Master of Arts in Professional Communication (M.A.)
Purpose
The Master of Arts in Professional Communication program is designed to further each student’s understanding and knowledge of the communication field to an advanced professional level. The program involves rigorous explorations of essential theories, research, and strategies framed within a distinctly Christian worldview. As students develop a mastery of their communication abilities within specific contexts, they will also learn to understand, apply, and contribute to research within the field, equipping them to move forward in their chosen profession or in the pursuit of a terminal degree.
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Critically analyze and apply communication theory and scholarship based on their knowledge of the literature of the discipline.
- Conduct and present research using appropriate methods and scholarly writing.
- Integrate skills specific to their area of study in applied communication contexts with a Christian worldview.
Program Specific Admission Procedures
- Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.)
- Applicants should hold a 3.0 GPA for undergraduate study. Applicants with a GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.00-point scale) may be considered for enrollment in the program on a Cautionary basis.
- TOEFL Scores for students who speak English as a second language (score of 600 paper-based test; 250 computer-based test, 80 internet-based test).
Transfer Credit
Students may transfer up to 18 credit hours of graduate-level courses in communication from an accredited institution subject to department approval. In order to transfer credit, students must have earned the minimum grade of B-, and courses must have been completed within 10 years of the start date of the program. Credits from a prior degree on the same academic level earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.