B.A. to M.A. in Strategic Communication

from 2020-2021 Graduate Bulletin

by High Point University

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A

“ I was confident stepping into a directorship immediately after graduation thanks to the intense coursework of the Strategic Communication

Master’s program. The curriculum variety expanded my knowledge, provided me with hands-on experience, and taught me project management skills. My role as Senior Director of Events and

Marketing allows me to make a positive impact on the High Point community, bringing my education and work experience full circle.”

–Sarah Tate

Senior Director of Events & Marketing, Business

High Point Chamber of Commerce, B.A. to M.A. in

Strategic Communication Graduate Class of 2015

he B.A. to M.A. Program in Strategic Communication is designed for outstanding High Point University undergrad-T uate students. The students must be enrolled in their final year of undergraduate study and have demonstrated academic success in the first three years of coursework. Students accepted into the B.A. to M.A. Program in Strategic Communication will be permitted to enroll in nine hours of advanced coursework that may be applied toward completion of the M.A. degree in Strategic Communication upon completion of the undergraduate baccalaureate degree program. Students will apply for admission into the M.A. program in Strategic Communication immediately upon graduation and continue in the program during the summer and into the following academic year. Upon completion of all graduate coursework, and when students submit their applications for graduation, the specified credits completed during the senior year will be transferred onto students’ graduate academic record. Required Materials Include: • online application ($50 application fee is waived); • Official transcripts from all colleges attended other than High Point University (The Office of Graduate Admissions will request your High Point University transcript for you once the application has been submitted).

• resume;

• personal statement that addresses the applicant’s interest in the program, biggest academic challenge, and plan to manage the time commitment of graduate school (3-5 pages); • three professional or academic letters of reference (up to two may be waived by the School of Communication);

Admission into the Program

Admission Terms

Current HPU students from any major who wish to apply for admission to the B.A. to M.A. program have the option of applying in the fall or spring for their upcoming undergraduate semester. Students may apply for conditional admission to the graduate portion of the program at the same time that they apply to the B.A. to M.A. program.

Application Requirements

Application is to join the B.A. to M.A. program during their final year of undergraduate study and for conditional admission to the graduate program following completion of their bachelor’s degree. Exceptions to any admission requirement may be con-

sidered under special circumstances.

Admission Enrollment Classification

Admission enrollment classification refers to the total number of students that can matriculate into a program in any given academic term.

The admission enrollment classification for the M.A. program in Strategic Communication is unrestricted. This means that the program can enroll as many students as can be accommodated by available resources.

A program’s admission enrollment classification has implications for the timing and extent of tuition refunds. For additional information please see the Refunds section of this Bulletin.

Transfer of Credit

The B.A. to M.A. program in Strategic Communication does not accept transfer of credit. All credit toward the degree must be earned at High Point University.

Tuition and Fees

Payment of tuition and fees is due at the beginning of each term of enrollment. Tuition and fees are in effect from June 1st, 2020 through May 31st, 2021.

Methods Courses (3 credits)

Choose one course from the following: COM 5120. Quantitative Methods and Analysis (3) COM 5130. Mixed Methods and Analysis (3) COM 5140. Public Opinion and Polling (3) Campaigns Courses (3 credits) Choose one course from the following: COM 5330. Health Communication Campaigns (3) COM 5430. Public Relations Campaigns (3) COM 5500. Contemporary Political Campaigns (3) Other campaign-focused courses offered as special topics (COM 5250, COM 5350, COM 5450, COM 5550) (3)

Technology Courses (6 credits) Choose two courses from the following: COM 5200. Message Design and Production (3) COM 5210. Video and Audio Production (3) COM 5250. Topics in Technology for Strategic Communi- cation (1-3)

Elective Courses (9 credits)

To satisfy their elective requirements, students will work with the program director to select courses related to the student’s research interests and professional goals. Choose three courses from the following: COM 5300. Health Communication Research and Strategies (3) COM 5350. Topics in Health Communication (3) COM 5400. Public Relations Research and Strategies (3) COM 5410. International and Intercultural Public Relations (3) COM 5420. Crisis Communication (3) COM 5450. Topics in Public Relations (3) COM 5510. Politics and the Media (3) COM 5550. Topics in Political Communication (3) COM 5600. Independent Research (1-3 credits) COM 5604. Intercultural Communication (3) COM 5699. Special Topics in Communication (1-3 credits)

Any other 5000- or 6000-level Strategic Communication courses not already used to satisfy a program requirement. Any 5000- or 6000-level courses taught outside the School of Communication (with approval of appropriate program directors)

Practicum Requirement (1 credit) COM 5005. Practicum in Strategic Communication (1)

Culminating Project (4 credits) COM 5900, 5910, 5920, and 5930. Master's Thesis Project (4)

Tuition

Tuition and Fees

Technology Fee, Parking Permit*, Graduate Student Association

Cost

$1,188 per credit

$778 per year

Graduation Fee $100**

*For first permit only. Replacement parking permits incur additional costs. **Charged to graduating students only.

Program of Study

Students in the Strategic Communication Master’s Degree program take core courses in strategic communication, research methods, and communications technology. Electives cover a variety of specializations within the larger field of strategic communication. B.A. to M.A. students will complete a year-long thesis project during their final two semesters of graduate study.