Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MA in Communication Studies

MASTER OF ARTS (MA) IN
Communication Studies, specialization in Organizational Leadership

Online

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.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
30
Tuition Per Hour
$440

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 an organization. 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, persuasion and interpersonal communication. Through the Organizational Leadership specialization, you will gain additional skills that are directly applicable to any workplace.

Application Priority DeadlineJuly 1 for fall admission; Nov. 1 for spring admission; April 1 for summer admission

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.

A small number of instructors may include a limited number of synchronous meeting times.

Please note that courses are subject to change.

Organizational Leadership Specialization Courses
(12 hours)

COM 555 Conflict and Negotiation
COM 560 Group Leadership
COM 571 Seminar in Organizational Communication Theory
COM 572 Seminar in Organizational Communication: Assessment and Intervention

Communication Studies Core Theory Courses
(12 hours)

COM 525 Gender and Political Communication
COM 563 Relational Communication
COM 513 Communication and Diversity or COM 575 Technology, Culture and Human Communication
COM 561 Human Communication Theory

Method Requirement Courses
(3 hours)

COM 550 Qualitative Research Methods or adviser approved equivalent

Choose an Option
(3 hours)

Academic Option (Primary)

COM 510 Comprehensive Exam Preparation
Complete a comprehensive exam during the final semester of coursework

Professional Option

COM 598 Professional Project
Submit a Capstone Portfolio for approval upon completion of coursework and COM 598
Faculty approval required.

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.