Overview – M.A. in Communication Technology
Why an online master’s in communication technology?
The way we communicate is changing rapidly. For those working in communication careers, embracing technology — and technological change — is imperative for career success. By earning your Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication Technology online with Point Park University, you’ll receive the blend of theory and practice necessary to succeed in the communication fields of today and tomorrow. Named one of the 2017 Most Affordable Online Colleges for a Master’s in Communications, Point Park’s online Master of Arts in Communication Technology program offers a nurturing community of peers and professionals where students can prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.
Curriculum Overview
As you earn a master’s in communication technology online with Point Park University, you’ll explore a curriculum that fosters relevant skills in this evolving field, including multimedia, graphic design, social media, integrated marketing and search engine optimization. Each course offered through the master’s in communication online program is developed and taught by professionals with years of industry expertise to provide students with real-world knowledge and experience that they can easily apply to the workplace. Our supportive environment is designed to help working students succeed with personal attention and flexible classes.
Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more.
Next Start Date: May 7, 2023
| Program Length: | 2-3 years |
| Credit Hours: | 36 Hours |
| Course Length: | 8 Weeks |
| Cost Per Credit: | $759 |
| Transfer Credits Accepted: | Up to 9 |
Est. Program Length: 2-3 Years
Credit Hours: 36 Hours
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Cost Per Credit: $740
Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 9
Get Started
Available Concentrations
Applied Practices
With an emphasis on the role and impact of technology in our society, the applied practices concentration offers students training in visual communication, web publishing and global communication. This program is ideal for those interested in a Ph.D. program, but still maintains career-focused courses.
Social Media
Social media has fundamentally altered the communication field and this concentration seeks to train students to take advantage of it. With courses in analytics, strategic communication and campaign planning, you will be prepared to build a career in this growing area.
Course Offerings
Admission Requirements
Students applying for entry into Point Park University’s Master of Arts in Communication Technology online program must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the online application.
- Submit official transcripts.
- To submit your transcripts, print and complete the official transcript request form and email it to getstarted@pointpark.edu.
- Submit letters of recommendation from current or former professors or employers.
- Submit a resume and/or examples of professional work in mass communication professions.
- Submit a 500-word statement explaining your motivation and expected benefit in attaining this degree.
Course Description
This course surveys contemporary theories in the field of communication including theories of mass communication, media and society, media content, new media, social construction of technology, and the impact of media on audiences. Theories and models originating both in the social sciences and the humanities are examined.
Course Description
Study of contemporary and classic cases related to state and federal law of freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Problems caused by efforts by government to control mass media and the freedom of government/public information also are addressed. Not open to the students with credit in JOUR/COMM 418. This course may be waived based on previous professional experience and/or academic work. Any waived course must be replaced by elective credits.
Course Description
Students examine mass communication professionals’ characteristics and work environments. Students also examine ethical issues presented in the modern media, including their historical contexts and practical ramifications. The course compares and contrasts ethical standards and systems with professional processes and practices, and legal principles. Not open to the student with credit in JOUR/COMM 412. This course may be waived based on previous professional experience and/or academic work. Any waived course must be replaced by elective credits.
Course Description
Students analyze and apply social scientific research methods used by academic researchers and/or in industry and professional research especially surveys, polls, content and textual analysis, controlled experiments, focus groups, in-depth interviews, case studies, ethnography, and cultural/critical studies. Students also learn the structure, purpose, and philosophy of mass communication theory, and tailor homework assignments and term papers to their own professional/industry interests.
Course Description
Application of visual communication theories to the analysis, interpretation, and critical assessment of visual messages. Examines the implications of various means of creating, manipulating, and disseminating visual messages. Course topics include but are not limited to visual language, semiotics, visual rhetoric, visual ethics, and visualization strategies for professional communicators. Enables students to develop a range of visual communication competencies.
Course Description
This course will provide students the conceptual and technical understanding of the power and philosophy of social media. The course will specifically focus on how social media is changing media, business, journalism and government in fundamental ways. Upon completion of this course, students will have practical knowledge in the use of social media tools and building and maintaining an online community as well as a solid foundation in writing and reporting for social media. Dual listed with COMM 306.
Examination of technology mediated communication with special attention to the role of communication technology in diverse settings ranging from interpersonal to group communication, organizational communication and business communication. Emphasis is placed on strategies for communication problem solving in mediated contexts.
