MA in Communication
A One-of-a-Kind Master's Program
The Master of Arts in Communication at Saint Mary's College of California provides students with the skills needed to excel in both high-demand careers and PhD programs. Students graduate with the ability to communicate through difference to build bridges between people; design, implement, and analyze communication research to make informed decisions; and communicate effectively and ethically in a globalized context.
The only one of its kind in the Bay Area, the MA in Communication is an accelerated one-year program focused on applied research, highlighting clusters of in-demand communication skills and competencies that give students an edge in the post-graduate job market or when applying for further study. The curriculum centers on a year-long course sequence that walks students through the design, implementation, and analysis of an applied research project. Students develop the quantitative and qualitative research expertise to, for example, help modern data-dependent companies (think tech firms like Netflix or Meta that require data to both create products and refine user experiences) succeed in a competitive marketplace, or non-profits and government entities to design, implement, and assess effective communication programs. The program culminates in a two week summer externship experience where students work as a team with a partner organization to implement a communication project locally or abroad (past locations have included Cuzco, Peru and Thessaloniki, Greece). Students focused on graduate school may opt to complete a Comprehensive Exam “Capstone” instead of the externship. All students graduate with a portfolio of work that serves as evidence of their communication skills and competencies for prospective employers and graduate programs.
The MA in Communication program is designed to be completed in only one extra year after completion of an undergraduate degree. Current Saint Mary's students have the option to complete two cross-listed graduate Bridge courses during their final two years as an undergraduate and then continue for an intensive year, earning two powerful degrees on an accelerated timeline at a reduced cost. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from another institution and returning SMC alumni are able to take these Bridge classes in the Summer before and after starting and/or during their Fall/Spring semesters in the program, allowing them to graduate in a single year. Not a Communication major? No problem. Students from fields as diverse as Psychology, Ethnic Studies, and Sociology have been successful in our program; you just need a willingness to learn about Communication. Talk with our admissions team to learn more.
Connecting with People, Connecting with the World
We place emphasis on shared inquiry and critical thinking, equipping our students to work, learn, and live in an increasingly diverse, globalized, and data-driven world. Students can choose to concentrate their four electives on any of our departmental strengths (including intercultural communication, media studies, and media production) or keep their study general. In either case, our curriculum focuses on communication challenges and opportunities in professional settings across cultures. By working closely with invested faculty who bring a range of communication expertise and experience into the classroom, students can leave and make an impact outside of it.
A World of Possibilities
Student engagement in the program will be built on self-reflexivity, awareness, and critical thinking. These skills, coupled with data-driven research opportunities and critical involvement in decision making, embolden students to pursue leadership roles in a variety of fields:
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Cost Effective
As the Summer 2021 Salary Survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported, getting a Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies provides an average starting salary boost of 46.8% over a Bachelor's degree in Communication. According to average salaries, that's just shy of a $20,000 premium for getting the advanced degree. Given the cost of our program, that's an excellent return on the investment.
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International Experience
Students have the option of spending their final June working in teams on an applied communication project in partnership with a local or international organization. This culminating experience synthesizes aspects of all core courses into an applied experience working for a client. Supported by a faculty member, students spend two weeks in June preparing for the project and two weeks working on site with the client (either internationally or domestically), depending on the scope of the project. Students act as consultants and assist the client organization in the development and execution of a research based project. International externships carry an additional cost of $4500 that is not included in the tuition. Local externships carry an additional cost of up to $500. Students who do not select the externship option instead complete a comprehensive exam before the end of June.
Communication Across Borders
Relevant education for a changing world
Makiko Imamura, Professor of Communication discussing Intercultural Communication. Joined by Shawny Anderson, Interim Dean of Liberal Arts and Prof. Aaron Sachowitz.
School and Department Information
Veronica Hefner, Ph.D.
Program Director, MA in Communication
vh10@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-4861
Collin Skeen
Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment
cas38@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-4190