Communication: 5-Year (B.A./M.A.)

Program Overview

La Salle University's 5-year B.A./M.A. in Communication program combines a comprehensive undergraduate foundation with advanced strategic communication expertise. Students develop advanced communication skills, gain a deep understanding of communication theory and research, and prepare for leadership roles in various communication fields. The flexible hybrid format and experienced faculty provide a personalized and engaging learning experience. Graduates are highly sought after for careers in public relations, social media management, journalism, and more.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This 5-year accelerated program combines a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication with a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Strategic Communication. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of communication theory, research, and practice, and prepares them for professional careers in various communication fields.

Objectives:

• Develop advanced communication skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking.
• Gain a thorough understanding of communication theories and research methods.
• Acquire expertise in strategic communication planning and execution.
• Prepare students for leadership roles in communication-related fields.

Outline:

• B.A.
• in Communication: Students complete a foundational curriculum in communication theory, research, and practice.
They choose a concentration area from:
• Public Relations
• Journalism
• Digital Media
• Advertising
• Interpersonal Communication
• Organizational Communication
• M.A.
• in Strategic Communication: Students deepen their knowledge of strategic communication concepts and apply them to real-world situations.
They complete coursework in:
• Strategic Communication Planning
• Persuasion and Influence
• Public Relations Campaigns
• Media Relations
• Crisis Communication
• Social Media Marketing
• Communication Research Methods
• Course Schedule: The program offers a flexible hybrid format, with online and on-campus courses.
Students typically take 3-4 courses per semester.
• Individual Modules:
• COM 208 – Introduction to Digital Video:
Covers audio and video production fundamentals, storytelling techniques, and audience research.
• COM 312 – Persuasion, Power, and Influence: Explores persuasive message strategies across various contexts, including interpersonal settings and mass media campaigns.
• COM 613 – Strategic Public Relations: Focuses on strategic public relations functions, including situation analysis, goal setting, strategy development, message crafting, and evaluation.

Assessment:

• A combination of coursework assignments, exams, projects, and presentations are used to assess student learning.
• The M.A.
program culminates in a capstone project, where students apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world communication challenge.

Teaching:

• Experienced faculty with expertise in various communication fields teach the program.
• Small class sizes facilitate interactive learning and personalized feedback.
• The program utilizes a learner-centered approach, emphasizing active participation and critical thinking.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for diverse careers in communication, including:

• Public Relations Specialist
• Social Media Manager
• Content Marketing Specialist
• Advertising Copywriter
• Journalist
• Communication Consultant
• Corporate Trainer

Other:

• Graduates with a communication degree earn higher starting salaries compared to those with a bachelor's degree only.
• The unemployment rate for communication graduates with a master's degree is significantly lower than those with only a bachelor's degree.