Curriculum
The program is 100% online and is designed to fit your individualized life-style. It can be completed in as little as 18 months!
The program is delivered in asynchronous format allowing for flexible schedules. You can study at your convenience without sacrificing your job or family life. Ashland University's Corporate and Strategic Communication program will help you move ahead in your career without putting your life on hold.
Courses are offered in three semesters: Spring (January), Summer (May) and Fall (August)
M.A. in Strategic Communication & Leadership Degree
This 30 hour online degree is comprised of the following curriculum: (15 required and 15 elective credit hours)
| Course Number | Title | Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| COM 510 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 3 |
| COM 520 | Data-Informed Decision Making | 3 |
| COM 620 | Strategic Communication | 3 |
| COM 670 | Communication and Leadership | 3 |
| COM 775/780/798 | Exit Option: research project or internship | 3 |
| Elective Courses (select 5) | ||
| COM 590 | Public Relations | (3) |
| COM 630 | Interpersonal Communication | (3) |
| COM 640 | Organizational Communication | (3) |
| COM 660 | Professional Speaking | (3) |
| COM 650 | Risk and Crisis Communication | (3) |
| COM 770 | Special Topics in Strategic Communication | (3) |
| MBA 552 | Training and Development | (3) |
Stackable Graduate Certificates
1 Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Strategic Communication - 9 required credit hours
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| COM 510 | Intro to Graduate Studies |
| COM 520 | Data-Informed Decision Making |
| COM 620 | Strategic Communication |
2 Graduate Certificate in Applied Strategic Communication - 15 credit hours (9 required and 6 elective hours)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Required Courses | |
| COM 510 | Intro to Graduate Studies |
| COM 520 | Data-Informed Decision Making |
| COM 620 | Strategic Communication |
| Elective Courses (select 2) | |
| COM 630 | Interpersonal Communication |
| COM 640 | Organizational Communication |
| COM 590 | Public Relations |
| COM 660 | Professional Speaking |
| COM 650 | Risk and Crisis Communication |
| COM 670 | Communication and Leadership |
| COM 680 | Social Media Platforming |
3 Graduate Certificate in Communication Studies - 18 credit hours (15 required and 3 elective credit hours)
| COURSE | TITLE |
|---|---|
| Required Courses | |
| COM 510 | Intro to Graduate Studies |
| COM 520 | Data-Informed Decision Making |
| COM 630 | Interpersonal Communication |
| COM 640 | Organizational Communication |
| COM 660 | Professional Speaking |
| Elective Courses (select 1) | |
| COM 620 | Strategic Communication |
| COM 590 | Public Relations |
| COM 650 | Risk and Crisis Communication |
| COM 670 | Communication and Leadership |
| COM 680 | Social Media Platforming |
The Master of Arts in Corporate and Strategic Communication offers a College Credit Plus curriculum for high school teachers who have a master's degree and are interested in earning the required 18 credit hours of concentration to teach Human Communication or other core communication courses.
18 Credit Hour Curriculum
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| COM 510 | Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication | 3 |
| COM 520 | Data Driven Decision Making | 3 |
| COM 620 | Strategic Communication (Prerequisites: COM 510, 520) | 3 |
| COM 640 | Organizational Communication (Prerequisites: COM 510, 520) | 3 |
| COM 650 | Risk and Crisis Communication (Prerequisites: COM 510, 520) | 3 |
| Choose one | ||
| COM 540 | Health Communication (Prerequisites: COM 510, 520) | (3) |
| COM 590 | Public Relations (Prerequisites: COM 510, 520) | (3) |
| COM 630 | Interpersonal Communication (Prerequisites: COM 510, 520) | (3) |
| COM 680 | Seminar in Social Media (Prerequisites: COM 510, 520) | (3) |
| COM 690 | Public Relations Campaigns (Prerequisites: COM 510, 520) | (3) |
| COM 750 | Seminar in Health & Risk Communications (Prerequisites: COM 510, 520) | (3) |
| COM 770 | Special Topics in Corporate and Strategic Communication (Prerequisites: COM 510, 520) | (3) |
For more information, please contact Graduate Admissions at 419.289.5738
Frequently Asked Questions
Students can complete the MASCL program in as little as 18 months by taking two or three courses per semester.
No. We require students to have completed an undergraduate degree. Our careful review of applications, resumes and prior education accomplishments allows us to predict success in the program.
Please view the current Graduate School Tuition & Fees page.
Generally, an admission decision will be sent to applicants within two to three weeks after the receipt of a completed application file. A completed application file includes the application form (completed online), official transcripts, resume, and a $30 application fee.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. While there is no particular deadline, it is suggested that applicants ensure that all required items are received at our office at least one month prior to the start of the semester of intended enrollment.
Courses will be offered in an asynchronous format allowing for flexible schedules on an ongoing rotation.
Textbook information can be found on each course syllabus. Students will be responsible for purchasing textbooks and required material. Professors will list complete textbook information including the ICN and the publisher’s web address.
The Academic Advisors in the Graduate, Online, and Adult Center for Academic Support will serve as the student's academic advisor. They will assist with course planning, registration, and program review . Students are also encouraged to seek advice from faculty members, especially regarding career planning and which courses to take.
Yes. Students with a corporate reimbursement options may delay their tuition payment until the end of the semester. Upon receiving final grades, the student will have approximately 30 days to pay the balance due. There is a $40 corporate reimbursement fee per course that will be assessed to the account of these students.
Yes. Ashland University is a private, non-profit, comprehensive university founded in 1878. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Job Center
Many job opportunities for corporate and strategic communication posted on these sites:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Cleveland Clinic Careers
- National Commission of Health Education Credentialing
- PRSA
- Society for Risk Analysis
- United Health Group
- USA Government Jobs
Additional job postings and search resources can be obtained through the Ashland University Career Services Center.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (placing health and risk communication under the larger heading of public relations) estimates that there will be a 24% growth in employment of health and risk communication professionals by 2018 (www.bls.gov.)
Organizations
There are many associations for professionals who work within the health, risk, safety, and crisis communication field. Many of which hold annual conferences.
- American Academy on Communication in Healthcare
- American College of Healthcare Executives
- Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals
- American Marketing Association (AMA)
- Association of Public Safety Communication
- Association of Risk and Crisis Communication
- Health and Science Communications
- Coalition for Health Communication
- International Communication Association
- National Communication Association, as well as regional and state associations
- National Conference on Health Communication
- Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
