Applied Communication, Health Communication Concentration, M.S.

MS—Applied Communication

Graduate Program Chairs

John Chetro-Szivos, PhD

Graduate Committee

George Bohrer, PhD
Viera Lorencova, PhD

Program Objectives

The Master of Science in Applied Communication Program at Fitchburg State University will provide a course of study examining the relationship between theory and effective communication practice in interpersonal, organizational, public and mass communication contexts. Upon graduation a student will be prepared to assume leadership roles in organizations, their community, or in the academy where they can promote the effective and ethical practice of communication.

Students choose from concentrations in:

•  Applied Communication Studies
• Health Communication
• Technical and Professional Writing
• Instructional Technology (offered at Rollins GriffithTeacher Center, Dorchester)
• Library Media (offered at Rollins Griffith Teacher Center,Dorchester)

Program Description

Courses are designed to prepare students to pursue careers in a broad range of media, business, public, and educational organizations; or to continue their graduate education beyond the master’s level.

• Courses are conveniently offered in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate life-work schedules
• Distance learning opportunities are available for some courses
• The faculty includes experienced communications media practitioners and a community of scholars drawn from a wide variety of interests in the field of communications

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Master of Science in Applied Communication Program, a student must submit documents as outlined in the graduate admissions section as well as:

• Two or more years of experience with communication media technology for specific concentrations
• A possible departmental interview

Program Requirements

The Master of Science Degree in Applied Communication Program requires a total of 36 semester credit hours as follows:

Health Communication Track

This track will assist health care professionals develop the communication competencies necessary to improve the treatment of illness, promotion of health, management of health care professionals and the capacity to implement social change programs. This degree will enhance health care professionals’ ability to act as an agent of change within their institutions and community. Students learn the critical role that communication plays in human action and choice and how they can utilize communication to be more effective in their practice as health care professionals. Track has 7 required courses, 3 elective courses and a 6 credit capstone for a total of 36 credits.

Required

• COMM 7011 - Foundation of Communication Studies 3 cr.
• COMM 7300 - Health Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 8114 - Social Marketing 3 cr.
• COMM 9130 - Organizational Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 8011 - Interpersonal Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 9110 - Communication Research Methods 3 cr.
• COMM 9120 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Communication 3 cr.

Electives

(choose three)

Additional courses may be developed and added.

• COMM 8115 - Communication and Social Change 3 cr.
• COMM 8120 - Crisis Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 9010 - Contemporary Issues in Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 9072 - Persuasion in Context: Communications for Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations 3 cr.
• COMM 9130 - Organizational Communication 3 cr.
• COMM - XXXX Topics: Advanced Professional Communication 3 cr.

Degree total 36 cr.