The degree in Strategic Communication and Innovation begins this fall.
Beginning this fall, the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University will offer a new Online Master's Program in Strategic Communication and Innovation, and the response so far has been tremendous.
David Perlmutter, dean of the College of Media & Communication, said students have already begun registering for the degree plan, which was approved earlier this month by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This will allow current students as well as alumni the opportunity to further their education with the flexibility to do so around the demands of their life and jobs.
“Two years ago, we conceived the idea for a master's degree that would be available to communication professionals anywhere, but only if it featured the highest quality course materials, an accessible and interactive delivery system and the most relevant, modern and sophisticated curriculum and, of course, top flight faculty,” Perlmutter said. “This fall, the vision becomes reality with a program that allows senior professionals to gain all the latest technological, new media and analytics skills they want, and emerging professionals to improve planning and strategy skills.”
The program is designed to give communicators who are ready to take the next step in their careers an extra edge in the job market or to assist in updating skills in the global digital market.
Students will be required to complete 27 hours plus a final project (three hours). Enrollment is open year-round, allowing prospective students to begin in the semester most convenient. Students can determine how many courses they take each semester based on their schedules.
Course work will be completed at the student's convenience throughout the week without a designated class time, allowing for greater flexibility.
“As an institution of higher learning, it is imperative we offer unique, yet relevant, degree programs to all students, including non-traditional,” Texas Tech President M. Duane Nellis said. “It's never too late to gain additional knowledge for immediate application in the workplace. Dean Perlmutter and his staff have done a wonderful job of developing this program.”
Students who finished their bachelor's degree with a 3.0 or higher grade-point average are exempt from taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to enter the program. To apply for the program, students must submit a program application at www.ttugrad.org/new and an application to the Texas Tech Graduate School at www.applytexas.org.
“We have already had significant interest in the program by professionals across the country, some of whom have already been accepted into our first class,” Perlmutter said.
Upon application, students must submit their contact information, a personal statement, resume, work and writing samples, three references and college transcripts.
A full description of the program as well as the required and elective courses available can be found at the program's website. The program has seven specific courses and allows for three electives.