Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication Concentration in Strategic Public Relations

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication Concentration in Strategic Public Relations program is designed for public relations and communications practitioners and professionals seeking to deepen and develop their knowledge and skills in strategic public relations, and for people not currently working in public relations who desire a career change. The courses equip graduates with the professional knowledge and skills to take strategic management and executive roles in communications and public relations in both the public and private sectors.

Program Recognition

The program is approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Zayed University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Curriculum

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication Concentration in Strategic Public Relations

Orientation Seminar

At the beginning of the program, students take an intensive one-day orientation seminar that offers a number of workshops to introduce students to the University and its resources, the program and communication and virtual classroom software such as Blackboard Learn and Collaborate, MS Outlook, Extranet, and Bannerweb.

Courses

The Master of Arts in Communication Concentration in Strategic Public Relations curriculum offers students a choice between two study tracks.

Option 1

• COM501 Foundations of Communication Studies
• COM502 Introduction to Communication Research
• SPC510 Public Relations Principles and Practices
• SPC511 Advanced Writing for Communications
• COM504 Cross Cultural Communication
• COM506 Understanding Consumer Trends
• SPC512 Strategic Public Relations
• COM513 Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
• SPC514 Internal Communications
• COM550 Applied Research Seminar
• COM551 Advanced Research Project I
• COM552 Advanced Research Project II

Option 1: Each student's program of study will culminate in a significant piece of research which could be linked to their current workplace.

Option 2

• COM501 Foundations of Communication Studies
• COM502 Introduction to Communication Research
• SPC510 Public Relations Principles and Practices
• SPC511 Advanced Writing for Communication
• COM504 Cross Cultural Communication
• COM506 Understanding Consumer Trends
• SPC512 Strategic Public Relations
• COM513 Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
• SPC514 Internal Communications
• COM550 Applied Research Seminar
• COM507 Social and Digital Media Strategies
• SPC515 Crisis and Risk Management Communication

Option 2: Requires a final comprehensive exam that tests students on the knowledge they gained in their field of study.

Admission

• Admission is open to males and females of all nationalities.
• Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited university.
• IELTS (Academic) overall band score of not less than 6.0 or an internet-based TOEFL total score of not less than 79 iBT.
• Applicants selecting Option 1 must submit a proposal.
• Candidates do not need an undergraduate degree in communications to pursue the Master of Arts in Communication Concentration in Strategic Public Relations degree. However, if they were not communications or media majors, they will be required to take preparatory work as necessary, to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Prospective students may be allowed to take qualifying coursework at another institution.

Graduation Requirement

Graduate students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in course work taken in fulfillment of the requirements of a Master's degree.