Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 General Catalog 
    
2019-2020 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG–FOR INFORMATION ONLY]

Master of Arts in Professional Communication


Person IconGraduate Program Director
Kevin Stein – EVT 213F – (435) 586-7874
Faculty IconFaculty & Staff
Administrative Assistant IconAdministrative Assistant
Paige Smith – EVT 213 – (435) 586-7861
Website IconWebsite
 

Overview of Program

The SUU Master of Arts in Professional Communication (MAPC) is an applied, professional degree designed to focus on advanced research and writing and presentation skills required for effectiveness in diverse communication industries. The practice-oriented program is ideal for those working for companies requiring audience messaging capabilities in advertising and public relations campaigns; social media content creation, strategy, and curation; internal organizational analysis; training and consulting; and media production. Candidates need not have a bachelor’s degree in Communication to apply, be accepted, or succeed in the program.

In addition to doctoral education, our faculty has decades of professional experience working as business/industry consultants, marketing professionals, sales directors and executives, talent for media outlets, media managers and media owners, event promotion specialists, and public relations practitioners.

Mission

Southern Utah University’s M.A. degree in Professional Communication prepares students for career paths and opportunities by focusing on message design, analysis, dissemination, and evaluation. The program fosters ethical reasoning and action, critical thinking, research competencies, and effective writing and oral communication abilities.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will develop theoretical competence and an understanding of how to apply this knowledge to a variety of professional/personal relationships and career problem solving situations.
  2. Students will deepen methodological understanding and develop specific research competencies designed to inform, connect with, and influence target audiences.
  3. Students will develop and refine skills to improve writing and speaking ability while learning to create compelling presentations based on research and critical thinking investigative exercises.
  4. Students will become more conversant with social media and new technologies while systematically exploring the limits and impact of their use in professional communication situations.
  5. Students will understand the central issues related to message design, dissemination, analysis, and impact related to diverse audiences regardless of size, demographic composition, or geographic location.

Admission and Graduation Information

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the SUU Master of Arts in Professional Communication program, candidates must provide a complete application file at www.suu.edu/hss/comm/masters. See the MAPC website for updated information. A complete file must include the following:

  • A one-page cover letter with a statement of intent.
  • Official transcript(s) reflecting a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. (Students with lower GPAs may be considered for conditional admission only.)
  • Graduate Records Exam score (General Test - Students with combined scores lower than 290 on the verbal and math sections and a 4.0 on the analytical writing section may be considered for conditional admission only). Some students may qualify to waive the GRE requirement.  For more information please contact the Graduate Director.
  • Completed application form: www.suu.edu/graduatestudies.
  • $60 processing fee (nonrefundable).
  • Writing sample (professional or academic, not to exceed 10 pages).
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation (students with undergraduate degrees from SUU’s Communication Department do not need letters if their graduation date is 3 years or less from the time of application).

Send applications materials to:

SUU Graduate Programs
Admissions Office
P.O. Box 8008
Cedar City, Utah 84720

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted for fall and spring semesters. Priority will be given to those applicants who meet the listed deadlines. An acceptance decision is made upon completion of an applicant’s file, and candidates are notified after the Department Graduate Council reviews applications. For additional information about admission requirements, assistantships, and deadlines, contact:

Dr. Matthew H. Barton, Graduate Director
Department of Communication, SUU
351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
Ph: (435) 586-7970, bartonm@suu.edu

Application deadline dates for the Master of Arts in Professional Communication Program are as follows:

Semester Start Date Application Deadline
Assistantship application deadline for Fall semester start (must have complete application to be considered) March 15
Summer Semester April 15
Fall Semester June 15
Spring Semester October 15
 

Degree Requirements

The prospective student must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree need not be in communication. The master’s degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate coursework and applied research competency. There are additional opportunities to teach undergraduate courses, participate in research projects, and network with other graduate students. The program culminates in a graduate capstone experience.

Graduation Requirements

  • All graduate students must complete their program within six (6) years of matriculation.
  • Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all graduate courses to graduate. Students who fail to maintain a 3.0 average GPA will be placed on probation and may be dropped from the program.
  • No grade below a “C+” will be counted toward graduation.

Other Information

Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Waivers

Please consult with the Program Director regarding qualifications and requirements to be considered for a graduate assistantship and/or tuition waiver. Tuition waivers are awarded based on GPA, GRE scores, writing ability, and the applicant’s skill and professional experience. Paid assistantship opportunities include teaching courses, conducting research, sport marketing, public relations, international recruiting, and working with community partners in university practicums. For more information about financial aid available to graduate students please refer to the Graduate Degrees  section or the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Graduate Student Policies

Students should be familiar with all SUU policies related to graduate education. Please refer to SUU policies page (help.suu.edu/policies). In addition, students should refer to the graduate handbook for current program policies (www.suu.edu/hss/comm/masters).

Programs

    Master’s Degree