The information and communication technologies revolution generates a flow of global communications 139 that transcend national boundaries. This course focuses on the emergence and growth of communication channels and networks that operate on a global scale. Emphasis is placed on the opportunities for human communication brought by globalization, such as opening new communicative spaces, increasing social interconnectedness, adding platforms for participation, and challenges associated with the global – local divides. Enables students to improve their ability to communicate and use technology effectively and appropriately in an increasingly globalized world.
This course is for students who wish to attain a comprehensive vision of communication and broaden their perspectives across the traditional fields. It explores the intersection of communication, technology and culture with a focus on six major areas: information, networking, socialization, identity, entertainment, and globalization. Covers issues such as technological determinism, social shaping of communication technologies, identity formation, cultural transnationalization and globalization.
Students will learn to use electronic photo and graphics editing tools such as a slide and negative scanner and industry standard software such as Photoshop. As the photojournalists move out of the darkroom and into the electronic newsroom, these skills will be increasingly vital to their careers. Not open to the student with credit in PHOT 350.
Intermediate field video pre-production, production and post-production concepts and techniques are developed and applied. Students combine fundamentals of all three phases of the production process into a unified system of video planning, creation, construction, and feedback. Prerequisite: COMM 528 or permission.
Using Macintosh and PCs for desktop publishing. Emphasis on technical skills, design and creativity in producing professional publications. Beginning skills taught, advancing to projects involving newsletters, newspaper and magazine pages, advertisements and brochures, as time permits. Not available to the student with credit in COMM 407.
This course will provide technical background for those students in the Digital Media field. Students will incorporate Web design theory and technical skills to create a series of Web products, including graphics, animations, and Web pages. Students will learn the current practices of Web publishing, which may include HTML, Flash, PhP coding, and the use of Content Management Systems. Upon completion of this class, students will have a variety of Web design pieces to add to their portfolios.
Course Description
This course will provide students the conceptual and technical understanding of the power and philosophy of social media. The course will specifically focus on how social media is changing media, business, journalism and government in fundamental ways. Upon completion of this course, students will have practical knowledge in the use of social media tools and building and maintaining an online community as well as a solid foundation in writing and reporting for social media.
Course Description
This course will provide students the conceptual and technical understanding of the power and philosophy of social media. The course will specifically focus on how social media is changing media, business, journalism and government in fundamental ways. Upon completion of this course, students will have practical knowledge in the use of social media tools and building and maintaining an online community as well as a solid foundation in writing and reporting for social media.
Course Description
This course will teach students how to prove return on investment (ROI) to clients by understanding and evaluating analytics. In addition, students will learn search engine optimization best practices to further increase a brand’s social media ROI. Students will have a deeper understanding of the principles and how to measure and prove the ROI of social media and a working knowledge of various industry-standard analytics tools. Students will write social media reports for clients based on ROI and analytics results.
Course Description
CHOOSE TWO OF THE FOLLOWING :
Course Description
A laboratory course that combines techniques of journalistic writing and editing. This is for the graduate student who has earned a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than journalism or those required to, or wishing to polish their skills in writing and editing on a professional level. Graduate students who have professional experience, undergraduate credit for or pass departmental examinations in journalistic writing and editing may be granted a waiver for the course.
Course Description
Using Macintosh and PCs for desktop publishing. Emphasis on technical skills, design and creativity in producing professional publications. Beginning skills taught, advancing to projects involving newsletters, newspaper and magazine pages, advertisements and brochures, as time permits. Not available to the student with credit in GRID/JOUR 407.
Application of visual communication theories to the analysis, interpretation, and critical assessment of visual messages. Examines the implications of various means of creating, manipulating, and disseminating visual messages. Course topics include but are not limited to visual language, semiotics, visual rhetoric, visual ethics, and visualization strategies for professional communicators. Enables students to develop a range of visual communication competencies.
This course will provide students the conceptual and technical understanding of the power and philosophy of social media. The course will specifically focus on how social media is changing media, business, journalism and government in fundamental ways. Upon completion of this course, students will have practical knowledge in the use of social media tools and building and maintaining an online community as well as a solid foundation in writing and reporting for social media. Dual listed with JOUR 306.
