MA in Corporate Communication - Marquette Unive

Marquette University's MA in Corporate Communication combines public relations fundamentals with advanced business education, preparing professionals for executive-level communication roles. Offered in a hybrid format, the program equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills for navigating the complex corporate communication landscape. Graduates pursue careers in various industries, including Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and government agencies.

Program Outline

MA in Corporate Communication: A Detailed Extraction

Degree Overview:

Marquette University's MA in Corporate Communication

is a unique interdisciplinary program that combines public relations fundamentals and communication theory with an advanced business education. This prepares professionals for executive-level communication roles in an increasingly complex communication landscape.

Objectives:

Equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of corporate communication.
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for strategic communication planning and execution.
Understand the role of public relations, corporate social responsibility, identity and reputation management, and other communication functions in the business world.

Description:

This program is offered in a hybrid format, allowing students to choose from fully online or blended options.

It requires the completion of 30 credit hours, which can be completed in 12-18 months.

Outline:

Coursework:

The program combines coursework from the Diederich College of Communication and the Graduate School of Management.

It comprises a blend of core and elective courses, including:

Core Courses:
Corporate Social Responsibility
Organizational Communication
Corporate Advocacy
Financial Communication and Investor Relations
Accounting and Finance for the Non-Financial Manager
Economic Foundations for Marketing Decisions
Leading People and Change
Leadership Coaching and Development
Leadership Elective
International Elective
Elective Courses:
Communication for Nonprofits
Public Relations Writing
Internal Communications
Crisis Communication
Sustainability Communication
Global Public Relations

Structure:

The program follows a semester-based structure, with two intakes per year.

Students can choose to start in either the fall or spring semesters.

Course Schedule:

Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including online, hybrid, and evening classes.

This allows students to choose a schedule that best fits their needs and lifestyle.

Individual Modules:

Each course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of a specific area of corporate communication. Modules within each course typically cover topics such as:

Corporate Social Responsibility:
Theories and practices of corporate social responsibility
Stakeholder engagement
Sustainability reporting
Corporate philanthropy
Organizational Communication:
Internal communication channels and strategies
Employee engagement
Change management communication
Conflict resolution
Corporate Advocacy:
Public policy and advocacy
Government relations
Issue management
Crisis communication
Financial Communication and Investor Relations:
Financial reporting and analysis
Investor relations strategies
Media relations for financial institutions
Accounting and Finance for the Non-Financial Manager:
Basic accounting principles
Financial statement analysis
Budgeting and forecasting
Economic Foundations for Marketing Decisions:
Microeconomic principles
Consumer behavior
Market analysis
Pricing strategies
Leading People and Change:
Leadership theories and styles
Motivation and team building
Organizational change management
Leadership Coaching and Development:
Coaching skills for leaders
Leadership development programs
Mentoring and career development
Elective Courses:
Specific topics related to the chosen elective

Assessment:

Assessment methods:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

Papers: Students are required to write research papers and case studies on specific topics related to corporate communication.
Presentations: Students develop and deliver presentations on various communication topics.
Class participation: Active participation in class discussions and activities is also evaluated.

Assessment criteria:

The program uses rubrics and other assessment criteria to ensure that students are meeting the learning objectives of the program. These criteria typically focus on:

Knowledge and understanding of key concepts and theories.

Ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Communication skills (written, oral, and digital).

Professionalism and ethical conduct.

Teaching:

Teaching methods:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

Lectures: Professors deliver lectures to introduce key concepts and theories.
Case studies: Students analyze real-world case studies to apply their knowledge and develop problem-solving skills.
Group projects: Students work in teams to complete projects that require collaboration and communication skills.
Guest speakers: Industry professionals are invited to share their expertise with students.
Online learning: The program utilizes online learning platforms to provide students with access to course materials and resources.

Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in various areas of corporate communication. These faculty members have extensive experience in both academia and the professional world.

Unique approaches:

The program offers a unique approach to corporate communication education by combining public relations fundamentals with an advanced business education. This provides students with a well-rounded understanding of the field and prepares them for leadership roles in communication.

Careers:

Potential career paths:

Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of careers in corporate communication, such as:

Corporate Communications Manager
Public Relations Manager
Investor Relations Specialist
Internal Communications Specialist
Sustainability Communications Manager
Crisis Communication Specialist
Social Media Manager
Government Relations Specialist
Advocacy Manager

Career opportunities:

The program prepares graduates for careers in a variety of industries, including:

Fortune 500 companies
Non-profit organizations
Government agencies
Public relations and communications agencies
Consulting firms

Career outcomes:

The program has a strong track record of placing graduates in successful careers. Graduates have been hired by leading companies such as:

Johnson Controls
Northwestern Mutual
Harley-Davidson
Aurora Health Care
Kohl's
Fiserv

Other:

Accreditation in Public Relations:

Students who have successfully completed the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) professional certification can apply it towards two courses in the MA in Corporate Communication program. This saves time and money for students who have already achieved this prestigious credential.

Admission Requirements:

A completed or nearly-completed bachelor's degree.
A completed online application form and $50 fee.
Official transcripts from all current and previous colleges.
Minimum 3.0 GPA.
Essay questions on the application form.
Resume or job profile.
Two letters of recommendation (optional).

Tuition and Financial Aid:

Tuition: $1,360 per credit for 2024-2025.
Financial aid options are available, including merit-based scholarships, private scholarships, and federal aid.

Conclusion:

Marquette University's MA in Corporate Communication is a comprehensive program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in the dynamic field of corporate communication. With a focus on both public relations and business, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles in a variety of industries.

Tuition: $1,360 per credit for 2024-2025.