M.A., Liberal Studies in Professional Communications

Concentration Overview

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The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Liberal Studies program with a concentration in Professional Communications provides students an opportunity to develop their communications skills, especially in the new media shift that encompasses all fields of communication from education and healthcare to public policy and business. Graduates of this program and concentration will be prepared to serve as voices for their organizations in the new media environment.

Credit Distribution

I. Core Course Sequence (18 Credits)

LAP-5000	Liberal Arts and Professional Life	3
SAM-5010	Sense of Community I: Art and Morality	3
SAM-5020	Sense of Community II: Faith and Reason	3
CCR-6100	Change, Conflict, and Resolution	3
SIC-5200	The Species, the Individual, and Community	3
THC-6250	Technology and the Human Community: Challenges and Responses	3

II. Concentration (12 Credits)

COM-6100	Professional Communications Theory	3
COM-6200	Advanced Professional and Business Writing	3
DHM-6200	Social Media and Social Change	3
MSP-6620	Practical Grant Writing	3

III. Capstone (6 Credits)

MLS-7000	Capstone I	3
MLS-7100	Capstone II	3

Total Credit Hours: 36

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the concentration in Professional Communications, students will be able to:

• analyze the implications of various forms of media in specific communications context;
• develop various professional communications consistent with best practices;
• integrate technology into the development of a professional communications plan; and
• apply ethical and legal standards to address communications practice.