The Master of Arts in Communications prepares students for doctoral study and leadership positions in areas of public information such as journalism, education, public relations and advertising. The program places an emphasis on cultivating an interdisciplinary and intercultural perspective for media educators and practitioners who may serve publics in a variety of fields, including business, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community and political action groups. Because our program is broad-based and research-oriented, students will work with their academic advisers to develop their thesis projects to address critical issues in the above areas, rather than acquiring a specific and narrowly defined skill set.
The program balances research and creative production by integrating national and international perspectives on history, culture, and society in all instruction in theory and production practice.
Because of the program's location in the Pennsylvania state capital region and its close proximity to prominent public and private institutions and other resources, students in the program will have opportunities for internships and field experiences that provide valuable context for the development of their thesis projects. This integrated approach between theory and practice positions the program to provide a strong foundation for the pursuit of doctoral studies in communications.