Master of Arts in Communication
HOPKINS EXCELLENCE:
Johns Hopkins University offers a serious, practical, and flexible Master of Arts in Communication degree. The Hopkins reputation is known world-wide for excellence. Communication classes in our master’s program are small to provide maximum, meaningful interaction. Classes average 12 students.
We provide a cutting-edge curriculum that integrates digital technology with innovative strategic communication and strong writing skills. Take a look at our course descriptions and distinguished faculty members to get a sense of how our communication program can take your career to the next level.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS MEET SOCIAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION:
The Hopkins MA in Communication teaches practical and applied knowledge from the perspective of social scientists who study effective communication and practitioners who use it. Electives engage students by having them tackle real-life communication issues, develop usable communication skills, and build a strong portfolio. Industry experts bring real-world lessons, experience, and best practices to the classroom.
In our core courses, Hopkins students learn to conduct and read primary research so they can create powerful messages and design and implement the most effective communication campaigns possible. Combining the study of best practices with what research shows is effective communication gives our Master of Arts in Communication graduates a competitive advantage in the workplace.
FLEXIBILITY:
The Communication program is designed to be flexible so students can take classes at a full- or part-time pace. We offer classes in the evenings so students need not interrupt their professional careers; some courses are offered online and on Saturday. Beginning January 2011, degree candidates will be able to complete a Communication degree fully online (if they so choose). Students who work full time can take one or two communication courses a semester; those who do not can take up to four. We offer courses and admission to the MA in Communication year round (fall, spring, and summer).
LOCATION:
The master's degree in Communication is housed at the DC Center of The Johns Hopkins University. The JHU Washington Center is walking distance from the DuPont Circle metro stop, and reduced rate garage parking is available to students during classes.
NETWORK:
Most of our students are full-time communication professionals who apply to our program for its flexibility and rigorous curriculum. They come to Johns Hopkins to get a practical education, and they comprise an important network of the region's most enterprising and aspiring professionals. Hopkins alumni from the Communication program work in the press offices of federal agencies, in the public relations and marketing departments of major corporations, and as communication directors for non-profit organizations. Students and alumni have access to our exclusive job opportunities listserv and the Johns Hopkins Virtual Career Network.
GRE: Applicants who have a GPA of less than 3.40 must submit GRE scores. The GRE-score requirement will be WAIVED for applicants with at least four years of full-time work experience after completing college.
Graduate Degree Programs:
Master of Arts in Communication
Ten courses, including a master's thesis, are required to complete the MA in Communication. Full-time students can complete their coursework in a little over one year. Students enrolled part time can earn their degrees in about two years or take up to five years if they wish. Students who work full time can take a maximum of two courses per semester.
Master of Arts in Communication/MBA
Students who pursue the joint degree will take classes in the Communication department at the School of Arts and Sciences and in the MBA department at the Carey School of Business. Students must complete twenty-two courses, including a master's thesis to complete the degree. Students who work full time can take a maximum of two courses per semester.
Concentrations and Areas of Emphasis:
Public and Media Relations
The concentration in public relations covers everything from pitching to planning, budgeting, and executing a comprehensive communication campaign. Courses include public relations, media relations, crisis communication, and strategic communication program management. Private companies, non-profit organizations, and federal agencies all employ communication strategies and need employees knowledgeable in theory and practice.
Political Communication
The concentration in political communication addresses issues from campaign strategies to running a press office to influencing public policy. Courses include public affairs, campaign communication, crisis communication, and speech writing. Whether it's governing, running for office, or pushing for policy change, communication is at the heart of politics.
Health Communication
The concentration in health communication considers how to develop and evaluate an effective public information campaign, what demands are placed on communication specialists during a crisis, and how to incorporate behavior-change messages into a variety of channels and genres such as entertainment. Courses include social marketing, health psychology, emergency and risk communication, and developing and evaluating communication campaigns. Health communication professionals must develop, deliver, and evaluate modern health communication programs. This concentration explores what has been done, what works, and why.
Digital Communication
The concentration in digital technologies examines the strategic use of digital communication for communication professionals. This concentration addresses how to use the web and social media to reach out to diverse publics and how to incorporate digital with traditional communication campaigns. Courses include effective web design and strategy, public relations in the digital age, using digital and social media, and devising a digital strategy for a non-profit organization. Digital communication tools are an important part of the modern communication workplace.
Corporate and Non-Profit Communication
The concentration in corporate and non-profit communication examines all of the important components of communication in an organizational context. Students will study how managers communicate with staff, how businesses and nonprofits communicate with the media, and how to advertise and market to potential consumers and donors. Courses include branding and advertising, integrated marketing communication, corporate social responsibility campaign strategies, and managerial communication. A solid communication strategy, both internally and externally, is important to a successful organization.
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