Master of Communication

Scripps College of Communication – MC5385

Delivery Mode: Online, Hybrid

Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer

Program Overview

The Master of Communication is a 30-credit hour interdisciplinary degree program that emphasizes applying theory to communication practice in various fields. It is designed around flexible and modular solutions for students who want to obtain additional training and develop expertise in emerging areas within the communication field. Students can specialize their degree program by choosing from a wide range of electives in the areas of crisis communication, strategic communication, digital media, diversity and inclusivity, and leadership, to name a few. The communication skills and knowledge gained in this program will equip students to advance in their professional roles across varied industry contexts, including but not limited to healthcare, engineering, law enforcement, non-profits, and education.

The degree program includes two required 3-credit hour courses, Introduction to Graduate Research in Communication and Master’s Capstone. The remaining 24 credits are selected by a student in consultation with their advisor, to meet their specific career aims, from a college-wide set of course offerings (see Related Certificates below).

The degree can be completed fully online. A student can complete the degree in as few as three semesters. A student completing one to two courses per semester can complete the degree in approximately two years.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• apply communication theory and concepts to analyze audiences (public & private), determine how to adapt to those communication situations, and advocate for themselves and/or their communities.
• draw on communication theory and concepts to demonstrate strategic problem-solving and deliberative decision-making.
• demonstrate proficiency with communication tools and communication skills necessary for effective teamwork and leadership.

Related Certificates

Each of the 12-hour graduate certificate programs in the Scripps College listed below can be applied to the 24 credit hours of elective requirements for the Master of Communication. These include:

• Communication, Diversity, Ethics, and Inclusivity (CTDEIG)
• Crisis Communication (CTCCOM)
• Digital Media Transformation & Innovation (CTCMTI)
• Interacting with Media for Non-Journalists (CTIMNJ)¹
• Interacting with Media for STEM Professionals and Researchers (CTISPR)¹ 
• Strategic Communication Management (CTSCOG)

¹a student may only receive credit for one Interacting with Media certificate

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/scripps-college/prospective-students/graduate-programs

Admission Requirements

Applicants whose qualifications satisfy the following criteria are reviewed for admission to the Master Communication program:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or an international degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree
• GPA of 3.0 or higher (NOTE: Bachelor’s degree GPA requirement can be waived for a student who has successfully completed a graduate certificate in the Scripps College)

The Master of Communication does not generally require the GRE or other standardized test. A complete application includes:

• Transcripts from all higher education institutions previously attended
• At least two (2) letters of recommendation from those who can comment on the applicant’s suitability for graduate study based on their academic ability and/or work experience.
• A current resume
• A Statement of Purpose essay describing the applicant’s academic and professional goals
• International students who are non-native speakers of English must submit official results of one of two standardized tests: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

International Students

This program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 with no grades below a B- in any classes counted toward the degree. At least 30 credit hours as follows: