Online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership

Department of Communication Studies

The College of Arts and Sciences

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership (M.A. in Strategic Communication & Leadership) is delivered 100% online in an asynchronous format allowing for flexible schedules. Students can study at their convenience, minimizing the sacrifice of time dedicated to job and family. The program is designed to be completed by working professionals in 18-24 months. Students benefit from a dynamic balance of theory, research and practical application to learn current trends in the fast-paced communication industry, support organizational goals and manage issues surrounding the organization and its stakeholders. The program will prepare students for careers in various industries and organizational settings—business, nonprofit, government, politics, education, entrepreneurship and more.

Mission Statement

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership program is dedicated to serving its students through excellent educational experiences leading to professional transformation, intellectual growth, and a culture of life-long learning.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Engage in strategic communication and leadership inquiry through communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts.

2. Apply ethical communication principles and practices to create and deliver messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.

3. Utilize communication principles and practices to develop cultural awareness and influence public discourse

4. Analyze and create evidence-based communication plans for various organizational structures

Interim Dean

Daniel McDonald, College of Arts and Sciences

Faculty

Ashland University Graduate Faculty

Olga Monacell, Director of Strategic Communication and Leadership, Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Cory Hillman, Chair of Communication Studies, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Deleasa Randall-Griffiths, Professor of Communication Studies

Jeffrey Delbert, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Program Coordinator

Dinah Ward

Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership Admission Procedures

An applicant possessing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.00 scale may be accepted for admission to the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership on an unconditional basis. Students with a GPA higher than 2.25, but lower than 2.75 are eligible for conditional admission to the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership. Students with a GPA less than 2.25 may be considered for conditional admission after submission of all transcripts from all postsecondary institutions, submission of a letter of explanation, and review by the Graduate Program Director.

How to Apply

The following materials must be submitted to finalize the application process:

1. Completed Ashland University Application.

2. Submit a $30 application fee.

3. Submit official academic transcript(s) from accredited institutions of higher education documenting all undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded.

Transcripts, application fees paid by check or money order, or other correspondence should be mailed to:

Ashland University

Attn: Enrollment Services

401 College Avenue

Ashland, OH 44805

Official Electronic transcripts should be submitted to:

enroll-grad@ashland.edu

Curricular Structure

Each course in the program is offered in a 8-week format for three (3) semester credit hours, with the exception of the exit options, which are offered for 1-3 credits each. Courses are offered in an online format only. The program is delivered in an asynchronous format. The degree requires a total of 30 semester credit hours and may be completed in as little as 16-20 months.

Transfer of Credits

Students in the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership are limited to six hours of transfer credit.

1. The course work should have been completed within six years prior to application at Ashland University.

2. Course work must be comparable with the Ashland University program course work. Comparability of transfer credit is determined by the program director.

3. The final grades in the courses to be transferred must be “B” or higher.

4. Transfer credit does not affect the cumulative grade point average established with Ashland University.

5. Quarter hours transferred into the university will be converted to semester hours.

Program Time Limits

The minimum length to complete the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership is 18 months. The maximum length to complete the program is five years. Once the maximum allotted time has passed, students must reapply for admission. Any credits earned prior to readmission cannot be used toward the fulfillment of the degree.

Exit Option

Students will be required to complete 3 credits of exit option (capstone, academic research, or internship) to be eligible for graduation from the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership program. Credits from the three options may be combined for a total of at least three credits to graduate.

Grade and Course Repeat Policy

Any student receiving a B- or lower grade in a course may choose to retake that course in an attempt to raise their grade point average. Both grades will appear on the student's transcript. However, only the second grade will be used in calculating the GPA.

All students take 15 hours of required courses. The remaining 15 credits are elective credit.

Course of Study

Courses and Descriptions

See COM Courses

See MBA Courses

Graduate Certificates

Students may also pursue one of the three graduate certificates offered in this program: Foundations of Strategic Communication (9 credit hours), Applied Strategic Communication (15 credit hours) or Communication Studies (18 credit hours). The 18-credit hour certificate is recommended for high school teachers seeking a certification to teach College Credit Plus (CCP) classes in communication.

Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Strategic Communication

Graduate Certificate in Applied Strategic Communication

Graduate Certificate in Communication Studies (for CCP teachers)