BA Arts and Markets
The Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Markets at Hawaii Pacific University is designed to bl...
MA Strategic Communication
Honolulu, Hawaii
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Communication at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) is designed to equip students with advanced skills in communication strategies, public relations, and media management. This program aims to develop professionals who can effectively navigate the dynamic communication landscape, craft impactful messages, and manage communication campaigns across various platforms. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience, theoretical knowledge, and strategic thinking, preparing graduates for leadership roles in communication and related fields.
Curriculum: The MA in Strategic Communication at HPU offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers core areas such as strategic communication planning, media relations, crisis communication, and digital media. Students engage in coursework that blends theoretical foundations with practical applications. The program includes essential courses like Communication Theory, Strategic Communication Management, and Media Strategies, as well as elective courses that allow students to focus on specific interests or industry needs. A key component of the curriculum is the capstone project or thesis, where students apply their knowledge to real-world communication challenges.
Research Focus: Research in the MA in Strategic Communication program at HPU addresses contemporary issues in communication and media. Students and faculty explore topics such as the impact of digital media on public relations, strategies for effective crisis communication, and the role of social media in shaping public perception. The program encourages students to engage in research that contributes to the development of innovative communication strategies and practices. Research projects often involve case studies, media analysis, and practical evaluations of communication campaigns.
Industry Engagement: HPU’s MA in Strategic Communication program emphasizes strong industry engagement through partnerships with communication agencies, media organizations, and corporate entities. Students benefit from internships and practical experiences that provide exposure to real-world communication environments. The program also facilitates networking opportunities with industry professionals, guest lectures, and workshops, helping students build valuable connections and stay updated on industry trends. These engagements enhance students' understanding of professional practices and improve their career readiness.
Global Perspective: The MA in Strategic Communication at HPU incorporates a global perspective by addressing international communication practices and cross-cultural issues. Students examine how global trends influence communication strategies and explore the challenges of managing communication in a multicultural context. The program may offer opportunities for international projects, study abroad experiences, or collaborations with global organizations. This global perspective prepares students to work in diverse and international communication settings, addressing global challenges and opportunities.
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 23000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 100 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 135.
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) offers various scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are intended to help ease the financial burden of higher education and are awarded based on a range of criteria, including academic achievement, financial need, and specific program requirements.
HPU International Scholarship: HPU provides merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students based on their academic performance and potential. The HPU International Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and have strong potential for success in their chosen field of study. This scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of tuition and other academic expenses.
Presidential Scholarship for International Students: The Presidential Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards offered by HPU. It is designed for high-achieving international students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities. This scholarship is highly competitive and offers substantial financial support to help cover tuition fees and other related costs.
Need-Based Scholarships: HPU also offers need-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships are intended to provide additional support to students who require financial assistance to meet their educational expenses. Eligibility for these scholarships is determined through a review of the student’s financial situation and academic performance.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic programs at HPU may have their own scholarship opportunities for international students. These program-specific scholarships are awarded based on criteria related to the student’s field of study, research interests, or professional goals. Students are encouraged to check with their specific program department for available scholarships and application procedures.
Graduates of the Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Communication from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) are well-prepared to enter a variety of dynamic and high-demand careers in the communication field. The program equips students with advanced skills in communication strategy, media relations, and public relations, opening doors to numerous career opportunities.
Public Relations Specialist: MA graduates often pursue roles as public relations specialists, where they manage and shape the public image of organizations, handle media relations, and craft strategic communication plans to enhance brand reputation.
Communication Manager: This role involves overseeing an organization's internal and external communication strategies, ensuring consistent messaging, and managing communication campaigns to align with organizational goals.
Marketing Communication Director: Professionals in this position develop and implement marketing communication strategies, including advertising campaigns, promotional activities, and content creation, to drive brand awareness and engagement.
Crisis Communication Specialist: Graduates can work as crisis communication specialists, managing communication during organizational crises, developing response strategies, and mitigating damage to the organization’s reputation.
Media Relations Manager: This role focuses on building and maintaining relationships with media outlets, pitching stories, and managing press releases to secure media coverage and enhance public visibility.
Corporate Communication Advisor: Corporate communication advisors develop and execute communication strategies for corporations, including handling investor relations, internal communications, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Digital Content Strategist: In this role, professionals create and manage digital content strategies across various online platforms, including social media, websites, and blogs, to engage audiences and drive digital marketing efforts.
Government and Nonprofit Communication Specialist: Graduates may also find opportunities in government and nonprofit sectors, where they manage communication efforts to support public policy initiatives, community outreach, and advocacy campaigns.
Consultant: With expertise in strategic communication, graduates can offer consultancy services to organizations, helping them develop effective communication strategies and navigate complex communication challenges.
