MALS in Professional Communications

Areas of Study Overview

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The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) degree program with the area of study in Professional Communications provides students an opportunity develop their communications skills, especially in the new media shift that encompasses all fields of communication from education and healthcare to public policy and business. Graduates of this program and area of study will be prepared to serve as voices for their organizations in the new media environment.

Credit Distribution

I. Core Course Sequence (18 Credits)

LAP-500	Liberal Arts and Professional Life	3
SAM-501	Sense of Community I: Art and Morality	3
SAM-502	Sense of Community II: Faith and Reason	3
CCR-610	Change, Conflict, and Resolution	3
SIC-520	The Species, the Individual, and Community	3
THC-625	Technology and the Human Community: Challenges and Responses	3

II. Area of Study (12 Credits)

COM-610	Professional Communications Theory	3
COM-620	Advanced Professional and Business Writing	3
DHM-620	Social Media and Social Change	3
MSP-662	Practical Grant Writing	3

III. Capstone (6 Credits)

MLS-700	Capstone I	3
MLS-710	Capstone II	3

Total Credit Hours: 36

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the area of study in Professional Communications, students will be able to:

• analyze the implications of various forms of media in specific communications context;
• develop various professional communications consistent with best practices;
• integrate technology into the development of a professional communications plan; and
• apply ethical and legal standards to address communications practice.