Examination of technology mediated communication with special attention to the role of communication technology in diverse settings ranging from interpersonal to group communication, organizational communication and business communication. Emphasis is placed on strategies for communication problem solving in mediated contexts.
The information and communication technologies revolution generates a flow of global communications that transcend national boundaries. This course focuses on the emergence and growth of communication channels and networks that operate on a global scale. Emphasis is placed on the opportunities for human communication brought by globalization, such as opening new communicative spaces, increasing social interconnectedness, adding platforms for participation, and challenges associated with the global – local divides. Enables students to improve their ability to communicate and use technology effectively and appropriately in an increasingly globalized world.
This course provide students with advanced planning, design and production techniques for creating and enhancing persuasive editorial design. Students will use industry standard software combined with solid theory in targeting and reaching audiences. Students will conceive and create designs for promotional campaigns, including newsletters, brochures, magazine spreads and marketing collateral. Prerequisite: JOUR 307
Intensive work in preparation of information for newspapers, radio, television, magazines; speech writing; brochures, newsletters; planning publicity campaigns. Prerequisite: JOUR 503 or equivalent competency.
Students in this class develop and apply foundational techniques in digital storytelling, including video, sound, lighting, audio, editing, and photography. The course will emphasize acquiring production skills and understanding the theory and principles of digital media storytelling.
Intermediate field video pre-production, production and post-production concepts and techniques are developed and applied. Students combine fundamentals of all three phases of the production process into a unified system of video planning, creation, construction, and feedback. Prerequisite: JOUR 528 or permission.
Students in this course study public relations/advertising agency and department management then act as an agency to plan, research and develop and Integrated Marketing Communications campaign for a local non-profit organization. Focus will be on utilizing advertising, public relations, direct communications and promo-tions to demonstrate mastery of communications theory/practice, processes and techniques involved in man-aging an agency or department. Emphasis will be on writing solid integrated marketing communications plans, including strategic tactics and creative tools. Prerequisites: JOUR 521 and JOUR 526 OR JOUR 527 or instructor permission.
This course provides students with advanced planning, design and production techniques for creating and enhancing persuasive communications. Students will use industry standard software, combined with solid theory in targeting and reaching audiences through creative and persuasive messages. Students will conceive and create and apply designs including logos, stationary systems and graphic standards for a variety of organizations. Prerequisites: JOUR 307
The students will study marketing theory, case studies, specific applications to communications programs, and they will develop a complete marketing communications plan for a client.
This course provides fundamental instruction in the basics of operating as an independent communications consultant or freelance journalist. This course is appropriate for students interested in starting a communications consultancy and/or those interested in pursuing freelance writing or editing opportunities while working full time. Topics will include: developing a communications business, research, planning, marketing and networking for success, and will be related to current issues, trends and employment opportunities.
This course is for students who wish to attain a comprehensive vision of communication and broaden their perspectives across the traditional fields. It explores the intersection of communication, technology and culture with a focus on six major areas: information, networking, socialization, identity, entertainment, and globalization. Covers issues such as technological determinism, social shaping of communication technologies, identity formation, cultural transnationalization and globalization.
This course is a survey of issues pertaining to sports media and the marketing of sports products and entities. Emphasis is given to the application of strategic marketing planning concepts. The guiding framework for the course is a “5Ps” model of sports marketing developed with the aim of creating exceptional customer experiences. In turn, experiences strengthen relationships between a company or organization and its customers. The course will also substantially review the emerging trends, tactics and platforms of sports media and be a weekly forum for examining analyzing “hot button” issues breaking in the industry.
This course will provide technical background for those students in the Digital Media field. Students will incorporate Web design theory and technical skills to create a series of Web products, including graphics, animations, and Web pages. Students will learn the current practices of Web publishing, which may include HTML, Flash, PhP coding, and the use of Content Management Systems. Upon completion of this class, students will have a variety of Web design pieces to add to their portfolios. (Dual listed with Jour 365)
Student must have completed 15 credit hours toward the degree and prerequisite courses or practical experience for eligibility. A minimum of an average of 15 hours a week (a total of at least 225 hours) must be 142 worked in a media-related position. Regular reports and periodic conferences with the instructor are required, as well as a final report. A total of six credits in internships may be earned toward the degree. Other specific criteria are published and applicable.
