Master of Arts in Communication

NKU offers the only communication graduate program in the region specifically designed for both working students and anyone looking for an advanced understanding of communication theory and research.

Our student/faculty ratio is typically 16:1, giving you an intensive and highly participatory small class experience tailored to your specific area of interest and experience.

With two core classes and eight elective classes required for the degree, you can enjoy the flexibility of engaging in:

  • Evening-only, Saturday, and online classes
  • Graduate assistantships
  • Numerous networking opportunities through local, regional, and national associations
  • Social and professional opportunities through the Communication Graduate Student Organization 

The NKU Master's in Communication is Active and Applied

  • Every professor teaching in the program is actively researching and practicing in his or her area of interest.
  • The program values service learning opportunities, such as a recent class where students journeyed to a Hurricane Katrina community to use communication tools for consulting, social support sessions, and community building.
  • Students in the program consulted for over a dozen corporations or non-profit organizations last year.
  • We have our own in-house television station, Norse Media, and production studio.
  • We have our own student-run public relations firm.

    The NKU Master's in Communication is Academically Successful

  • More NKU communication students are presenting research at regional or national conferences than any other college or university in the region or state.
  • Nine students in the program have published in peer-reviewed journals during the past three years.
  • From a nationwide pool of applicants, six NKU students were selected as Central States Communication Association Young Master Scholars -- more than any school in the country.

    The NKU Master's in Communication Students are Leaders in the Discipline

  • A number of NKU professors are officers for regional, national, and international communication associations.
  • We have more graduate courses in business communication, public relations, or interpersonal communication than any other program in the state or region.

    The NKU Master's in Communication is Award Winning

  • The NKU Master's in Communication program was awarded the prestigious master's level communication program award by the National Communication Association in 2008.
  • Eleven students in the program have received top paper or panel awards at regional or national conferences.
  • Our professors have received numerous Faculty Excellence Awards, including: Dr. Jacqueline McNally - 2009 Excellent Performance in Teaching; Dr. Andrea Lambert - 2010 Excellent Performance in Teaching; Dr. Jimmie Manning - Excellent Performance in Outreach or Public Engagement, Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor from the Kentucky Communication Association, and the Outstanding New Teacher Award from the Central States Communication Association; and Dr. Chris Strobel - 2010 Excellent Perfomance in Sustained Performance in Teaching. Our department has received three out of four teaching awards for the past two years and continues to successfully persevere. 

    NKU Master of Arts in Communication graduates are finding employment with companies such as: Proctor & Gamble, Convergys, Western Southern Financial Group, Greater Cincinnati Health Council, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, I-Wireless, Cincinnati Post, Wordsworth Communication, Educational outreach offices, Fidelity Insurance, Hamilton County District Attorney's Office, Mazak Corp., Media Bridges, WCPO-TV, Voice of America Radio, and various colleges and universities.

    NKU Master of Arts in Communication graduates are also being accepted into quality Doctoral programs.

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