Master of Arts in Communication

Saint Louis University's master’s program in communication is a generalist program designed to teach students to be conscientious thinkers and leaders who communicate effectively in a diverse world and who understand the social implications of media and communication technology. Through their coursework, SLU's Communication, M.A. students develop fluency in communication theory that can be used to solve practical problems. Students learn to ask thoughtful questions and find engaging answers by building the skill sets necessary to develop research protocols, evaluate messages, analyze data and share these findings with various stakeholders.  Our program allows students to deepen their understanding of communication theory and research. A course in each of the following areas is typically offered at least once in each two-year coursework rotation cycle: Health communication, Intercultural communication, Rhetoric and public dialogue, Social justice communication, Organizational communication, Interpersonal communication. The department has three required courses in the 30-credit degree. Beyond that, communication students can develop a personally tailored program of study that fits their individual goals and interests. Communication students have three options for completing the Master of Arts degree: Thesis, Comprehensive exams, and Applied project. Working professionals and those seeking careers as organizational practitioners may be more attracted to the applied project or the comprehensive exam degree completion options, while students anticipating research-based careers or who might progress to doctoral programs should consider the thesis degree completion option. Graduates will be able to communicate effective messages for scholarly and public audiences. Graduates will be able to conduct and evaluate communication research. Graduates will be able to apply communication theories to address problems in a broader context. Graduates will be able to demonstrate intercultural communication competence. Graduates will be able to apply theories and/or practices of social justice and civic engagement.  

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Journalist (Print/Digital/Broadcast), Marketing Communications Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Brand Strategist, Crisis Communications Specialist, Social Media Manager, Media Correspondent (Politics/Business/Culture), Advertising Account Executive, Corporate Training & Development Specialist, Globl Workforce Consultant, Content Strategist, Customer Experience Analyst, Editorial Assistant (Communication/Media Publications), Teaching Assistant Supervisor, Scientific Journal Editor (Communication Focus), Organizational Development Consultant, Community Education Program Coordinator, Internal Communications Specialist, University Lecturer (Communication Studies),Academic Advisor (Humanities/Social Sciences Focus), Curriculum Developer (Communication/Media Programs), Research Assistant (Communication/Media Studies), Policy Analyst (Media/Communication Focus).