This course will teach students how to prove return on investment (ROI) to clients by understanding and evaluating analytics. In addition, students will learn search engine optimization best practices to further increase a brand’s social media ROI. Students will have a deeper understanding of the principles and how to measure and prove the ROI of social media and a working knowledge of various industry-standard analytics tools. Stu-dents will write social media reports for clients based on ROI and analytics results.
Courses are offered in specialized topics including branding, government lobbying, international advertising, media relations, history of public relations and advertising, high school journalism, alternative and minority media, community and citizen journalism, and others. Students may elect to take several JOUR 595 courses as long as the topics differ.
Students will learn to use electronic photo and graphics editing tools such as a slide and negative scanner and industry standard software such as Photoshop. As the photojournalists move out of the darkroom and into the electronic newsroom, these skills will be increasingly vital to their careers. Not open to the student with credit in PHOT 350.
Students should take either both Thesis courses or the Professional Track courses
Course Description
The student works with a faculty committee of three on a topic and research for a major paper that will require two terms for completion. A proposal and committee chair must be approved before registration. Development of a bibliographic essay, outline, and research method(s) are emphasized in the first semester. Writing a fully documented original thesis of not less than 90 pages using the American Psychological Association’s (APA) style is the goal for the second term. In order to participate in graduation ceremonies in the Spring, Thesis I must be completed by April. For the diploma to be dated that year, Thesis II must be completed before the last day of the following term. COMM 597 and COMM 598 may be Pass (“P”), Fail (“F”), or Incomplete (“I”) depending on progress in Thesis. Student with Incomplete (“I”) in COMM 598 must continue work by enrolling in COMM 599 for one regular academic term only. Prerequisite for COMM 597:COMM 593.
Course Description
Application of visual communication theories to the analysis, interpretation, and critical assessment of visual messages. Examines the implications of various means of creating, manipulating, and disseminating visual messages. Course topics include but are not limited to visual language, semiotics, visual rhetoric, visual ethics, and visualization strategies for professional communicators. Enables students to develop a range of visual communication competencies.
Course Description
The student will read, summarize, and critique six selected books, at least four of which must be scholarly, in a significant area of mass communication not otherwise covered in the curriculum, then synthesize them into a major paper comparing and contrasting them in multiple ways. A faculty member must oversee the project, a proposal for which must be approved by that faculty member and the program director. Final paper’s text must be at least 20 pages. May constitute three of the six hours of the candidate’s required research obligation. Only students with Incompletes must continue work by enrolling in COMM 599 for only one regular academic term. 144 Prerequisite: 18 credits.
Course Description
Career Outcomes
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the communication industry is on the rise. More than 43,000 new jobs are expected to be created in the field by 2026, making now the perfect time to earn your master’s in communication online. Students enrolled in this degree will graduate with the credentials for a variety of communication technology careers, including:
Public relations specialists help to shape and influence the perception of a company or organization. Those in advanced roles often hold managerial responsibilities such as shaping campaigns, supervising support staff, serving as a main contact for members of the press and searching for clients. The role can be found across a number of sectors and industries.
Technical writers write materials such as instruction manuals, maintenance instructions and journal articles that help explain technical information to the public. They often work in teams with technology experts to better understand their subjects. Those in advanced positions may work on increasingly complex projects, supervise staff or may even decide to go into freelance.
Marketing managers oversee the design, promotion and execution of marketing campaigns and work to produce interest for certain products or services. Those in advanced roles may have expanded responsibilities such as developing new business opportunities, finding innovative ways to expand messaging or analyzing marketing research for application to an entire company or organization.
Broadcast technicians operate and manage electrical equipment for various media outlets including radio, television, live and recorded music, and cinema. They may specialize in certain types of systems or areas such as sound mixing, broadcasting, sound engineering, recording or field technology. Advanced broadcast technicians often work as supervisors in increasingly larger and more prominent markets.
Market research analysts help companies understand the market conditions that impact the sales of products and services. They may forecast trends, measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, and gather and analyze consumer data, among other responsibilities. Market research analysts in advanced positions serve in leadership roles and perform increasingly complex technical research.
Next Steps
Get Started
Discover the Point Park University Online degree that will help you further your current career or forge a new career path.
Online Application
Fill out the free online application to get started today.
Official Transcripts
Print and complete the Transcript Request Form and email it to getstarted@pointpark.edu
