The Department of Communication and Sociology is offering a new master of arts in corporate communication beginning in May.

The master of arts in corporate communication program is now one of two master’s degrees offered by the department, the other being a master of arts in communications.

Dr. Lauren Lemley, associate professor of communication and sociology, said the new program has a more specific focus than the other program, which has been part of the department for many years, in that it focuses specifically on a corporate perspective as opposed to a general view of communications.

“From learning how to tell their organization’s story, to preparing to represent a company in a crisis, becoming a better grant writer or fundraiser for a nonprofit, gaining the skills they’ll need to lead an organization through change, or even improving their ability to identify and reach their company’s target audience – ACU’s M.A. in corporate communication seeks to help students gain a competitive edge in their workplace,” she said.

The master of arts in corporate communication is not only different in its function, but it takes a different form from typical graduate programs as well.

Dr. Joe Cardot, chair of the communication and sociology department, said the new program is designed for students who want to continue their education while working full time.

“We are launching a hybrid program of residency during the weekends followed by individual research and writing between the weekends to pull the information together,” he said.

Cardot said the new program will include:
“¢ A one-week intense course the week following graduation in May
“¢ Six hours in the summer
“¢ Six hours in the fall semester and six in the spring semester involving two contact weekends on Saturday and Sunday each semester
“¢ One final intensive week to pull all of the programs together and get students ready for their final six-hour project.
“¢ A final project of analysis and/or proposed change within an organization specific to the student and where they work.

The department will have an interest meeting for students interested in the program from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 6 in the Sherrod Building , Room 216.