communications studies header

Communication Studies

 

Unlock a range of career opportunities when you pursue a Masters in Communication Studies online or on campus at PennWest Edinboro.

National Accolades.

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks PennWest Edinboro's online graduate programs among the best in the nation.

Why Edinboro Stands Out.

The study of communication is important to virtually every profession that involves working with people - education, advertising and public relations, management, marketing, health care, social and public services, politics, and other organizational and institutional contexts, both public and private.

As a student in Communication Studies, you'll be mentored by experienced faculty and have the opportunity to participate in internships that build your confidence and professional network.

Upon completion of this degree, you'll be prepared to advance your professional career, work with and serve others in diverse communities with dignity and respect, and understand the complexities associated with learning and communicating ethical and cultural values.

Program goals include:

  • Providing a foundation for successfully communicating and making decisions essential to the operation of businesses and institutions of every description.
  • Building a sound understanding of the diverse forms of communication and information theory, and how to apply these theories in analysis of and performance in organizational, institutional and other relational contexts.
  • Enhancing your creative skills, especially in the use of new communication technologies.
  • Introducing quantitative, qualitative and critical methodologies and procedures of research and analysis in human communication.
  • Preparing you to design, carry out, and evaluate projects in the communication field.

The MACS program gave me the skills and abilities to follow virtually any professional path I wanted. I am now working in the marketing department of a company that develops software and apps for education.

Faiga Schmidt,
M’15 International student from Brazil, Marketing Professional, Bravi Software

How Edinboro Supports You.

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies (MACS) program can be completed online or on campus. It leads to specialized knowledge and skill in two distinct areas of emphasis.

Managerial and Leadership Communication

With this emphasis, you will:

  • Develop the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to become an effective manager and leader in today's evolving workplace.
  • Learn fundamentals of leadership and management followed by a mastery of valuable skills in communication, conflict management and managing organizational change.

Integrated Marketing Communication

With this emphasis, you will:

  • Focus on the creation and implementation of communication plans using a mix of marketing, public relations and advertising.
  • Explore the principles, theories and technologies that help contemporary communication practitioners and scholars design strategic plans for key organizational stakeholders.

Your Future

As a graduate of Edinboro University’s MACS program, you'll join successful alumni working in a variety of roles.

Career options include:

  • Project and Media Management
  • Integrated Marketing Communication
  • Public Relations Management, Advertising
  • Higher Education Management
  • Development and Career Counseling
  • Recruitment and Admissions
  • Human Resources Management
  • Social Service and Nonprofit Development
  • K-12 Educational Administration
  • Social Media and Digital Technology
  • Conflict and Dispute Mediation
  • Academic Careers in Higher Education
  • Ph.D. Programs, Professorships
  • Peace Corps and AmeriCorps
  • Political Campaigns and Advocacy

Questions About This Program?

Dr. Melissa Gibson
Program Head
202 Compton Hall
Email: mgibson@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-1592

Fact Sheet

International Students: F1 visa rules stipulate that international students physically present in the United States must be enrolled in at least six (6) credits of face to face instruction, per semester. Programs that are listed as “hybrid” may not be able to satisfy this requirement every semester. Please contact the School of Graduate Studies at gradadmissions@pennwest.edu or 888-845-2890 if you have additional questions.

Start Today.

Take charge of your experience. Ask questions, meet our students and professors, and see the campus yourself.

Grad Apply Request Info