Graduate Communication Program Updated

Improvements include reduced tuition, curriculum revisions and online course options

The Andrews University Department of Communication has made changes and improvements to the Master of Arts in Communication program, including renovating a studio, revising the curriculum, reducing the tuition by 45 percent, and updating online course enrollment options. The Department of Communication is committed to providing quality education and the changes that are being made to improve and strengthen the program will go into effect beginning fall 2015.

Students will now be able to complete the MA in Communication with 33 credits instead of the previous 40. The reduction will allow students to complete the degree in less than two years at a lower cost. In addition, students will also automatically receive a 45 percent tuition discount on graduate Communication course work for the next two years.

The department has also added a live synchronous online option that allows students some flexibility in location. Concentrations such as communication management, international communication and interdisciplinary communication are available, but not required. Finally, a dual degree option is available with a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Communication. This program is designed to take three and a half to four years and has two optional Communication concentrations: media ministry or interdisciplinary communication.

The department has acquired and renovated a media center and studio facility. Furthermore, the program and curriculum have been revised to strengthen the research component of the program and add key courses to the curriculum. In addition, the goal for the 2015–16 school year is for all graduate faculty to have terminal degrees in communication or a closely related field.

“Our goal in making these changes,” said Rachel Williams-Smith, chair of the department, “is for several purposes:

• To produce graduates who easily obtain jobs and careers in well-known and respected organizations,
• To produce graduates who can improve the effectiveness of Christian Adventist media programming in reaching young people,
• To make the program as affordable as possible, and
• To cultivate a departmental team of faculty experts who are well equipped to train the next generation of communicators.

We want to become the premier program option for students from both Adventist and public colleges and universities who wish to earn a master’s degree in Communication.”

To learn more about the Department of Communication, visit andrews.edu/communication or call 269-471-6314. To apply online, visit andrews.edu/apply.