Abilene Christian University

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master of Arts in Communication

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Master of Arts in Communication prepares graduates to work in a variety of fields, including law, corporate training, human resources, corporate communication, ministry, organizational development, customer service, internal organizational informational management, fund raising and sales. Many students choose to continue their education by entering doctoral programs or law school. Areas of concentration include organizational communication, interpersonal/intercultural communication, and persuasion and public advocacy.

Why the M.A. in Communication?

Communication is the cornerstone for success in almost any career field. The M.A. in Communication is a useful degree intended to prepare graduates to provide organizations with techniques for improved teams, conflict processes and productivity through improved human interaction. Students from this program have a 95 percent acceptance rate into their first choice of Ph.D. programs.

Degree Process

The M.A. in Communication is a 36-hour degree with thesis and non-thesis options. The degree core consists of 9 hours of theory, rhetoric and research. Students may also choose one or two concentrations from the following list: organizational communication, interpersonal/intercultural communication, and persuasion/public advocacy. Once a concentration is chosen, the student must take 12-15 hours of courses from that concentration. Students conclude their degrees by taking a comprehensive exam (for non-thesis students) or completing and defending a thesis.

Affordability/Financial Aid

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. The amount of aid handed out by the Department of Communication varies by year.Graduate assistantships are awarded on a competitive, per-semester basis. GAs are eligible for tuition reduction and are paid a monthly stipend.

Accreditation:

ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the regional body responsible for accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Latin America.

Eligibility Requirements:

The Master of Arts in Communication program is open to students from all undergraduate fields of study.

The following materials to be considered for admission to the Graduate Communication program:
• Graduate School Application
• Application Fee
• Two Graduate School Recommendation Forms
• Official GRE Test Scores
• Official Transcripts from All Colleges Attended
• Purpose Statement
• Writing Sample

# of Credits Required:

36

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

787 USD

Tuition In-State Full Time:

15662 USD

Tuition Out of State Full Time:

15662 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 1,000 - 4,999