Learn More and ApplyProfessional Communication (MA) Online

Menu

PROFCMN
Program Requirements Quarter Hours
Degree Requirements 46
Total hours required 46

The MA in Professional Communication is an accelerated, one-year online master’s degree with curriculum formed around the latest industry developments and trends in external and internal communications. The program is designed for busy working professionals whose aim is to assume communication manager, director level and associated leadership positions in communication departments and teams in a range of workplaces, including companies and startups, agencies or consultancies, and non-profit organizations.

Students in this program progress through the innovative online curriculum together as a cohort, taking courses in a pre-set sequence that takes full advantage of the DePaul academic calendar. Taught by award-winning faculty with industry connections and a commitment to student success, the professional communication program begins and ends with virtual residencies, which allow students to further connect with fellow classmates, professors, college alumni and industry professionals. The program holds optional in-person networking events in Chicago for students and alumni.

For the final project in the program, students work on a real-world workplace communication challenge that benefits an organization and its stakeholders. This project also gives the student an opportunity to build their portfolio and further network within the profession. Project partners have ranged from nonprofit organizations to multinational companies.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to: 

  • Enhance the effectiveness of internal and external professional communication.
  • Facilitate collaboration and decision-making among organizational stakeholders.
  • Apply ethical and legal principles to professional communication problems and challenges (e.g., diversity, equity, inclusivity, privacy, etc.).
  • Generate relevant questions and pursue evidence-based solutions to improve professional communication practices.
  • Design and adapt effective messages in face-to-face, digital and hybrid contexts.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Professional Communication (PROCMN) requires 12 courses (46 credit hours). 

Course Title Quarter Hours
Autumn Quarter
PROCMN 500PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION ORIENTATION AND RESIDENCY I 12
PROCMN 501THE FUTURE OF PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION4
PROCMN 510DIGITAL MEDIA SKILLS FOR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION4
December Session
PROCMN 520WRITING FOR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION CAREERS4
PROCMN 530PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION LAW, POLICY AND ETHICS2
Winter Quarter
PROCMN 540RESEARCH METHODS AND INSIGHTS FOR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION4
PROCMN 550EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN TEAMS4
Spring Quarter
PROCMN 580DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION4
PROCMN 570EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH EMPLOYEES4
Summer Session I
PROCMN 560TOPICS IN PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION4
PROCMN 590CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: ADVISING AND COUNSELING LEADERSHIP4
Summer Session II
PROCMN 599PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION FINAL PROJECT AND RESIDENCY II6
Total Hours46
1

The PROCMN 500 Professional Communication Orientation I and (Virtual) Residency occurs prior to the start of Autumn quarter, typically the Fri. and Sat. the week before Labor Day weekend.


Residencies

Students in the PROCMN program will participate in virtual residencies at the beginning and end of the program. These residencies allow students to further connect with fellow classmates, professors, college alumni and industry professionals. The program holds optional in-person networking events in Chicago for students and alumni.

Grade Requirements

All students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.000 in their coursework. If a student's cumulative GPA falls below 3.000, the student will be allowed to complete an additional 16 credits or 3 quarters (whichever comes first) to attain the 3.000 minimum GPA. If the cumulative GPA remains below a 3.000 at the conclusion of this time period, the student may be dismissed from the program. The student's cumulative and term GPAs along with overall academic performance will be factored into the dismissal decision.