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Our master’s degree in communication nurtures the digital and strategic communication skills that will make you an asset in a variety of organizations, from large for-profit media companies to mission-driven non-profits.
Learn about the Merrimack College community, application process, financial aid, your program's curriculum, professional opportunities, fellowships and more!
Our communication master’s program provides you with the skills to work in professional communications, from digital media content creation and campaign design to public relations and crisis communications, as well as related fields. Coursework emphasizes strategic communication and digital media.
Our master’s in communication degree prepares you to be a versatile, skilled and strategic communicator through a variety of platforms. Employers are looking for these skills. According to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in public relations, marketing, and advertising is projected to grow faster than average in the next 10 years.
Merrimack College’s MA in Communication features dedicated faculty and staff who are available to help you from the time you consider enrolling all the way through the finish line of graduation. Our faculty and staff include social media expert Kilhoe “Miranda” Na, emerging media scholar Melissa “Mish” Zimdars, health communication specialist Andrew Tollison, and professional fellowship advisor Samantha Bruno. We’re here to nurture your technical, creative, professional and strategic communication skills.
With a dozen fellowship opportunities on campus, you can receive full- or half-tuition discounts, boost your resume, build your portfolio and expand your networks all at once. These competitive awards provide supervised work experience that put communication principles into practice. Dean scholarships and alumni scholarships are also available offering a high-quality degree for excellent value.
Merrimack College’s M.A. in Communication program offers a range of concentrations to allow you to tailor your graduate education to your specific interests and career goals. While we encourage you to choose from these options to deepen your expertise in a particular area, selecting a concentration is not required. Available concentrations include:
The Business Analytics concentration complements the core communication curriculum by equipping students to use data for strategic decision-making. The required coursework introduces frameworks for business analytics and data visualization, while elective options include strategic decision-making and marketing analytics. This curriculum focuses on practical applications of data insights in business scenarios. Graduates will be adept at leveraging data for improved business outcomes.
Students selecting the concentration in Communication Leadership will learn to lead and manage communication and content teams effectively. The coursework includes leadership and communication, leading effective teams and fostering creativity and innovation. It is designed to enhance leadership abilities through improved communication. This curriculum prepares students for roles that require inspiring and managing others. Graduates will be ready to lead while also possessing a strong foundation of communication skills.
Students focusing on Digital Media and Content Creation will learn to create and manage digital content effectively, efficiently and ethically. Coursework options include digital communication, media production, data visualization and digital storytelling. With additional courses in media ethics, social media platforms and advertising, the curriculum is designed to provide practical skills for producing and managing digital media and overall content. Graduates will be prepared for various roles in digital media and content creation.
Students choosing the concentration in Integrated Marketing Communication will develop expertise in developing comprehensive communication plans blending traditional and digital marketing strategies. The coursework covers innovation and trends in marketing, digital marketing implementation and marketing analytics. With practical applications in advertising and social media platforms, the curriculum prepares students to create compelling marketing campaigns. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to drive business success and stay current with marketing developments.
The concentration in Management complements the core communication curriculum by helping students develop general business acumen. The coursework includes technology for management productivity, managerial communication and applied statistics for business insight. The curriculum also covers competition, innovation and strategic advantage, providing a broad understanding of modern business leadership. Graduates will be equipped with the tools needed for effective and innovative business management.
The concentration in Strategic Communication prepares students to excel in diverse communication roles. Core and elective coursework includes strategic communication foundations, special topics, industry research and data visualization. The curriculum also covers communication and advocacy, cultural communication, and leadership skills. This concentration ensures students are ready for effective messaging and leadership in various professional settings.
Merrimack’s Master of Arts in Communication degree offers a solid foundation in communication theories that shape communication analysis and strategy. Additionally, coursework incorporates various platforms, technologies, and tools to execute a communication strategy.
You will graduate with a robust resume and portfolio. We offer the following resources and opportunities:
“Our department prepared the Masters in Communication program very carefully, by looking at market analysis, assessing student interest, and analyzing job market data. We are proud to launch this program that offers students a solid foundation in communication theory while enhancing their crucial skills in strategic communication and digital media.”
Our graduates are well-equipped for careers in public relations, nonprofit management, advertising, event planning, multimedia production, marketing, social media marketing/management, development, corporate communication, and community relations, among others. Our graduate degree in communications will help you qualify for more jobs and advance more quickly in your chosen field.
Master’s in communications jobs are on the rise as employers seek out skilled professional communicators. According to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in public relations, marketing, and advertising is projected to grow 6-7%, which is faster than average in the next 10 years. Fundraising managers are expected to grow at 9%, a rate much faster than average. Social and community service managers expect even greater growth, at 17%.
There is no fee to apply to the MA in communication and there is no GRE requirement. However, we encourage you to submit test scores if you feel they will support or enhance your academic background.
A complete application includes:
For more details and tips on how to apply, view our graduate programs application information page.
Check out this exciting episode of Grad Chat, where we shine a spotlight on Connor Powell, a standout alumna who successfully earned a Master of Arts in Communication. Post-graduation, Connor kicked off his career with the Boston Bruins. In this interview, he shares insights into how his program and fellowship experience equipped him for his current role, what it was like to be in the world of professional sports and how Merrimack is a supportive community fostered by amazing professors and intimate class sizes.
Contact the Merrimack College Office of Graduate Admission at [email protected].
Communication fellowships can reduce your tuition by 50 or 100 percent. Scholarships can provide additional support to limit your expenses and debt burden.
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Merrimack’s Bachelor of Arts in Humanities degree will allow students to select from two dozen concentration areas while developing critical skills sought after by employers.
