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2018-2019 Academic Catalog | Strategic Communication and Public Relations (M.A.) – BGS

Strategic Communication and Public Relations (M.A.)

 

Faculty

Dr. Peggy Lewis, Executive Dean, School of Business and Graduate Studies and School of Professional Studies

Description

Trinity's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Public Relations program trains the next generation of communication experts to think critically, strategically, and creatively. The program’s unique blend of technical and tactical course work prepares its graduates to practice the craft of communication ethically and equitably, and with a focus on building relationships that aid in achieving social justice in society.

For those seeking to advance in their current communication role or seek a career change, the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree positions graduates to navigate within the upper echelons of any corporate, nonprofit, government, or private sector organization.

The program is designed for students interested in attaining careers in strategic communication management, public relations, public affairs and digital media. The C-Suite needs communications advisors who serve as counsel that aid in aligning organizational goals with communications efforts.

At the completion of the program students will earn the skills needed to become specialists in all things communication – from content creation to digital strategy – enabling them to have a competitive edge in the marketplace.

The Strategic Communication and Public Relations program requires 36 credits for successful completion. Courses are offered in an accelerated format in the evenings in eight week term course offerings. Significant individual study and guided independent learning throughout each course are required to meet the objectives of each course and the overall goals of the program. Students normally take three courses per semester and complete their degree in two academic calendar years (21 months), although students may elect to complete the degree in three academic calendar years by taking two courses per semester.

Requirements

Core Courses (9 credits)
ALL of the following courses
SCPR 520
SCPR 540
SCPR 600

Research Competency Course (3 credits)
ONE course required:
SCPR 606

Professional Skills Courses (15 credits)
TWO courses required:
SCPR 620
SCPR 670 or SCPR 675

Select THREE of the following Electives:
SCPR 530
SCPR 532
SCPR 534
SCPR 560
SCPR 570
SCPR 588
SCPR 605
SCPR 622
SCPR 624
SCPR 625
SCPR 626
SCPR 627
SCPR 630
SCPR 634
SCPR 645
SCPR 691

Capstone (3 credits)
ONE degree capstone course:
SCPR 699

Program Policies

Comprehensive Assessment:

The Strategic Communication and Public Relations degree program requires students to complete a comprehensive final project in the Capstone Seminar course.  Student are required to interact with a real client and develop a strategic communications plan based on an issue, product, problem, or opportunity, or needed publicity campaign determined by you and the client. Students will present their findings at the end of the semester in a formal presentation to the client and a panel of faculty. Students must earn a grade of “B” or better on this project to complete the program.

Elective Courses:
All courses must be at the 500-level or higher to count toward the degree.

Grades in Graduate Courses:

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate and no more than one grade of “C” may appear on their transcript.

Pass/No Pass:

Graduate students may not take courses on a Pass/No Pass basis; courses taken Pass/No Pass do not fulfill certificate requirements.

TELL Policy:

TELL credits are not applicable toward the degree.

Transfer Policy:
Students may transfer up to six (6) graduate credits from other appropriately accredited institutions of higher learning toward the degree with approval from their faculty advisor. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.

Course Descriptions


SCPR 520
SCPR 530
SCPR 532
SCPR 534
SCPR 540
SCPR 560
SCPR 570
SCPR 588
SCPR 600
SCPR 605
SCPR 620
SCPR 622
SCPR 624
SCPR 625
SCPR 626
SCPR 627
SCPR 630
SCPR 634
SCPR 645
SCPR 670
SCPR 675
SCPR 691
SCPR 699 

Trinity reserves the right to change, without prior notice, any policy or procedure, tuition or fee, curricular requirements, or any other information found on this web site or in its printed materials.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@trinitydc.edu.

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