Professional Communication and Leadership, M.A.

Location(s): Statesboro, Armstrong-Savannah, Fully Online

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The Professional Communication and Leadership degree, offered at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong & Statesboro campuses, as well as fully online, focuses on the importance of written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills in the workplace and beyond. This community-driven program is developed to help students gain not only the knowledge but also the practical skills required to be successful in their careers. By pursuing this degree, you will become familiar with communication strategies, technical editing, organizational communication in diverse contexts, leadership, and more. Graduates of the Professional Communication and Leadership program find themselves prepared for employment in a variety of workplace settings thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum.

Degree Requirements: 30 Credit Hours

Policies, Requirements and Standards

The Master of Arts in Professional Communication and Leadership is designed to further professional development through coursework in written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking, and leadership.The program is directed toward both traditional and non-traditional students who are either already in the work force or are making the transition from an undergraduate degree to a professional setting. Unlike traditional master’s programs, which focus on developing skills in one specific discipline, the Professional Communication and Leadership program combines the interdisciplinary nature of liberal studies with a practical focus on professional development. Students who have a firm foundation in the arts and sciences are well positioned to advance professionally, but they often need specific skills that are not covered by traditional majors. This M. A. degree is designed to meet that specific need. The M.A. in Professional Communication and Leadership includes a core of courses in organizational communication, professional writing, and leadership, with elective courses available in written communication, small group communication, and conflict resolution, among others.

Admission Standards

Regular Admission

For regular admission the applicant must have:

Official transcripts that demonstrate completion of requirements for the baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. A 2.75 overall grade point average, OR a 2.50 overall grade point average with a minimum 2.75 major grade point average, on all undergraduate work is required.
A resume or vita.
Two professional letters of recommendation.
Letter of Intent: A writing sample of 200-500 words that describes how an M. A. in Professional Communication and Leadership would help you meet your personal and professional goals.

Standards of Progression and Graduation

Time Limit

All degree requirements must be completed within seven years.

Program of Study

Students will formalize a program of study with their major advisor.Students are encouraged to apply for graduation two semesters before the anticipated date of graduation. A copy of the official program of study must accompany the candidate’s application. At least fifty percent of the program must be completed at the 6000-8000 levels.

Graduation Requirements

The student must maintain a 3.0 overall average of all graduate courses completed.

Core Courses Credit Hours: 18

Students select four courses from the list below: Credit Hours: 12

Total Credit Hours: 30

Advisement

Graduate students are advised by their program. Graduate students should reach out to their graduate program director for information regarding the structures in place to facilitate advisement. For more information visit the Graduate Academic Advisement .

Graduate students can also contact the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies for more information about their program director.
Phone: 912-478-COGS (2647)
Email: gradschool@georgiasouthern.edu