What is a Master of Professional Communication?
Posted: June 24, 2020 | Author: Grace Thorkelson | Read Time: 3 minutes
The Master of Arts in Professional Communication (MAPC) program at Southern Utah University prepares students for careers in public relations, training and consulting, marketing, leadership, and more. The Community for Accredited Online Schools ranked this program among its Top 40 best online colleges in the nation.
Students in the MAPC program are required to complete 18-credits of core classes and 18 elective credits. The course options are shown below.
Core Courses
- COMM 6000 Communication & Professional Development (3 credits)
- COMM 6010 Applied Communication Theory (3 credits)
- COMM 6020 Qualitative Communication Research (3 credits)
- COMM 6030 Quantitative Communication Research (3 credits)
- COMM 6040 Professional Writing and Presentations (3 credits)
- COMM 6900 Masters Capstone (3 credits)
Electives
- COMM 6110 Mediated Communication in Relationships (3 credits)
- COMM 6140 Communication and Popular Culture (3 credits)
- COMM 6150 Visual Literacy & Application (3 credits)
- COMM 6210 Advertising and Public Relation Strategies (3 credits)
- COMM 6230 Professional Social Media (3 credits)
- COMM 6240 Current Issues in Communication (repeatable twice, 3 credits each)
- COMM 6850 Individual Graduate Research (available only face-to-face, 3 credits)
- COMM 6891 Graduate Internship (available only face-to-face, 3 credits)
For students who choose to pursue an MAPC degree at SUU, several resources are available to hone verbal and written communication skills, as well as learning the technical skills and knowledge to become an industry leader. SUU offers several facilities and all the equipment necessary for students to be ready to succeed following graduation. SUU MAPC graduates are qualified and capable, no matter which career they choose.
- Speech and Presentation Center: Located in the Sharwan Smith Student Center, the center is open to all students looking to improve their speech and presentation skills, as well as prepare for interviews. SUU staffs this office with knowledgeable graduate students, interns, and experts.
- KSUU-FM (Thunder 91.1): The Communication Department at SUU utilizes the facilities and equipment located in the Student Center to help students become acquainted with commercial broadcasting and production. Students have the opportunity to participate as the lead broadcaster. “Thunder 91 programs a full schedule of Alternative Rock music utilizing MusicMaster scheduling software, teaching students the music scheduling principles found industry-wide.” This gives students adequate exposure and prepares them for careers within this field.
- University Journal: The University Journal gives qualified students the opportunity to draft, edit, and publish noteworthy stories, accomplishments, and announcements to Thunderbird Nation. Having this firsthand experience serves students well as they prepare for careers that need refined communication skills.
- SUTV: SUTV is SUU’s cable television station. The communication department uses this tool (alongside KSUU-FM) to help students be up-to-date with the latest digital video equipment and electronic newsroom systems, and giving them hands-on experience with video recording.
Students have resources readily available to them, for the purpose of their academic and professional development.
Potential Careers With an MAPC Degree
Graduating with an MAPC degree can lead you down many career paths, ranging from marketing consultant to public relations manager, speechwriter, sales account executive, or even a web producer.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing and public relations managers could see a 5-8% increase in employment opportunities within the next several years. Graduates of this program set themselves apart due to the technical skills and knowledge they gain from the up-to-date courses and industry-leading professors.
Take the Next Step
Graduates with an undergraduate degree in a field other than communication may still qualify for the MAPC program at SUU. If you are interested in this degree, contact Graduate Studies for more information or visit SUU's Master of Professional Communication website.
Produced by SUU Graduate Studies
SUU's Graduate School draws from a prestigious heritage and allows students to pursue a quality education. The master's degree programs offer students the chance to further their professional and educational careers on campus or online.
Tags: College of Humanities and Social Sciences Communication Graduate Programs
