Provides professional growth opportunities in the dynamic areas of strategic public relations and digital media.

Location:

Shippensburg, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Communication Studies

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Master of Science in Communication Studies provides professional growth opportunities in the dynamic areas of strategic public relations and digital media.

The Department of Communication/Journalism is accredited by ACEJMC (Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication) and is dedicated to educating its graduate students in the key areas of: 1)Mass communication writing and web publishing, 2)Communications research and analysis, and 3)Theory and ethics.

The program allows students to strengthen an existing communications career, to prepare for advanced communications studies, or to begin a new journey into the evolving world of today’s communication industries through personalized interaction with Communication/Journalism faculty.

The Master of Science in Communication Studies is a 30-credit program delivered in flexible course of study to accommodate the varied academic backgrounds and career objectives of students. Students select courses in public relations, electronic media, print media, digital media, and interdisciplinary areas to enhance professional and personal growth opportunities.

The graduate program in communication studies is directed to: 1)The media professional who seeks to update skills in digital media and Internet publishing for career advancement, 2)The baccalaureate degree holder in communication who wishes to refine and build upon previous academic preparation, and 3)The baccalaureate degree holder in another discipline who wishes to prepare for a career in the media, public relations, or a closely related field.

To qualify for a Master of Science in Communication Studies, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits with a “B” average (3.0) including a professional project (COM603) that is certified as acceptable by a committee of the communications studies faculty.

Students have access to audio and video production studios, visual and multi-media tools, and computer labs equipped with the latest industry hardware and software, and mini-labs with iPads and access to the latest social media applications.

The MAC lab in Rowland Hall is equipped with: Adobe Creative Suite, Digital cameras, Scanners, Assorted film processing equipment.

The department also has several audio suites equipped with computer editing stations utilizing Adobe Audition and Apple Logic software.

The university’s TV studio in the basement of Grove Hall is used for live and pre-recorded programs. The control room equipment includes: Grass Valley Kayak Digital Production Switcher, Compix Graphic Generator, EZ News (newsroom management software), 24-Channel Mackie audio console, Apple Final Cut Pro HD non-linear editing system, News set, Chroma key wall, Areas to create alternate sets.

The Mobile TV Production Lab is equipped with: Ross Crossover 16 Production Switcher, Three hard-wired Cannon XHA1 cameras, One JVC 790U wireless camera, Panasonic DV decks including instant replay controllers, 16-Channel Mackie Audio Console, Talent audio and monitoring equipment, Students operate the mobile lab in positions including talent, director, graphics, camera operators and producers, broadcasting live coverage of all home football and basketball games.

A chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is affiliate with the department. The faculty regularly attends regional and national conventions and meetings of professional organizations with students.

By enrolling in Shippensburg’s Communication Studies Master’s program, students can pursue their own individual interests within the fields of marketing and communications. This will better position them for success in the industry of their choice, whether it’s media, government, or non-profit. Through the Master’s in Communications optional internship component, students gain valuable real-world experience and professional contacts that may be useful when searching for a job. Interns have worked with organizations such as The Patriot News (Harrisburg), FoxSportsNet (Pittsburgh), Lancaster United Way, the Governor’s Press Office (Harrisburg), the U.S. Army War College (Carlisle), CNBC (Washington), Antietam Cable (Hagerstown), WGAL-TV (Lancaster), WHTM-TV (Harrisburg), and WPMT-TV (York).

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Shippensburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, AACSB International, ABET Inc., Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC), American Chemical Society, Council on Social Work Education, Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, International Association of Counseling Services, Council for Exceptional Children and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Financial Aid:

No

Requirements:

Applicants must meet all requirements of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with at least a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA). An above average score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or significant communications work experience may be considered if the GPA is lower than 2.75. In addition you must include with your application: A professional resume; Three professional references; A 500-word statement of purpose demonstrating your writing skills and explaining what you expect to gain by completing this degree. An applicant whose bachelor’s degree is not in a communication-related field may have a number of undergraduate courses to take in addition to the master’s degree requirements. Apply to our Master’s in Communications program today, or contact us to request more information.

International Requirements:

The recommended score for the TOEFL is 68 for the internet-based test or 500 for the paper-based test. (Shippensburg University's test code for the TOEFL is 2657). The recommended score for IELTS is 6.0. International applicants from a country where English is the native/official language may be exempted from the TOEFL or IELTS requirement, however the GRE or GMAT is required.