UM-Flint to Offer Master of Applied Communication (M.A.) Program Online

A recently approved graduate degree will give students an opportunity to develop and polish key communication competencies that will allow them to excel in their professional lives regardless of the field they work in.

The University of Michigan-Flint M.A. in Applied Communication offers students a program that will give them hands-on experiences working in virtual teams as they tackle real-world communication challenges.

"The collaborative projects that we work on will create exciting platforms for students to enhance their capacities as professional communicators, gaining the kinds of communication knowledge and skills vital across industries and sectors in the 21st century economy," said Dan Lair, Ph.D., director of the program. "In survey after survey, executives rank proficiency in both oral and written communication, along with collaboration, as the characteristics they value the most in those who work for them."

Persons who would most benefit from the degree are those who believe in the intrinsic power of communication, who understand that no goal has ever been accomplished without all members of a team being heard and understood. Great leaders must first be great communicators; it is the only way to bring different people from diverse backgrounds and experiences together to achieve great things.

The applied nature of the program means that courses will be project-based, culminating in a collaborative capstone project. Graduates will leave the program with a professional portfolio demonstrating the knowledge and skills acquired. All courses are offered in an online format.

This program will require extensive use of technology. Students will need to have access to up-to-date computer equipment and software, including audio and video (e.g., webcam) capabilities, compatible with the most current versions of Blackboard and Adobe Connect. It is the student's responsibility to maintain access to computer technology that will enable full participation in the online program.