Master of Arts in Communication
About the Program
With the rapid progression of technology, communication may have become easier and more convenient, but the complexity of the field has grown as well. Columbus State University's Master of Arts in Communication will prepare you to strategically craft messages through different mediums, communicate with clientele in a variety of settings, produce creative content, and manage communication campaigns.
Offering two tracks, Strategic Communication Management and Creative Services Management, the master's program allows you to immerse yourself in both theory and practice. Learn how to apply communication constructs in the "real world," build relationships, and prepare yourself for the many career opportunities waiting for you.
Flexible Scheduling
We have a variety of flexible options so you can complete your degree either full-time or part-time. Classes are offered in the evenings, on weekends, hybrid, or online to meet the needs of a diverse student body.
Who Should Apply
If you are looking to advance your career, make a career change, move up to a managerial position, or refine your professional skills, the MA in Communication will provide you with the necessary skills to work as a skilled communicator and be a leader in the field.
Financial Aid
A limited number of departmental graduate assistantships are available for students who are enrolled in the master's program full-time. Assistantships provide a 50% tuition waiver and a small stipend each semester for approximately 10 hours of work per week. Applicants who will be attending full time and are interested in being considered for assistantship opportunities should note this on their departmental application.
Federal financial aid is also available for this program. At the graduate level, most federal financial aid is student loans. If you are interested in this option, you should file the FAFSA each year of the program.
Additionally, you may be eligible for tuition remission or reimbursement from your employers. Please check with your employer for available programs.
Career Opportunities
Earning your Master of Arts in Communication prepares you for various careers including:
- Public Relations Director
- Strategic Communication Specialist
- Non-profit Communication Director
- Creative Services Specialist
- Social Media Director
- Digital Communication Director
Degree Requirements
Learn more about our different degree tracks and their requirements below.
Strategic Communication Management
In the Strategic Communication Management track, you will learn the theory and principles to engage in advertising, public relations, and organizational communication. This track will equip you to leverage traditional communication and innovative digital media while using a strategic managerial mindset to address diverse groups, organizations and clients.
Strategic Communication Management Requirements
Strategic Communication Management track is 100% online.
Creative Services Management
The Creative Services Management track is flexibly designed to allow you to focus on media production. This track will enhance skill sets in creative services that support corporate entities, news organizations, or public relations and advertising firms.
Creative Services Management Requirements
Most coursework can be completed online.
Admissions Requirements
Please see our admissions page for any general admission requirements or the academic catalog for any degree-specific admission requirements.
View General Admission Requirements
Program Admission Requirements
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on all undergraduate work from an accredited institution or program in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in a related field.
- Brief department application (PDF)
If an applicant does not meet the required overall 3.0 GPA, the applicant may choose to strengthen their application by submitting one or more of the following:
- A one-page statement of purpose for entering the master's program
- A current resume or CV
- 1-3 letters of recommendation (PDF) (academic or professional, no personal recommendations)
- Writing sample or work portfolio (academic or professional)
Keeping in line with current trends in the discipline, we do NOT require the GRE or other standardized tests for admission to the program.
All departmental/supplemental materials can be added to the Graduate School's application for admission by emailing items to data_entry@columbusstate.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for Admission
What is the deadline for applying to the MA Program?
It varies term to term. Look at the university's current calendar for the dates for each semester.
Application Deadlines:
- Spring Semester - December 9th
- Summer Semester - May 15th
- Fall Semester - June 30th
How long does the admission process take?
Once all the application materials have been submitted, it typically takes approximately two weeks to process the application.
What are the department-specific requirements?
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on all undergraduate work from an accredited institution or program in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in a related field.
- Brief department application (PDF)
If an applicant does not meet the required overall 3.0 GPA, the applicant may choose to strengthen their application by submitting one or more of the following:
- A one-page statement of purpose for entering the master's program
- A current resume or CV
- 1-3 letters of recommendation (PDF) (academic or professional, no personal recommendations)
- Writing sample or work portfolio (academic or professional)
Keeping in line with current trends in the discipline, we do NOT require the GRE or other standardized tests for admission to the program.
I do not have an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies. Will I meet the admission requirements?
Why is a résumé required as part of the admissions package if I do not have the required 3.0 GPA? What should be in the résumé?
Regarding my professional background and certifications, will I be allowed to transfer credits, and if so, how many?
I have a degree from a foreign university. Would that be a problem?
My application was denied. Can I reapply?
Completing the Program
How many credit hours are required to complete the program?
For students with regular admission, 30 graduate-level credits are required. The official program of study gives a breakdown of the classes that are required for each of the two MA degree concentrations. See Strategic Communication Management Track and Creative Services Management Track.
Is this a part-time program or a full-time program?
It is up to you to decide how quickly you can or want to complete the program. All course work is offered online at present in the Strategic Communication Management Track, and there is only a limited number of hours required in-seat in the Creative Services Management Track. The number of courses that you choose to take determines the pace at which you proceed and finish the program. Most CSU part-time students take 1-2 courses per semester, and full-time students take three semesters per semester. In a limited number of situations, the Department Chair may approve a student to take four courses per semester.
How long does it take to complete the program?
All work credited towards a graduate degree must be completed within seven years. The maximum course load for any graduate student in a semester is 12 hours, so a student could complete the degree in a minimum of three semesters. However, the typical load for a full-time graduate student is nine hours in a semester, which would suggest that most full-time students would need four semesters to complete their degree. Students who are employed will typically only take 1-2 courses per semester and will require longer to complete the program.
Can this program be completed 100 percent online?
Yes, all graduate courses are offered online. However, there is a limited number of hours required in-seat in the Creative Services Management Track, the meeting hours for which are flexible and can be worked out on an individual student basis.
When do I select a concentration for the MA in Communication degree? Can I later switch to another concentration?
All students should indicate their choice of a concentration when they apply to join the program. You could, however, change the concentration (in consultation with your academic advisor) later as you progress towards the degree. If you choose to go with a new concentration, then you may have to take some additional concentration electives and end up taking more than the required 30 credit hours that most students must take.
Paying for the Graduate Program
What are the estimated expenses for the MA in Communication program?
Please see the Graduate Student Tuition and Fees page for the details in fees breakdown.
Is there a flexible payment plan?
We do not have a payment plan. However, we do have an Emergency Loan program that allows you to pay for tuition in three payments.
Are graduate student assistantships available?
Yes. There are a limited number of Graduate Assistantships (GAs) each year. Applications should be submitted to the Human Resources Office through the Graduate School's assistantships portal. Although graduate assistantships are awarded for an academic year at a time, renewal is based on eligibility and renewal criteria. Graduate assistants are expected to do research and may be asked to help for a total of 10-19 hours a week.
Are graduate scholarships available?
At present the Department of Communication does not offer any graduate scholarships.
Are HOPE scholarships available for graduate students?
No, it is not available at this time.
Communication Graduate Handbook
Thesis/Professional Project Information
Tuition and Fees
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Financial Aid
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