The Master of Arts (MA) degree in communication at George Mason University examines the powerful role played by communication practices in contemporary society. The program has two major areas of emphasis: strategic communication/public relations and health communication. Our strategic communication faculty teach courses on planning, developing, and executing public communication campaigns based on their expertise in public relations theory and research. Our health communication faculty explore the relationship between communication practices and the health and well-being of individuals and communities - including everything from how to improve relationships between doctors and patients to how non-profits can develop more effective health information campaigns (for example, HIV prevention campaigns). In the end, all of our faculty - strategic and health communication faculty alike - are committed to providing our students with a strong foundation in communication theory and research while at the same time encouraging them to apply their skills in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

1903-12-30

2010

Maria Verdino, Administrative Coordinator Science and Technology II 230, MSN 3D6 Fairfax, VA 22030 703-993-3552 <a href="mailto:commgrad@gmu.edu">commgrad@gmu.edu</a>

2007-10-24T12:02:05Z

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Communication

COMM

http://comm.gmu.edu/

Communication Tim Gibson, Director 703-993-3793 LA

1903-12-30

Master of Arts

<a href="../../system/file_attachments/321/original/communicationMAPhD.pdf" target="_blank">Information sheet</a> (.pdf)

LA-MA-COM

Graduate

Whether an organization is rolling out a new product, lobbying policy makers, promoting good health, or reaching out to the public with another message, it is crucial to communicate effectively with key audiences. But which message is the right message? How should it be framed? What media channels stand the best chance of reaching the target audience? The 33-credit MA program in communication seeks to answer these questions by looking at the practice of communication in increasingly complex public and private communication environments. It focuses on the study and practice of health, risk, and crisis communication. Students receive a strong theoretical and multi-methodological foundation, which enables them to examine the critical role communication performs in health promotion, disease prevention, quality of care, risk assessment, and crisis management. Faculty and students conduct important research concerning consumer-provider relationships, risk communication, crisis management, organizational communication, media systems, health campaigns, new information technologies, communication policy, media advocacy, and health communication interventions. The courses explore important communication issues such as communicating complex information, influencing health behaviors, disparities in health outcomes, the digital divide, public advocacy, intercultural sensitivity, media literacy, homeland security, and social support.  We support a broad array of theories and methodologies, while examining a range of important health, crisis and risk contexts.  We welcome students in the beginning stages of their careers as well as those who are more established. For more information: <a href="http://communication.gmu.edu/faqs_ma">Read the FAQs for the MA in Communication</a><a href="http://communication.gmu.edu/programs/requirements/LA-MA-COM"> Review degree requirements</a><a href="http://communication.gmu.edu/courses"> See courses and syllabi </a><a href="../../howtoapply">Learn about the application process and requirements </a><a href="http://admissions.gmu.edu/grad/index.asp">Apply online</a> <a href="../../graduatefunding">Explore funding for graduate studies at George Mason</a> <a href="http://www.gmu.edu/org/cgsa/">Visit the Communication Graduate Student Association Web site</a> <a href="http://www.journalism.wisc.edu/dsc/">Consult the Directory of Science Communication Courses and Programs</a>

Students receiving the degree must successfully complete 33 credits of graduate course work, distributed as follows. <ul> <li>Five core courses (15 credits): COMM 600, 650, 798 and two theory courses chosen from COMM 602, 605, 620, 630, 634, or 635</li> <li>One practicum course (3 credits) chosen from: COMM 590, 604, 653, 655, 694, 697, 721, 820 <ul> <li>Other courses including independent study courses can be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior approval of the director of graduate studies.</li> </ul> </li> <li>12-15 credits of electives chosen from graduate communication courses including those listed above under theory or practicum. Students may take up to 6 credits of course work outside the department with prior approval of the director of graduate studies.</li> <li>Thesis (3 credits) (optional)</li> </ul> Students electing the thesis option should consult the section on Master's Thesis in the Academic Policies section of this catalog.

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Mason’s communication faculty members have built relationships with a number of agencies, organizations, universities, hospitals, and centers throughout the national capital area. They collaborate with federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations, as well as with associations such as the National Communication Association and the International Communication Association. Graduate students benefit from the particularly close ties that the faculty have with the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine. Named the #1 national university to watch by U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in the heart of Northern Virginia’s technology corridor near Washington, D.C., Mason prepares its students to succeed in the work force and meet the needs of the region and the world.

Because of our location, communication students have unparalleled opportunities for research, internships, and work experiences in nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and private corporations.