Online M.A. in Strategic Organizational Communication

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of an MA degree in Strategic Organizational Communication?

The online Strategic Organizational Communication M.A. program equips students with a strong foundation in communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts, as well as the proficiencies to apply that knowledge to any number of career opportunities. The modern workplace is driven by the rapid exchange and interpretation of information; as organizations navigate an increasingly crowded and interconnected environment, a premium is placed on professionals who have advanced communication skills that can be applied to engage diverse audiences with clarity, strategy, and impact. The program focuses on developing these skills and assists students in becoming more appropriate and effective communicators. The curriculum allows flexibility to take several elective courses, so you can tailor your degree to align with your experiences, interests, and career goals to position you for your dream job.

Do I need an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies to be prepared for this program?

No; students do not need any education background in Communication Studies for this program. Two courses that are required as part of the program curriculum, Communication in the Organization and Applied Communication Theory, are intended to provide students with an introduction to Communication Studies.

My undergraduate GPA is below 2.75, may I still apply to the program?

Individuals who apply with an undergraduate GPA below 2.75 may be accepted as provisional students. When individuals successfully complete their first two courses with a grade of B- or better, they are no longer considered to be provisional students.

Do I need to take the GRE exam or TOEFL exam?

No; an entrance exam is not required for admission to this program.

How long does it take to earn an MA degree in this program?

The online Strategic Organizational Communication M.A. is a 30-credit hour program. Most students will take two, three-credit classes a semester (Spring, Summer, Fall) and will finish the program in two years. Some students have chosen to take four classes each semester and complete the program in a year, while others have elected to take a lighter courseload.

Is there a time limit to earning this degree?

Yes. Students must complete the degree within eight years of starting the program.

If I do not take courses during one or more semesters, do I need to reapply?

If you do not take classes for two semesters, WVU would view you as inactive and you would need to reapply and pay the application fee.

Are all the classes online?

Yes, all courses in the program are fully online. To succeed in this program, students must be able to allocate time each week to being online.

Is there any specific time when I will need to be online in the course for a live interaction?

The program does not have classes that meet at a specific time. Students can go online to complete coursework at their convenience. If an instructor has a live event (such as a discussion of a given topic), that material will be posted with the course content for all to view at their convenience.

How do I know what courses to take?

Students are free to enroll in the courses of their choosing. Two courses that are required as part of the program curriculum, Communication in the Organization and Applied Communication Theory, are intended to provide students with an introduction to Communication Studies. A third course, Case Studies in Communication, which is intended to be like a Capstone for the program, is recommended to be taken as students near completion of the program, but this course is optional. Students may also work with the department to arrange an advising appointment.

How much time do I need to dedicate to each class each week?

On average a student will need to spend between 9 to 12 hours on a course per week (some weeks might involve more hours, some less). Students will know at the start of the semester the due dates for all course assignments and will be able to plan/schedule when they will participate in the course.

Do I need specific computer skills or capabilities to be a student in this program?

Because this course is conducted entirely in a computer-mediated environment, having access to a reliable Internet connection is a must. You should plan on logging in to eCampus at least several times a week. You should also make sure that you have the necessary software to read any documents or view any videos posted on eCampus. At the very least, you will need access to a .pdf document viewer (such as Acrobat Reader) and Microsoft Word.

Am I able to use graduate credits from any other department/school for this program?

Yes; students may apply up to six credit hours earned from an accredited university towards this degree with approval from the Program Coordinator.

Is there a comprehensive exam required at the end of the 30 hours of coursework?

No; there is no comprehensive exam required to complete this program.

How much are tuition and fees?

Go here for up-to-date information on WVU Tuition and Fees.

How do I learn more about financial aid for graduate students?

Information about funding and support for graduate students can be found on the WVU Graduate Education Life website.

How do I apply for the program?

You can apply to the program here.

I have more questions. Who should I contact?

You can contact Mr. Jason Rice, the Program Coordinator for this program, with any questions.