Program Overview

Master (MA) in Strategic Communication & Public Relations

Program Overview

In a world of growing media and new technologies, the role of communication specialists is rapidly expanding. The MA in Strategic Communication and Public Relations is a professional degree program designed to help prepare the next generation of professionals to successfully meet the increasing local and global demands for communication expertise. The program reflects the latest developments in the field while maintaining the curricular and educational standards of top American and European graduate programs. By integrating theory with practice and focusing on a real-world approach, students are trained for a variety of positions in private, public, and non-profit settings.

• Duration: One year (full-time) or up to three years (part-time).
• Number of Courses: 11 courses (33 US credits).
• Attendance: Classes run Monday to Thursday, from 18:30 - 21:30. Fridays are reserved for make-up classes and other academic activities, such as master classes, workshops, and lectures.
• Admission Points: New students are admitted at the start of the fall, winter, and spring terms.

Unique Program Features

• NECHE Accreditation
• CIPR accredited teaching Centre
• Annual PR Practicum with leading PR firm visit
• Strong applied focus
• Option to pursue CIPR Specialist Diploma in Crisis Communication and specialize further.

Program Structure (Curriculum)

Program Level Competencies
Upon successful completion of this program, participants should be able to:

• Apply key communication theories and concepts to public relations practice in multiple industries and contexts.
• Demonstrate strategic level analysis and critical thinking in designing communication programs to meet organizational goals and objectives.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic communication plans for a wide range of organizations and industries while selecting and applying effective problem-solving processes and innovative thinking in both local and global contexts.
• Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications profession.
• Apply appropriate digital technologies in communication program design and implementation to reach and engage relevant audiences.
• Produce creative and innovative public relations content suitable for a variety of audiences and in a variety of media forms.
• Communicate effectively and deliver professional presentations in oral, written, digital, or combined formats.

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition
Tuition is payable on a course-by-course basis.

Merit Scholarships
The School of Graduate & Professional Education offers scholarships covering a portion of the cost of tuition to all applicants who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their undergraduate studies.

Financial Assistance
Since its founding in 1875, The American College of Greece (ACG) has provided assistance to students needing help in meeting their educational expenses, thereby enabling students with demonstrated ability and promise to access a quality education, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Discounts
All ACG alumni are entitled to a 10% tuition fee discount on top of any other scholarship or financial assistance program which may apply. Corporate discount programs are also available to two or more employees from one organization who wish to study in the graduate programs.

Student Profile

The program is appropriate for graduates and practitioners from all disciplines and backgrounds. It is designed for recent graduates from all disciplines, as well as for working professionals from a broad cross-section: educators, lawyers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and community/NGO managers. The program also welcomes experienced professionals who wish to enhance their educational qualifications and their career opportunities.

Current Student Profile

• Average Age: 27.54 years
• Female: 82%
• Male: 18%
• Student Nationality: Domestic: 89.61%; International: 10.39%
• First Degree Obtained From: Greek AEI (76.62%); ACG-Deree (3.90%); International University (19.48%)

Career Opportunities

Graduates are typically employed in a wide range of professional fields and industries including public relations, advertising, consulting, broadcasting, lobbying, event planning, fundraising, campaign management, and corporate affairs, as well as communication careers in tourism, entertainment, and politics. Graduates of the program are also well prepared to pursue a higher academic degree in communication.

Deree graduate students receive support from the Office of Career Services, which helps them connect with the 50,000 ACG alumni around the globe, expand their professional network, and gain access to various job positions.

Faculty

• Daniel McCormac
  Full-time Faculty – Frances Rich School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  Communication
• Grigorios N. Karimalis
  Associate Faculty – Frances Rich School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  Communication
• Katerina Diamantaki
  Full-time Faculty – Frances Rich School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  Communication
• Christina Giakoumaki
  Full-time Faculty – Frances Rich School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  Communication
• Angelos Kissas
  Full-time Faculty – Frances Rich School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  Communication

Admission Requirements

The minimum graduate admission requirements are:

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with an average grade of B or better.
2. Evidence of strong motivation to work in communication-related areas, determined by interview and personal statement submitted with the application form.
3. Proficiency in the English language, evidenced through one of the following: TOEFL, IELTS, Proficiency, or Duolingo English Test (minimum required score 125). DEREE College graduates and graduates from other accredited English-speaking institutions are not required to submit evidence of proficiency in the English language.

Credit Transfer:
Credit transfer from previously attended graduate degree programs of accredited institutions may be allowed at a maximum limit of 9 credits and will be examined on an individual basis.