Master of
Arts in Communication

Program Overview

This proposed degree enhances ORU’s academic mission to build Holy Spirit-empowered leaders through whole-person education to impact the world using communication. The goals of the Master of Arts in Communication align with the academic mission of the College of Arts & Culture, as well as the School of Communication & Public Affairs, to enable communication practitioners to understand who they are in their context and empower them to be leaders, agents of change, and instruments of healing reconciliation, both nationally and internationally.

A program that focuses on the critical thinking, analysis, and practical skills essential to developing and implementing communication strategies that advance organizations' goals and missions. Includes instruction in communication management, crisis communication, communications law, digital and traditional marketing strategies, media relations, social media strategies, strategic communication, traditional and emerging media, and writing for the media.

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What makes ORU’s Arts in communication program stand out?

The residential M.A. in Communication aims to produce adaptive communication professionals who understand an audience’s needs, craft clear messages, and use appropriate channels for communication. In a changing media landscape, they would have the skills to manage teams and projects that execute communication strategies aligned with organizational goals. They would be ready to assume roles across various sectors in corporate communications, public relations, media management, marketing, political communication, social media, human resources, and more.

The School of Communication & Public Affairs offers the Master of Arts in Communication for graduate students interested in developing their communication skills to launch successful careers. This program equips professionals to lead teams with cutting-edge tools for impactful communication strategies that reach diverse audiences. Students take 12 hours of core courses plus 18 elective hours with a communication emphasis, whether digital media, organization leadership, or communication expertise in health, sports, business, or ministry.

 

What are some career pathways for grads?

• Marketing Communication Manager
• Corporate Communication Manager
• Digital Development Director
• Policy Communication Lead
• Internal Communication Manager
• Digital Campaign Manager
• Social Media Entrepreneur
• Nonprofit Executive Director

Graduates from ORU’s MA in Communication will be ready to move into critical positions, including director/associate director and middle and senior management roles, with preparation to lead organizations through ethical decision-making, communication practice, and management processes.Alre

 

What are the program outcomes?

Professional: Cultivates a deep satisfaction in becoming a communication professional.

• Integrity- Demonstrates ethical decision-making grounded in biblical principles and professional standards.
• Resilience- Overcomes adversity through self-care and personal growth as a leader.

Research: Demonstrates mastery of theories and practice in the communication field.

• Applied- Designs tailored communication strategies to assist organizations in measuring stakeholder needs, motivations, and behaviors.
• Impact- Uses cutting-edge tools and technologies to measure communication analytics through qualitative and quantitative research.

Engagement: Develops and implements critical communication campaigns.

• Alignment- Creates strategic communication plans that align with departmental and organizational goals.
• Implements- Leads teams to proactively solve problems through communication management.

Communication: Demonstrates persuasive writing and oral communication skills.

• Planning- Designs persuasive communication campaigns through digital media, content creation, and SEO techniques.
• Expertise- Addresses cultural sensitivities in adapting messages to diverse and cross-cultural audiences.