Program Overview
An online Master of Arts in Communication Studies with a specialization in Organizational Leadership from The University of Alabama can help you develop a deep understanding of the theory and strategy behind impactful, decisive communication.
Online Program Format
30 Credit Hours
$480 Tuition Per Hour
Communicate and lead more effectively with an online master's degree in Communication Studies.
Whether you want to move up in your company or make a career change, the master’s in Communication Studies with a specialization in Organizational Leadership online program is designed to help you understand the role that communication plays in our social, personal, and organizational lives. Learn how to foster effective leadership and improve group and interpersonal dynamics.
The curriculum provides you with the opportunity to study both theoretical and applied aspects of public discussion, negotiation, group and team dynamics, and interpersonal communication. Through the Organizational Leadership specialization, you will gain additional skills that are directly applicable to any workplace.
| Application Priority Deadline | July 1 for fall cohort, November 1 for spring cohort, and April 1 for summer cohort. |
| Scholarships and Grants Available | Discover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey |
Curriculum
The online MA in Communication Studies with a specialization in Organizational Leadership, consists of 30 credit hours of coursework, including 12 hours within the specialization. The program has no advanced math requirements. Students may complete the master’s in Communication Studies online program in less than two years by taking two classes per semester.
Students should take COM 500 in their first term and COM 580 in their final term, but all other courses may be taken in any order. A suggested progression including all courses is below, but please note courses are subject to change and course availability may vary by term.
Required Courses
- COM 500 Introduction to Graduate Studies
- COM 550 Qualitative Research Methods (Methods I requirement)
- COM 555 Conflict and Negotiation
- COM 560 Group Leadership
- COM 561 Human Communication Theory
- COM 571 Seminar in Organizational Communication
- COM 572 Seminar in Organizational Communication: Assessment and Intervention
- COM 580 Capstone Seminar (*Required capstone course taken in last term)
Elective Courses (Choose 2)
- COM 513 Communication and Diversity
- COM 525 Gender and Political Communication
- COM 563 Relational Communication
- COM 575 Technology, Culture and Human Communication
View more information about this program through the University’s catalog. Scroll down to Organizational Leadership emphasis.
Admission
Applications are accepted year-round. To be considered for regular admission, students must meet the following admission requirement:
- An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a 3.0 average for the last 60 semester hours in a degree program, or a 3.0 or higher in a completed graduate degree program.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a completed Graduate School application by July 1 for fall enrollment, Nov. 1 for spring enrollment and April 1 for summer enrollment. These are priority deadlines, and strong applicants may be accepted after these dates if space is available. A completed Graduate School application must include the following:
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
- Statement of purpose.
- Three academic references – Provide the name and email for each reference. Letters of recommendation are not required.
Admissions information from the Department of Communication Studies.
Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.
Student Spotlight
Inspiring stories of success from students and alumni.
Take a look at some of our UA Online stories.
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Dawn Stephens
Devoted Mother
When Dawn Stephens determined it was time to finish her bachelor’s degree, she chose UA Online’s New College LifeTrack.
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Megan Brannan-Pierce
Q&A with Megan
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Janet Williams knew she could be an even better teacher to her fourth grade students.
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Savannah Fisher
Mastering Her Next Move
When Savannah Fisher was a busy undergraduate, she knew she’d soon be pursuing an MA in Elementary Education.
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Noel Taylor
Pursuing Excellence
He embraced the academic rigor of his courses along with the camaraderie and companionship.
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Defining Her Passion
McKinsey thought she was supposed to be a middle school classroom teacher, but the COVID-19 pandemic gave her the space to take a step back.
Read More : Defining Her Passion, Delivering Compassion | MA in Higher Education Administration -
Matthew and Madison Barrett
Meet the Barretts
Matthew and Madison Barrett share their experiences as they balanced work, life and the pursuit of their graduate degrees with UA Online.
Read More : Meet the Barretts: A Shared Journey of Success at UA Online
Contact Us
Program Information
Kayden Black
Admissions Representative 800-467-0227
kaydenb.bama@ua.edu
Admissions Information
UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu