Program Overview

Master of Arts in Health Communication and Promotion

The Master of Arts in Health Communication and Promotion at Washington State University is designed for individuals seeking to refresh and update their skills or specialize in health communication and promotion. This online master's degree program is tailored for those who work in communication fields and health sciences, as well as for individuals who want to enter the profession of health communication and promotion or enhance their credentials to meet Murrow College standards for ethics, integrity, and leadership within the field of health communication.

Degree Description

The program offers expertise in new and traditional media, teaching students how to gather and analyze information and use those findings in creating health and public awareness campaigns. It further develops skills in analyzing information and designing health communication strategies, programs, and initiatives. The program advances student knowledge in communication monitoring, metrics, and reporting effectiveness of outreach efforts. Students are trained to create messages that are both strategic and responsible, following the tradition of Edward R. Murrow. The program includes weekly online instructor office hours, frequent student self-assessment tools, ongoing interaction with other students, and a cohort structure in which students go through the program with the same group.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are evaluated by the Murrow graduate selection committee, which requires official copies of undergraduate transcripts, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a written statement of purpose. GRE scores are not required. Application materials include:

• Unofficial transcripts from all previous undergraduate/graduate institutions
• International students submit TOEFL
• Current professional resume that includes at least three professional references' name and contact information
• Statement of Purpose articulating perspectives, contributions, qualifications, and talents

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should not exceed one page and should address the following:

• Why the online MA Health Communication program at WSU interests you – what attracted you to the program
• What led you to the desire of earning an advanced degree
• Where do you think your MA will lead you personally and/or professionally
• How the degree program fits into your current personal or professional path
• What are your goals in furthering your education? What do you hope to achieve through the curriculum?
• Other anecdotes or background information that will aid in evaluating whether or not you would thrive and be successful in the program

Experience

The coursework is benchmarked at a level best suited to those with solid work and life experience. Student engagement is built into each course, and with it, students benefit greatly from knowledge sharing and mutual exchange. The decision to admit involves a full assessment of the applicant’s academic profile, the mix of experience they bring to the program, and overall readiness for graduate-level work – not just undergraduate GPA or quality of their statement of purpose.

Student Opportunities

• All courses are 100% online and include weekly online instructor office hours, frequent student self-assessment tools, and ongoing interaction with other students.
• Most students take 2-3 classes each semester across the 10-course curriculum.
• Students work closely with both industry professionals and PhD faculty scholars.

Program Details

• Total Graduate Faculty in Program: 13
• Graduate Students in Program: 13
• Priority Deadlines:
  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: April 15
• Campus: Global Campus (online)