MA in Communication

A One-of-a-Kind Master's Program

The Master of Arts in Communication at Saint Mary's College of California provides students with the skills needed to excel in both high-demand careers and PhD programs. Students graduate with the ability to communicate through difference to build bridges between people; design, implement, and analyze communication research to make informed decisions; and communicate effectively and ethically in a globalized context. 

The only one of its kind in the Bay Area, the MA in Communication is an accelerated one-year program focused on applied research, highlighting clusters of in-demand communication skills and competencies that give students an edge in the post-graduate job market or when applying for further study. The curriculum centers on a year-long course sequence that walks students through the design, implementation, and analysis of an applied research project. Students develop the quantitative and qualitative research expertise to, for example, help modern data-dependent companies (think tech firms like Netflix or Meta that require data to both create products and refine user experiences) succeed in a competitive marketplace, or non-profits and government entities to design, implement, and assess effective communication programs. The program culminates in a two week summer externship experience where students work as a team with a partner organization to implement a communication project locally or abroad (past locations have included Cuzco, Peru and Thessaloniki, Greece). Students focused on graduate school may opt to complete a Comprehensive Exam “Capstone” instead of the externship. All students graduate with a portfolio of work that serves as evidence of their communication skills and competencies for prospective employers and graduate programs. 

The MA in Communication program is designed to be completed in only one extra year after completion of an undergraduate degree. Current Saint Mary's students have the option to complete two cross-listed graduate Bridge courses during their final two years as an undergraduate and then continue for an intensive year, earning two powerful degrees on an accelerated timeline at a reduced cost. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from another institution and returning SMC alumni are able to take these Bridge classes in the Summer before and after starting and/or during their Fall/Spring semesters in the program, allowing them to graduate in a single year. Not a Communication major? No problem. Students from fields as diverse as Psychology, Ethnic Studies, and Sociology have been successful in our program; you just need a willingness to learn about Communication. Talk with our admissions team to learn more.