M.A. in Communication
The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest is a 36-credit hour program th...
M.A. in Communication
Hammond, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest is a 36-credit hour program that can typically be completed in two years for full-time students. The program's rolling admissions policy allows for enrollment up to the start of each semester, offering significant accessibility. It is designed to cater to professionals seeking career advancement, those preparing for doctoral study, or individuals simply driven by a curiosity about human communication. Students are guided by a graduate faculty mentor from early in their studies to customize their academic path, ensuring alignment with their specific interests and professional aspirations. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of how communication functions in various contexts, from individual interactions to mass media, equipping graduates with advanced communication techniques.
Curriculum: The 36-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Communication is structured to provide a strong theoretical and methodological foundation while offering flexibility for specialization. Students typically begin with foundational courses in communication theory and research methods. A key component of the curriculum involves choosing courses from three main areas: Methods (e.g., Descriptive/Experimental Research or Historical/Critical Research), Theory (e.g., Theories of Interpersonal Communication, Theories of Rhetoric, Organizational Communication), and Research/Application (e.g., Persuasion in Social Movements, Comparative Telecommunication Systems, Current Trends in Mass Communication Research). Students also have elective credits, with some flexibility to take relevant courses outside the department. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and advanced communication techniques, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests within the vast field of communication.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest places a significant emphasis on research and theoretical understanding. The program's core includes required courses in communication research methodologies (e.g., COM 58200 - Descriptive/Experimental Research In Communication or COM 58400 - Historical/Critical Research In Communication). This focus prepares students to analyze communication phenomena systematically and critically. For their final graduation requirement, students have several options: a master's thesis, comprehensive exams, a conference-quality paper, or a creative project/performance. The thesis option involves an extended scholarly work on a communication concept, requiring students to develop an idea, prospectus, and defend their findings in a public forum. This rigorous approach ensures graduates possess strong analytical and research skills, enabling them to contribute to the body of knowledge in communication.
Industry Engagement: Purdue University Northwest's M.A. in Communication is highly responsive to the needs of working professionals and the communication industry. The program was initially designed specifically for individuals living and working in Northwest Indiana, with evening classes to accommodate their schedules. Faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized experts in their fields and maintain active relationships with people in academia and industry, ensuring the curriculum remains current and relevant. Students have opportunities for hands-on projects in performance, media, and persuasion, moving beyond theoretical classroom learning. While specific formalized industry partnerships or required internships are not prominently detailed for the M.A. program, the emphasis on applied theory and practical skills through various projects, along with strong alumni networks in the Chicagoland area, suggests ample opportunities for professional engagement and career advancement within various organizations and companies.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest inherently incorporates a global perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of communication in today's world. Although the program was originally tailored for the local Northwest Indiana community, it now enrolls a diverse student body, including international students. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and exposes students to various cultural perspectives on communication. The curriculum includes courses that touch upon broader communication contexts, such as "Comparative Telecommunication Systems," which inherently involves examining global communication structures. The program's emphasis on understanding communication as a fundamental human behavior applicable across diverse settings also cultivates a global mindset, preparing graduates to navigate complex communication challenges in international contexts or with diverse global audiences.
Location
Hammond, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14470
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $75
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 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is dedicated to supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse talents. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and make quality education more accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: PNW offers several merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and are awarded automatically during the admissions process or through a separate application.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Purdue University Northwest provide scholarships specific to their fields of study. These awards reward outstanding students pursuing degrees in areas such as engineering, business, health sciences, and more. International students are encouraged to contact their department of interest for detailed scholarship opportunities.
Renewable Scholarships: Some scholarships at PNW are renewable annually, provided students maintain a satisfactory GPA and meet specific academic requirements. This offers ongoing financial support throughout the duration of their degree programs.
Graduates of Purdue University Northwest's M.A. in Communication program are equipped with advanced critical thinking, strategic planning, and communication skills, making them highly marketable across numerous sectors.
Communications Manager/Director: This is a broad and common role where graduates oversee internal and external communications for organizations. They develop communication strategies, manage public relations, handle media inquiries, and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms for corporations, non-profits, or government agencies.
Public Relations Specialist/Manager: Graduates excel in shaping and maintaining a positive public image for clients or organizations. This involves writing press releases, managing media relations, planning events, and developing crisis communication strategies to protect and enhance reputation.
Marketing Communications Strategist/Manager: This role focuses on developing and executing communication strategies to promote products, services, or brands. Graduates analyze market trends, create persuasive content for various media, and manage campaigns to build brand awareness and drive sales.
Content Strategist/Editor: With strong writing and analytical skills, graduates can develop and manage content for websites, social media, publications, and marketing materials. They ensure content aligns with organizational goals, engages target audiences, and maintains brand voice and consistency.
Social Media Manager/Strategist: In today's digital landscape, this role is crucial for managing an organization's presence across social media platforms. Graduates develop social media strategies, create engaging content, analyze performance metrics, and interact with online communities.
Organizational Development/Training Specialist: Leveraging their understanding of interpersonal and organizational communication, graduates can work to improve internal communication, facilitate change management, design and deliver training programs, and enhance employee engagement within companies.
Media Relations Specialist: This specialized role involves being the primary contact between an organization and the media. Graduates cultivate relationships with journalists, pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and manage media inquiries to ensure accurate and positive coverage.
Technical Writer/Editor: For those with an interest in simplifying complex information, graduates can work as technical writers, creating clear and concise manuals, guides, reports, and documentation for various industries, particularly in technology and science.
Higher Education Administrator (Communications/Marketing focus): Graduates can find roles within universities and colleges managing communications for specific departments, admissions, alumni relations, or overall institutional marketing, leveraging their expertise to attract students and engage stakeholders.
Consultant (Communication/PR/Marketing): With a broad understanding of communication principles and applications, graduates can work as independent consultants or for consulting firms, advising a range of clients on communication strategies, crisis management, public relations, or marketing campaigns.
