Program Overview

Corporate and Public Communication Program (MA & MS)

The Corporate and Public Communication (CPC) major in the Professional Communication Master's Degree program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in dynamic communication roles within both corporate and public sectors. This versatile program is available online and on-campus, providing flexibility to accommodate diverse learning preferences.

Program Description

The overall purpose of the Corporate and Public Communication major in the Professional Communication degree program is to teach essential skills for graduate students to be successful in communication-based careers. Specifically, the CPC program focuses on training graduate students who are seeking to enhance their knowledge and experience in professional communication and/or gain applied skills for professional growth and career elevation in communication-related positions found in many professional sectors, including corporations, small/large businesses, government organizations, non-profits, and public agencies.

Program Goals

The goals of the CPC program include:

• Preparing students for professional careers within business, government, not-for-profit organizations, or educational institutions
• Providing students with experience in making formal communication presentations
• Helping students develop quantitative and qualitative skills in organizational communication contexts
• Equipping students with basic knowledge of communication theories with particular emphasis on those that apply to corporate and public affairs, public information, and issue management

Admission Requirements

All applicants for the Corporate and Public Communication master's program must meet both university and program requirements. The requirements include:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university and a GPA (Grade Point Average) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 system) on all work attempted while registered as an upper-division student working toward a baccalaureate degree
• A self-authored, original, statement of purpose addressing their interest and fit for this program
• Three letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant's ability to succeed in this graduate program
• A resume or curriculum vitae, which is carefully proofread, professional in nature, and outlines all related academic and professional experiences relevant to this program

Degree Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of thirty-three (33) hours of graduate-level coursework, which includes a capstone final project and a project defense in their last semester. The degree requirements include:

• Twenty-four (24) hours of core classes that include theory and principles, research methods, and application
• Six (6) hours of elective courses
• Three (3) hours capstone course
• Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination (0 Credit hours)

Master of Science (MS) in Corporate and Public Communication

The Master of Science in Corporate and Public Communication requires a minimum of thirty-three (33) hours of graduate-level coursework, which includes a capstone final project and a project defense to be completed during the students' last semester. The program requires students to take:

• Program Core Courses
  • Theory and Principles (6 credits 5000 level or above)
  • Research and Methods (6 credits 5000 level or above)
  • Applications (12 credits 5000 level or above)
• Program Elective Courses (6 credits 5000 level or above)
• Capstone Project & Comprehensive Exam

Master of Arts (MA) in Corporate and Public Communication

The Master of Arts in Corporate and Public Communication requires the same minimum thirty-three (33) hours and grade point average requirements as the Master of Science. However, these students must complete six (6) or more semester hours of graduate credit in humanities courses and demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language.

Capstone Project & Comprehensive Exam

The Capstone course is an applied professional communication project where students demonstrate cumulative mastery of knowledge and skills from core program courses. The Comprehensive Exam tests student mastery of program core courses and has both a written and oral portion.