Masters of Communication

Masters of Communication

Master of Arts in Communication

In this age of global, instantaneous communication, people who can gather data, translate it clearly and accurately, then present it dynamically and persuasively are in great demand. Communication is the fastest growing career field in the world, according to the Institute for International Education.

Communication skills are essential to success in every career. It is estimated that 75 percent of a person's day is spent in communication. Therefore, Hawai'i Pacific University's graduate degree builds successfully upon undergraduate degrees in every discipline and enhances success in any endeavor.

Master of Arts in Communication provides an interdisciplinary approach integrating skills, theory, and knowledge. Critical thinking is stressed in each course so that graduates will be prepared for rapid change in communication industries. The MA/COM prepares students for doctoral study, or careers in advertising, mass media, public relations, entertainment, broadcast or print journalism, the Internet, or education. Students develop critical thinking and analytical ability. Epistemology is emphasized throughout the curriculum and students will be able to gather primary data, conduct analysis, and apply their findings to the creation and implementation of communication programs. They will be able to express their ideas logically, clearly, concisely, and dynamically both in writing and through the spoken word. They will also appreciate the social, political, economic, and cultural implications of media on world markets. 

Information Sessions Online:

Feb 13, 2012

April 2, 2012

March 6, 2012

For further information about the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, please visit the College of Humanities and Social Science Page.

Useful links:

FAQ

Courses Offered Winter and Spring 2012

Current Students

MA Com Degree Requirements

Certificate in Mediation and Conflict

Concurrent Program

MA COM Events

Meet Our Students

lc

 cl

Lisa Chuang MA COM graduate, 2007

I chose the MA COM program at HPU because it offered a wide range of areas within thefield of communication and allowed me the freedom to explore my personal areas of interest. Other programs at other universities offered only specific areas within the field, such as public relations or journalism, but HPU had a broader program that allowed me to explore many areas within the field and at the same time allowed me to specialize in specific areas. I am currently working on my Ph.D in Communication Information Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and teaching as an adjunct professor at HPU as well. While I was an MA student at HPU, I knew that I was going to pursue an academic track and continue on to my Ph.D. in order to become a college professor one day. HPU prepared mefor my current Ph.D. program through the guidance I received throughout the program and especially while working on my Master's Thesis. The encouragement I received from my professors to publish the findings of my thesis in an academic journal ultimately led me pursuing my Ph.D. HPU offers opportunity for both kinds of students: those seeking professional training and those pursuing an academic track.

Lalit ( Cherry) Kanavivatchai MA Communication graduate, 2010

I chose the HPU MACOM program primarily because HPU had rolling admissions. At that time, I didn't know that I wanted to continue with pursuing a Master's Degree until about three or four weeks before the Spring semester began. I spoke with an academic advisor, and they helped me secure all of my paperwork within two weeks of applying. Overall, the advisors were really friendly and easy to work with and I would not have applied to HPU had it not been for the easy and quick application process. I also appreciate the convenient location of the downtown campus because I work in that general vicinity, so attending classes throughout the day was extremely convenient for me. Most importantly, I opted for the MACOM program at HPU because they offered a Mediation and Conflict certificate program that one could get in addition to a Master's degree. I always had a passion for law, but when I decided to pursue a Master's degree instead of a Juris Doctorate's degree, I thought I would have to forego my legal dreams temporarily. However, I was pleased to discover that I could get a certificate in an area that was interrelated with law and communication. Overall, I look at the MACOM program as giving me the best of both worlds.