M.A. in Professional Communication

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 120

Academic Requirements:

• A completed bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) is  required.  
• For postgraduate programs, applicants are expected to have a minimum academic average of 60% or above in their previous studies.
   

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

  • An overall score of 6.5 or higher.
  • No individual band score less than 6.0.
     

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT (Internet-Based Test):

  • A minimum total score of 80 or higher.
     

• DET (Duolingo English Test):

  • A score of 105 or higher.

Youngstown State University (YSU) offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students to help make their education more affordable. These scholarships are highly competitive, and eligibility criteria may vary.

1. Global Leadership Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to academically talented and highly motivated international students. It provides financial support for tuition and is renewable for up to eight semesters. Eligibility is based on a student's academic record and standardized test scores.

2. American-Midwest Scholarship: YSU offers this scholarship to undergraduate international students. It covers a portion of tuition costs and is based on academic merit.

3. Athletic Scholarships: For students with exceptional athletic abilities, YSU provides athletic scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who participate in YSU's sports programs.

4. Graduate Assistantships: YSU offers graduate assistantships to eligible international students pursuing master's and doctoral programs. These assistantships provide a stipend and may include tuition remission.

5. Non-Resident Tuition Scholarships: Some scholarships are designed to offset the higher out-of-state tuition costs for international students. These awards help reduce the overall tuition burden.

6. International Student Scholarships: YSU provides general scholarships for international students to support their academic journey. These scholarships are based on merit, and the selection process is highly competitive.

7. Honors College Scholarships: High-achieving international students may be eligible for Honors College scholarships. These scholarships offer additional funding for students in the Honors College program.

8. School-Specific Scholarships: Various schools and colleges within YSU may offer scholarships specific to their academic disciplines. Students pursuing particular majors or fields of study should inquire about school-specific scholarship opportunities.

9. External Scholarships: YSU encourages international students to explore external scholarships offered by organizations, foundations, or home country governments. These external scholarships can help cover educational expenses.

To apply for YSU scholarships, international students typically need to submit scholarship applications, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and possibly a personal statement. The specific requirements and deadlines may vary for each scholarship.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Professional Communication program at Youngstown State University equips students with advanced communication skills, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the modern communication landscape. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in diverse industries.  

1. Corporate Communications Specialist: Graduates can work as corporate communication specialists, responsible for creating and managing internal and external communication strategies. They may draft press releases, develop corporate messages, and maintain a consistent brand image for the organization.

2. Public Relations Manager: Public relations managers are experts in managing the public image of an organization. They handle media relations, crisis communication, and public affairs. An M.A. in Professional Communication provides the skills needed for this role.

3. Marketing Communications Manager: These professionals develop and execute marketing campaigns, which includes creating advertising content, managing social media, and analyzing the effectiveness of marketing strategies.

4. Digital Media Strategist: In today's digital age, organizations need experts to manage their online presence. Digital media strategists handle social media, website content, and online advertising, ensuring a strong digital footprint.

5. Content Developer/Manager: Graduates can pursue careers in content development, creating written, visual, or multimedia content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms. They may also manage content teams.

6. Healthcare Communication Specialist: In the healthcare sector, communication is vital. M.A. graduates can work as communication specialists in hospitals, healthcare systems, or pharmaceutical companies, ensuring clear patient communication and managing healthcare PR.

7. Academic Advisor: Some graduates choose to work in higher education as academic advisors, helping students navigate their academic journey and develop effective communication skills.

8. Government Public Affairs Specialist: Government agencies hire professionals to handle public affairs and communication. Graduates can work in roles such as public information officer, legislative assistant, or public affairs specialist.

9. Nonprofit Communications Manager: Nonprofit organizations often require communication experts to raise awareness, engage donors, and promote their missions effectively.

10. Training and Development Specialist: Some graduates opt to work in training and development roles, where they design and implement training programs to enhance communication skills within an organization.

11. Freelance Writer or Consultant: With their advanced communication skills, graduates can choose to be freelance writers, consultants, or communication coaches, serving various clients across industries.

12. Research Analyst: Proficiency in communication research equips graduates to work as research analysts who study communication trends, conduct surveys, and analyze data to inform communication strategies.

13. Event Planner: Event planners coordinate conferences, seminars, and other events, where effective communication is crucial. M.A. graduates can excel in this role.

14. Social Media Manager: The expertise gained in the program is valuable for managing social media platforms for businesses, helping them engage with their audience and build their brand.

15. Human Resources Specialist: Communication is at the core of HR functions. Graduates can work as HR specialists, focusing on employee relations, training, and communication within the organization.