by completing eight courses (32 credits) as outlined below.

Core Courses

Complete the following two required core courses:

Elective Courses

Choose six courses (24 credits) from the following:

Communication and Marketing Analytics Concentration

The Communication and Marketing Analytics concentration complements the core communication curriculum by equipping students to use data for strategic decision-making. The required coursework introduces frameworks for business analytics and data visualization, while elective options include strategic decision-making and marketing analytics. This curriculum focuses on practical applications of data insights in business scenarios. Graduates will be adept at leveraging data for improved business outcomes.

Communication Leadership and Management Concentration

Students selecting the concentration in Communication Leadership and Management will learn to lead and manage communication and content teams effectively. The coursework includes leadership and communication, leading effective teams and fostering creativity and innovation. It is designed to enhance leadership abilities through improved communication. This curriculum prepares students for roles that require inspiring and managing others. Graduates will be ready to lead while also possessing a strong foundation of communication skills.
 

Digital Media and Content Creation Concentration

Students focusing on Digital Media and Content Creation will learn to create and manage digital content effectively, efficiently and ethically. Coursework options include digital communication, media production, data visualization and digital storytelling. With additional courses in media ethics, social media platforms and advertising, the curriculum is designed to provide practical skills for producing and managing digital media and overall content. Graduates will be prepared for various roles in digital media and content creation.

Strategic Marketing Communication Concentration

Students choosing the concentration in Strategic Marketing Communication will develop expertise in developing comprehensive communication plans blending traditional and digital marketing strategies. The coursework covers innovation and trends in marketing, digital marketing implementation and marketing analytics. With practical applications in advertising and social media platforms, the curriculum prepares students to create compelling marketing campaigns. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to drive business success and stay current with marketing developments.