Strategic Organizational Communication, M.A.
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The online Strategic Organizational Communication, M.A. from WVU's Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is designed to create leaders who can communicate strategically with diverse audiences. You will learn to apply fundamental communication theories directly to workplace scenarios and develop innovative person-centered strategies to address emerging issues. Gain the skills necessary to respond to conflicts and crises that organizations may encounter and become adept at strategic communication to accelerate your career.
Cost:
$747 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
At your own pace - can be completed in one year or one class at a time
Dates:
Next Start: August 18, 2026 Admission Terms: Fall, Summer, Spring
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous, 8-week courses
Program Overview
Leverage Communication Strategies to Accelerate Your Career
The online Strategic Organizational Communication, M.A. program was developed to help experienced workers grow their strategic leadership skills and equip those preparing for the workforce to enter with a competitive advantage. The degree is appropriate for anyone wanting to increase their impact at work, improve their leadership and management skills, and take their career to the next level. Growing effective human communication, leadership, and conflict management skills helps our students stand out in a constantly evolving workplace world.
Students in our program take 8-week online classes taught by the same full-time graduate faculty experts that teach our on-campus courses. The program requires only 30 credit hours and can be taken at your own pace – as little as one course a semester or move faster to complete the program in one year.Curriculum
Two Required Courses, 30 Credit Hours
- COMM 650: Applied Communication Theory
- COMM 660: Organizational Communication
Learning Outcomes
- Acquire a general understanding of Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts
- Identify, analyze, and critique Communication-related problems using Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts, and prescribe Communication-based solutions to these problems
- Design, conduct, and interpret original Communication-informed workplace programs
- Propose ways in which Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts can enhance personal, social, and professional relationships
- Develop the ability to resolve conflict and manage crisis communications in complex organizations and teams
Meet the Faculty
- COMM 650: Applied Communication Theory, 3 credit hours
- COMM 660: Communication in the Organization, 3 credit hours
- COMM 604: Theory and Research in Persuasion, 3 credit hours
- COMM 606: Theory and Research in Organizational Communication, 3 credit hours
- COMM 623: Leadership, 3 credit hours
- COMM 624: Communication Ethics, 3 credit hours
- COMM 635: Social & Digital Media Management, 3 credit hours
- COMM 636: Workplace Relationships, 3 credit hours
- COMM 651: Organizational Research and Evaluation, 3 credit hours
- COMM 652: Diversity in the Workplace, 3 credit hours
- COMM 654: Social Marketing for Behavior Change, 3 credit hours
- COMM 655: Computer-Mediated Communication and Professional Identity, 3 credit hours
- COMM 656: Organizational Culture, 3 credit hours
- COMM 659: Case Studies in Communication, 3 credit hours
- COMM 662: Conflict in Professional Life, 3 credit hours
- COMM 650, 3 credit hours
Semester 1 - 2nd 8-weeks
- COMM 604, 3 credit hours
- COMM 636, 3 credit hours
Semester 2 - 1st 8-weeks
- COMM 660, 3 credit hours
- COMM 623, 3 credit hours
- COMM 652, 3 credit hours
- COMM 655, 3 credit hours
- COMM 651, 3 credit hours
- COMM 659, 3 credit hours
Grand Total: 30 credit hours
- COMM 650, 3 credit hours
Semester 1 - 2nd 8-weeks
- COMM 652, 3 credit hours
Semester 2 - 1st 8-weeks
- COMM 660, 3 credit hours
Semester 2 - 2nd 8-weeks
- COMM 623, 3 credit hours
Semester 3 - 1st 8-weeks
- COMM 655, 3 credit hours
Semester 3 - 2nd 8-weeks
- COMM 651, 3 credit hours
- COMM 654, 3 credit hours
Semester 4 - 2nd 8-weeks
- COMM 624, 3 credit hours
Semester 5 - 1st 8-weeks
- COMM 636, 3 credit hours
Semester 5 - 2nd 8-weeks
- COMM 659, 3 credit hours
Grand Total: 30 credit hours
Disclosure: The curriculum information contained in this section is for informational purposes only. The WVU Academic Catalog will be updated in May 2026 to reflect the 2026-2027 academic year.
Program Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university (B.A., B.S., or equivalent), with a minimum GPA of 2.75. We encourage applications from those who have a GPA less than 2.75, as they may be accepted as a provisional student, who can then be admitted to the program after completing two graduate courses with a grade of B- or better.Admissions Process and How to Apply
- Review the requirements for the program and learn what materials are needed to apply.
- Create an account, start your application and follow the instructions.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Careers and Employment
The online Strategic Organizational Communication M.A. program will prepare you to enter the job market with a solid understanding of communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts and how to apply that information to any number of career opportunities. The curriculum allows for flexibility to take several elective courses, so you can tailor your degree to align with your experiences, interests, and career goals to position you for your dream job.
Career Paths
- Human Resources Professional
- Training and Development Specialist
- Administrator
- Management
- College Professor
- Insurance Agent