Strategic Communication
suitable for publication or public consumption as their key graded assignment. These papers demonstrate each student’s abilities and their collective body of skills and knowledge acquired throughout the MPA curriculum. The capstone project challenges students to clearly articulate a research question, identify best practices in the field through a literature review, and develop and execute a research protocol, in which the student: • Defines a research question that addresses an existing public or nonprofit problem. • Identifies a theoretical model through which to approach the issue. • Selects appropriate data collection methods. • Collects data. • Analyzes and interprets the data. • Develops a written report and oral presentation of the findings and recommendations. At the conclusion of the course, students will have demonstrated effective research skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and will have displayed the level of knowledge necessary for effectively managing a public or non-profit organization as a competent leader. A Sample Schedule for Full-Time On Ground MPA Student (Two Year Study Plan) First Semester (Fall) GMPA 510 Introduction to Public Administration GMPA 530 Public Personnel Administration GMPA 520 Administrative Ethics Second Semester (Spring) GMPA 540 Applied Statistics for Public and Nonprofit Administration GMPA 532 Public Budgeting Systems GMPA 593 Current Issues in Global Public Administration Third Semester (Fall) GMPA 591 Global Comparative Public Administration GMPA 592 Globalization and World Politics GMPA 799 Research in Public Administration Fourth Semester (Spring) GMPA 533 Public Organizations and Management GMPA 630 Public Policy Cycles GMPA 797 Public Administration Capstone Project
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Strategic Communication Program Director: Jennifer R. Allen Catellier, Ph.D.
INTRODUCTION The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication prepares students for careers in various areas of communication including public relations, corporate communication, and health communication. The curriculum combines a theoretical foundation with a focus on the essential skills for communication professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in media and communication is expected to grow faster than average with about 151,500 new jobs by 2030. These jobs arise from the need to create, edit, translate, and disseminate information across a variety of platforms.* This STEM-designated program focuses on the increasing use of technology in the field of communication while also providing a foundation for media and communication analytics. * Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Media and Communication Occupations. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm
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WHAT YOU WILL LEARN At the completion of this 30-credit program students will be able to: 1. Understand the cultural and political issues impacting the study of mediated communication in various contexts. 2. Apply communication theory and communication ethics in interpersonal, small group, team, and organizational contexts. 3. Analyze the role that media law and ethical persuasion play within the marketplace. 4. Evaluate existing research in order to examine a contemporary issue within the field of communication. 5. Critique existing professional practices and academic research to improve interaction between persons of varying religious, professional, and socio-economic backgrounds.
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Applicants interested in the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The undergraduate degree does not have to be in a communication-related field, but applicants are required to demonstrate a basic understanding and awareness of communication.
