Masters of Public Administration
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Publi...
M.A. in Strategic Communication
Erie, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Strategic Communication. This program is designed to prepare students for impactful careers in various communication sectors, including public relations, corporate communication, and health communication. It aims to develop socially responsible leaders and communication professionals equipped with both theoretical understanding and essential practical skills for effective messaging and strategic thinking in a dynamic environment.
STEM-designated: Notably, Gannon's M.A. in Strategic Communication program is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, especially for international students studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. It allows them to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) by an additional 24 months, totaling 36 months of work authorization after graduation. This designation underscores the program's focus on technological skills and data analysis within the communication field, including social media analytics and data-driven decision-making, reflecting the evolving demands of the industry.
Curriculum: The M.A. in Strategic Communication at Gannon is typically a 30-credit program, designed for completion within 18 to 24 months for full-time students, with flexible scheduling options including evening, summer, face-to-face, and online courses. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical applications. Core courses cover areas such as Strategic Communication Research Methods, Organizational Communication and Analysis, Strategic Communication Ethics and Law, Message Design and Media Production, and Social Media Management. Students can choose to emphasize their studies in either Communication Management or Health Communication, with specialized electives in areas like Public Relations Management, Crisis & Risk Communication, Patient-Provider Communication, and Family Communication. The program culminates in a capstone experience, which could be a Communication Campaign project, a Communication Seminar, or an internship.
Research Focus: Gannon University's M.A. in Strategic Communication program integrates a strong research focus to empower students with the ability to critically analyze and evaluate communication issues. The curriculum includes courses like "Strategic Communication Research Methods," which teaches students how to interpret and design various theoretical studies. The program emphasizes developing skills to analyze social media and communication data to inform decisions, aligning with the STEM designation. Students are encouraged to evaluate existing research to examine contemporary issues within human communication and to critique professional practices for improved interaction across diverse backgrounds. This research emphasis ensures graduates can engage in evidence-based communication strategies.
Industry Engagement: The Gannon M.A. in Strategic Communication program fosters robust industry engagement to ensure graduates are career-ready. The curriculum is designed with an eye toward the practical application of communication theories and skills, preparing students for roles in public relations, corporate communication, and marketing. Opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and service projects with community partners are integrated into coursework, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build professional networks. The program's focus on essential skills for communication professionals, such as crisis communication, public relations management, and social media management, directly addresses the demands of the modern communication industry.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Strategic Communication program at Gannon University inherently fosters a global perspective by emphasizing the cultural and political issues impacting communication and the dynamic nature of interpersonal communication in various contexts. While there isn't a dedicated "global communication" track, the curriculum includes courses that touch upon intercultural communication and the ethical considerations of communication in diverse settings. The program aims to prepare graduates to critique existing professional practices and academic research to improve interaction between persons of varying religious, professional, and socio-economic backgrounds, thereby equipping them to navigate and lead in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace. Gannon's diverse international student body further enriches classroom discussions with varied cultural insights.
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19605
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Gannon University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their studies in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community, making education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Gannon University are eligible for competitive merit-based scholarships that reward strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable based on maintaining academic standards.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based financial assistance may be available to international students demonstrating financial need. Applicants are encouraged to communicate their situation during the admission process for consideration.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Strategic Communication from Gannon University is a highly versatile and impactful degree that prepares graduates for leadership roles in a wide range of communication-centric fields. With its unique STEM designation, the program emphasizes data-driven decision-making and digital communication, ensuring graduates are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills demanded by today's evolving communication landscape.
Public Relations Manager/Specialist: Graduates can excel in managing the public image and reputation of organizations, individuals, or brands. This involves developing PR strategies, writing press releases, managing media relations, and handling crisis communication, working for PR agencies, corporations, or non-profits.
Corporate Communications Manager/Director: These professionals oversee all internal and external communications for a company, ensuring consistent messaging, fostering employee engagement, and managing stakeholder relationships. They play a vital role in shaping the corporate narrative and safeguarding brand reputation.
Marketing Communications Manager: Bridging the gap between marketing and communication, these roles involve developing and executing integrated marketing communication campaigns. This includes advertising, content marketing, digital campaigns, and branding initiatives to promote products, services, or an organization's mission.
Social Media Manager/Strategist: Given the program's emphasis on social media analytics, graduates are well-prepared to develop and execute social media strategies, manage online communities, create engaging content, and analyze performance data to enhance an organization's digital presence and reputation.
Health Communication Specialist: For those specializing in Health Communication, roles exist in hospitals, public health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, or non-profits. They design and deliver health campaigns, educate the public on health issues, and facilitate effective patient-provider communication.
Crisis & Risk Communication Specialist: With specialized training, graduates can manage communication during critical situations, such as product recalls, public health emergencies, or corporate scandals. They develop communication plans, manage media responses, and safeguard an organization's reputation under pressure.
Content Strategist/Manager: In the digital age, content is king. These professionals plan, develop, and manage engaging content across various platforms (websites, blogs, videos, social media) to align with an organization's strategic goals, attract audiences, and drive engagement.
Internal Communications Specialist: Focusing on communication within an organization, these roles are crucial for fostering a positive company culture, ensuring employee alignment with goals, managing change, and facilitating effective communication between leadership and staff.
Digital Media Strategist: These professionals develop comprehensive digital communication plans, leveraging various online channels (websites, social media, email marketing, SEO) to achieve communication objectives, analyze digital performance, and adapt strategies for maximum impact.
Public Affairs Specialist/Government Relations: Graduates can work for government agencies, lobbying firms, or corporations to manage relationships with government bodies and influence public policy. This involves communicating an organization's positions, monitoring legislation, and building strategic alliances.
