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Professional Communication

East Tennessee University
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Tuition USD 1,292 (Tuition (Module)) — International students; USD 519 (Tuition (Module)) — National students
Degree MA
Duration 24 months
Delivery On-campus
Location Johnson City, United States
Language English

Program Overview

The Professional Communication at East Tennessee University is a MA programme in Communications & Media over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.

Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of communications & media. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.

Graduates of the Professional Communication programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United States and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.

Key Program Features

  1. Duration: 24 months
  2. Language of instruction: English
  3. Study mode: On-campus
  4. English requirement: IELTS 6.5
  5. Tuition: USD 1,292 (Tuition (Module)) — International students; USD 519 (Tuition (Module)) — National students
  6. Location: Johnson City, United States, United States

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Professional Communication programme are prepared for diverse careers in communications & media:

  1. Journalist
  2. PR Manager
  3. Content Strategist
  4. Media Producer
  5. Digital Marketing Manager
  6. Communications Officer

Program Curriculum

Course Structure

  1. Communication Ethics
  2. Applied Communication Theory
  3. Media and the First Amendment
  4. Digital Strategic Communication
  5. Public Opinion
  6. Public Relations Case Studies
  7. Media Management
  8. Mass Communications and Popular Culture
  9. Applied Storytelling: Storytelling for a Purpose
  10. Quantitative Research Methods in Communication
  11. Qualitative Research in Communication

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: 3

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

Each applicant is evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
  • At least a 3.0 overall undergraduate grade point average.
  • Graduate Record Examination test scores predictive of success in the program.
  • Three letters that recommend admission to graduate study and that sufficiently evidence the applicant\xc2\x92s potential for success in the Professional Communication program. When selecting persons to write recommendation letters, please choose people who can address your academic/intellectual abilities in the discipline (e.g., professors and/or professionals). Optimally, applicants should supply at least two (2) letters from former or current professors, especially from those within the discipline. Letters from professionals should address the applicant\xc2\x92s work ethic, ability to work autonomously, potential for intellectual growth, and applicable academic skills (e.g., research and writing abilities).
  • A brief application essay of approximately 150-300 words (required by Graduate School).
In the application essay, the applicant should be certain to express why she or he desires a Masters in Professional Communication, referencing possible topics of interest identified in the PCOM program. The essay also is an opportunity for the applicant to highlight or address strengths and explain weaknesses in the application materials (e.g., GRE and GPA scores).Applicants who are weak in one area may still be admitted if they have high credentials in other areas. Those who have not completed an undergraduate major or minor in communications may be required to undertake preparatory coursework. Such coursework will be specified by the graduate advisor, dependent upon the applicant\xc2\x92s background and designated emphasis area. Those applicants not meeting the admissions requirements as listed above may be conditionally admitted for 9 hours of graduate study at the discretion of the graduate committee.Students must enroll in the first course in the program, SPCH 5100, Foundations of Communication Studies, during their first semester. SPCH 5100 is offered each fall semester. The next course in the program is SPCH 5330, Applied Communication Theory, in which students are advised to enroll in their first semester as well. During the period before candidacy, graduate students are advised by the departmental graduate coordinator. In consultation with the graduate advisor, the student devises an individualized Professional Communication program of study consisting of a core of common communication courses that all students are required to take, an emphasis in one of the six disciplines represented within the department, and a series of cognate courses from the department and from other units within the university

English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Fee

USD 1,292 (Tuition (Module)) — International students; USD 519 (Tuition (Module)) — National students

Tuition fees: USD 1,292 (Tuition (Module)) — International students; USD 519 (Tuition (Module)) — National students

IELTS requirement: 6.5

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Contact East Tennessee University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.

About East Tennessee University

East Tennessee University logo

East Tennessee University

Johnson City, United States

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a public land-grant research university in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is...

University Profile
Application Information
  • Start Date 2017-10-31
  • Language English
  • Duration 24 months
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