Communication (M.A.)

Program Overview

The M.A. in Communication program offers two majors (M.A. in Communication and M.A. in Reputation Management) and one certificate (Organizational Communication Management).

Communication

The M.A. in Communication involves advanced study in strategic communication and society, media, and technology research from a variety of theoretical and methodological perspectives. The program introduces students to public and mass communication for application to academic and professional settings. Students engage in reviewing and discussing research and criticism while collecting and interpreting original research data. The M.A. in Communication is a residential program located on campus in Blacksburg.

Both the M.A. in Communication and Reputation Management have opportunities for funded graduate assistantships. These assistantships provide a GTA salary and payment toward tuition (tuition remission), but are only available for the residential option.

Reputation Management

The M.A. in Reputation Management focuses on public relations management in a variety of sectors including corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. This degree is designed for students interested in advanced studies on how to improve public perceptions of organizations and enhance the goodwill asset on the company balance sheet. Students who complete the Reputation Management major earn a graduate professional credential that prepares them for broader management responsibilities and enhances their career advancement. Reputation Management is delivered on campus in Blacksburg and in Falls Church, Virginia, using a bimodal delivery of courses.

Organizational Communication Management (Graduate Certificate)

The Graduate Certificate in Organizational Communication Management is a 12-credit program. The purpose of the certificate program is to teach students how to manage an organization’s communication plan. Students will learn how to collect and analyze data related to how an organization’s communication plans are perceived by internal and external stakeholders, such as employees and customers. Students will learn how to use public relations theories to disseminate information within organizations. Graduates will be prepared to gather and use data to manage communications plans for businesses and organizations.

Where Are Our Recent Graduates Now?

“The Reputation Management program has built itself upon a foundation strengthened by the variety of experiences – whether academic or industry - from which the faculty and students stem. As a part-time student and full-time communication professional, I’ve been able to apply theories I’m learning in the classroom to my job in real time.”

- Kate Owens, Reputation Management major

“My favorite part of the Communication graduate program is getting to work with professors on more specialized projects that align with my interests and provide me with a better understanding of communication research. Of course, I also love getting the opportunity to teach public speaking and interact with students!”

- Andrew Knight, Communication major

What You'll Study

Communication Example Schedule

You'll take graduate-level Communication courses while completing a substantial learning experience outside the classroom that includes the successful writing and defense of a thesis.

Year 1: Fall Semester

COMM 5014: Communication Theory (3 credit hours)
COMM 5024: Communication Research Methods (3 credit hours)
COMM 5054 Qualitative Methods in Communication (3 credit hours)

Year 1: Spring Semester

Communication class (3 credit hours)
Communication class (3 credit hours)
Elective class (3 credit hours)

Year 2: Fall Semester

COMM 5994: Research & Thesis (3 credit hours)
Communication class (3 credit hours)
Communication class (3 credit hours)

Year 2: Spring Semester

COMM 5994: Research & Thesis (4-6 credit hours)
Communication Class (3 credit hours)
Communication Class (3 credit hours)

Notes

All students in the Communication major are required to complete six credit hours total of Research & Thesis, one credit hour of Thesis Prospectus Practicum, and at least 36 credit hours total.
Full-time students are required to take at least two Communication classes and at least nine credit hours each semester.
Students holding an assistantship position are required to take 12 credit hours each semester to be considered full-time students.
Students holding a School of Communication Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) position are required to take COMM 5034: Teaching Practicum (1 credit hour) each semester and to attend the GTA Workshop their first semester.

Reputation Management Example Schedule

You'll take graduate-level Communication courses and electives with a focus on your chosen specialty area while completing a substantial learning experience outside the classroom that includes the successful creation and presentation of a report project.

Year 1: Fall Semester

COMM 5014: Communication Theory (3 credit hours)
COMM 5024: Communication Research Methods (3 credit hours)
COMM 5054 Qualitative Methods in Communication (3 credit hours)

Year 1: Spring Semester

PR 5724: Reputation Management and Public Relations (3 credit hours)
PR 5594: Topics in Strategic Communication (3 credit hours)
Elective class from your cognate/specialty area (3 credit hours)

Year 2: Fall Semester

PR 5534: Crisis and Issue Management (3 credit hours)
PR 5524: Organizatational Communication (3 credit hours)
Elective class from your cognate/specialty area (3 credit hours)

Year 2: Spring Semester

PR 5514: Public Relations Theory and Practice (3 credit hours)
COMM 5904: Project and Report (3 credit hours)
Communication class (3 credit hours)
Elective class from your cognate/specialty area (3 credit hours)

Notes

All students in the Reputation Management major are required to complete three credit hours total of Project & Research, to take at least nine credit hours total of elective classes within a chosen specialty area, and to complete at least 36 credit hours total.
Full-time students are required to take at least two Communication classes and at least nine credit hours each semester.
Students holding an assistantship position are required to take 12 credit hours each semester to be considered full-time students.
Students holding a School of Communication Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) position are required to take COMM 5034: Teaching Practicum (1 credit hour) each semester and to attend the GTA Workshop their first semester. Communication GTA positions are only available to residential Blacksburg students.

Organizational Communication Management

This 12-credit-hour graduate certificate focuses on the theories and data collection methods needed to create communication plans for organizations. It will be conducted in traditional, face-to-face format and fully online.

Core Courses: 9 Credits

COMM 5054: Qualitative Methods in Communication (3 credit hours)
PR 5514: Public Relations Theory and Practice (3 credit hours)
PR 5524: Organizational Communication (3 credit hours)

Elective Courses: 3 Credits

Students are required to select one elective. Some elective examples include:

COMM 5014: Communication Theory (3 credit hours)
COMM 5024: Quantitative Methods in Communication (3 credit hours)
PR 5534: Crisis and Issue Management (3 credit hours)
PR 5724: Environmental Planning Studio (3 credit hours)

More Information

Admission Requirements

_{Minimum GPA 3.0 (4.0 Scale)}
_{Compatibility with faculty research interests}
_{TOEFL/ IELTS score required (if applicable)}

_{Learn more}

Tuition and Fees

_{Tuition & Fee Rates}

Funding Opportunities

_{The School of Communication has a limited number of graduate assistantships and fellowships available for students applying for full time study on the Blacksburg campus. Entering students can apply for such funding as part of their admissions application. No separate application required.}

_{Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.}