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Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Health Communication and Promotion at Washington State University is designed for individuals working in communication fields and health sciences who seek to refresh and update their skills or specialize in health communication. This online program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively communicate health information to diverse audiences.

Program Objectives

The primary objectives of the Online MA Health Communication and Promotion program are:

1. To produce quality students who possess the theoretical foundation and practical knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields.
2. To train individuals who will perform at the highest level of both professional and ethical standards.

Program of Study

The degree requires 30 credits, with all courses available online. The program consists of:

• Professional Core Courses (12 credits):
  • COM 561 – Multimedia Content Creation
  • COM 562 – Crisis Communication in Global Contexts
  • COM 563 – Ethics for Professionals
  • COM 564 – Research Methods for Professionals
• Health Communication and Promotion Core Courses (15 credits):
  • COMHLTH 570 – Health Communication and Behavior Change
  • COMHLTH 571 – Communicating Health in Practice
  • COMHLTH 572 – Communicating Health to Specialized Populations
  • COMHLTH 573 – Communicating Health in a Digital Landscape
  • COMHLTH 574 – Health Message Design and Effectiveness
• Capstone Courses (3 credits):
  • COMSTRAT 701 – Master’s Capstone

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of health communication and promotion theories and practices.
2. Gather and assess health-related information using analyses and research.
3. Develop health communication and promotion campaign materials and implement campaigns.
4. Ethically communicate health information to diverse audiences.

Professional Master’s Degree

The Online MA Health Communication and Promotion program is a professional degree program structured to provide opportunities for career transition or advancement in professional communication positions. It is non-thesis, involves limited theory, and does not include a classroom teaching component or active research assignment.

Student Pathways

• All courses are 100% online, including weekly online instructor office hours and frequent student self-assessment tools.
• Most students take 2-3 classes each semester across the 10-course curriculum.
• Students work closely with both industry professionals and PhD faculty scholars.
• The recommended completion time is four semesters to achieve the best work-home-school balance.

Application Information

Application Deadlines

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• April 15 for summer enrollment

Application Instructions

• Complete a general application with WSU Graduate School, indicating an interest in a degree program.
• Include:
  • Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate institutions
  • International students submit TOEFL
  • Current professional resume with at least three professional references
  • Statement of Purpose articulating perspectives, contributions, qualifications, and talents

Notes

• There is a $90 application fee (non-refundable).
• The program does not require undergraduate prerequisites, but applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• No GRE is required.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should address:

• Why the online MA Health Communication and Promotion program at WSU interests you
• What led you to desire an advanced degree
• Where you think your MA will lead you personally and/or professionally
• How the degree program fits into your current personal or professional path
• What you hope to achieve through the curriculum
• Other anecdotes or background information that will aid in evaluating your potential for success in the program

Tuition

• Online students pay the in-state tuition rate.
• The tuition is estimated at $672 per credit.
• The estimated cost of the program is $20,150.
• Graduate students must be enrolled in at least half-time (six credits) to be eligible for financial aid.