Program Overview
Explore the 100% Online Master of Arts in Communication Studies Program at Arkansas State University
Expand your career path with a Master of Arts in Communication Studies online degree from Arkansas State University. This graduate level program improves your effectiveness in communicating with small and large audiences, making you a valuable asset to any business organization. Sharpen your research and writing skills, and gain insight into nonverbal and multicultural communication.
$10,200
Program Tuition
As few as 12 months
Program Duration
30
Credit Hours
$10,200
Total Tuition
As few as 12 months
Program Duration
30
Credit Hours
Throughout this online master's program, you will grow your proficiency in the subtleties of different communication methods—preparing you to voice your message in a format that best resonates with your audience. Gain knowledge about multicultural and nonverbal communication, communication theories, and research and writing techniques that help you craft effective messaging.
Learning qualitative and quantitative research methods along with models and theories of human communication will allow you to create meaning in your communications. The competencies you acquire can help you move up into management roles such as program director and communications or content management, as well as teaching at the higher-education level.
The 100% online Master of Arts in Communication Studies degree at Arkansas State University is designed for flexibility and is customizable to meet your interests, with electives making up more than half of the program. Create a curriculum that helps you achieve your personal and professional goals on your own schedule in this affordable degree program.
As a graduate, you will be prepared for career advancement into communications roles including:
- Communications Manager
- Program Manager
- College Instructor
- Content Manager
Tuition
Earning Your Master of Arts Online Is Cost-Effective
Our M.A. in Communication Studies online program offers the same affordable tuition to in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included in the total tuition.
| Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
| $300.00 | $40.00 | $340.00 | $900.00 | $120.00 | $1020.00 |
Calendar
Review Deadlines and Start Dates for the Flexible M.A. in Communication Studies
Our completely online M.A. in Communication Studies offers multiple start date options and accelerated coursework with working professional students in mind.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
| Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2023 | 5 wk | 05/30/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 05/15/2023 | 05/19/2023 | 05/25/2023 | 05/26/2023 | 06/19/2023 |
| 5 wk | 07/03/2023 | 08/04/2023 | 06/19/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 06/29/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 07/21/2023 | |
| Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/07/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
| 7 wk | 10/16/2023 | 12/08/2023 | 10/02/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 10/12/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/17/2023 | |
| Spring 2024 | 7 wk | 01/08/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 12/15/2023 | 12/19/2023 | 01/04/2024 | 01/05/2024 | 02/09/2024 |
| 7 wk | 03/04/2024 | 04/26/2024 | 02/19/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 02/29/2024 | 03/01/2024 | 04/05/2024 | |
| Summer 2024 | 5 wk | 05/28/2024 | 06/27/2024 | 05/14/2024 | 05/17/2024 | 05/23/2024 | 05/24/2024 | 06/14/2024 |
| 5 wk | 07/02/2024 | 08/01/2024 | 06/18/2024 | 06/21/2024 | 06/27/2024 | 06/28/2024 | 07/26/2024 |
Admissions
Check the Requirements for Our M.A. in Communication Studies Program
A-State Online has a streamlined admission process for new students and transfers alike. Students who are interested in the M.A. in Communication Studies online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Review full admission requirements below.
- Complete online application and submit a nonrefundable $30 fee.
- Have a baccalaureate degree or a master's degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institution.
- Official transcript(s) sent from the registrar of the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institutions.
- Submit a writing sample that showcases applicants' writing abilities and demonstrates creative thinking skills. Examples of acceptable samples include a term or research paper or rhetorical analysis.
Additional Information
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Courses
Preview the M.A. in Communication Studies Online Courses
The M.A. in Communication Studies online program requires 30 credit hours of coursework. Students will take four required core courses (12 credit hours) and choose six elective courses that are COMS or STCM courses (18 credit hours).
Students must complete the following 4 courses.
COMS 6053: Quantitative Research Methods
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study of the tools and techniques of empirical research as they may be applied to mass communications
COMS 6203: Introduction to Communication Studies
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Survey of research methods; evaluation of selected studies; preparation of thesis.
COMS 6283: Qualitative Research Methods
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Major approaches to qualitative inquiry in the fields of media and communication. Students will gain experience in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative data as well as in writing qualitative research reports.
COMS 6103: Communication Theory
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Theories, models, and approaches relevant to the study of human communication.
Students must select six courses (18 credit hours) from the following choices. Two courses (six credit hours) must be 6000-level courses. Other COMS/STCM graduate courses may satisfy the elective requirements.
STCM 6033: Communication Regulation and Policy
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course provides an introduction to media laws and regulations, addressing how they impact media managers, how to allocate necessary resources, and how to remain current as to media policies and regulations.
STCM 6253: Audience Market Analysis
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Using social scientific research methods for audience/consumer analysis, this course provides a survey of applications of research in media industries. Pragmatic task activities will be conducted via Nielsen, Arbitron, SRDS and related data sources to find audience market.
STCM 6263: Advertising Account Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Advanced study of the principles and practice of media account management. Includes an in-depth analysis of advantages and disadvantages of multiple media platforms in communicating messages to diverse target audiences and a discussion of effective and ethical client relationships.
STCM 6303: Seminar in Strategic Communications
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The role of strategic communications in and for organizations and brands, including communications objective(s), target audience(s), and key messages. Addresses application of communication theory and research related to public relations, advertising and social media.
STCM 6313: Seminar in Information Technology Law
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Application of principles of privacy law and technology to current legal and policy problems.
COMS 6413: Organizational and Intercultural Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course will introduce students to intercultural communication and function of organization communication in the workplace, addressing how effective communication within organizations affects business and how to advance intercultural skills while being aware of different world views.
COMS 6233: Communication Education
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course is a study of the history and philosophy of the pedagogy of communication studies, to include both theoretical and applied aspects of the discipline.
COMS 6273: Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Examination of a broad range of rhetorical theories to help students make critical and analytical applications to public discourse.
STCM 5113: Integrated Marketing Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Focuses on the strategic integration of various channels and methods of communication for the purpose of delivering key messages to diverse target audiences in order to elicit responses, create a dialogue and engender relationship-building.
STCM 5213: Social Media in Strategic Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course examines concepts and applications of social media within mass communications, news, advertising, and public relations industries. We will explore and apply social media tools, integrating them into an organization’s overall communication strategy.
STCM 5123: International Intellectual Property Law
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Examination of the International Intellectual Property System (IIPS) and its development in response to international trade and digital innovations. Subject areas include a primary focus on copyright and trademark with some coverage of patent law.
STCM 5463: Interactive Advertising
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the world of online interactive advertising. It surveys a variety of important topics, from integrating social media initiatives into the overall marketing communications plan to online display ads to developing an effective search engine strategy.
STCM 5473: Social Media Measurement
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Measurement and improvement of investment outcomes from use of social media in advertising, public relations and marketing communications.
STCM 5603: Crisis Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An investigation of communications during crises, focusing on public relations, advertising and other persuasive efforts by institutions, corporations, movement leaders, and citizens to describe, persuade and shape human interactions with their environment during a crisis.
Next Start Date: