My "wish" list

Although I am still working on my BA, I am already looking ahead to graduate programs, so I will have a plan-of-attack in place when I finally get my BA in Communications (likely from Excelsior College).

I thought about getting an MBA, but my interest really lies in getting an MA or MS in Communications or Public Relations. I have compiled a short list of schools which have caught my interest. Of this list, which one do you think would have the greatest return-on-investment?

Ellis University - MA Communication Arts - Advertising and Public Relations
Sheffield-Hallam University - MA Corporate Communications
Webster University - MA Public Relations
West Virginia University - MA Integrated Marketing Communications
National University - MA Strategic Communications
Gonzaga University - MA Communications & Leadership
University of Leicester - MA Communications, Media & Public Relations
Marist College - MA in Communications
Eastern Michigan University - MA Integrated Marketing Communications
Austin Peay University - MA Corporate Communications

National University has the edge on cost. I believe it is one of the least expensive options on the list, although there are better-known schools on the list. I know there are a few other programs out there not on this list, but I have written them off due to cost.

Thoughts?

 

You might want to also check out University of Missouri which is usually ranked as a top 10 journalism school. They have an online Masters program in Strategic Communication that is 37 credits @ $500 per.

http://www.journalism.missouri.edu/graduate/online/

http://www.journalism.missouri.edu/graduate/online/strategic.html

 

I would think it might depend on your physical location and how well known the schools is. I am in the pacific northwest and the degree from Gonzaga would look excellent on a resume. I think they are pretty expensive though.

Good to have a plan of attack and start thinking about new goals when your current one is within reach.

Good luck to you,

Cory

 

I would say, in order:

1. University of Missouri (I know this wasn't on the OP's original list, but Mizzou has an amazing j-school that will be recognized anywhere in the country)

2. Gonzaga (strong school with a great reputation out west, but their basketball program has given them national recognition.)

3. West Virginia University (This is just based on name recognition. Know nothing of the program, but it has a stronger name than other schools remaining on the list).

 

If I remember correctly, WVU is ridiculously expensive for out-of-state students. There is also one member on this board who's had horrible experience with that school.

I talked to Gonzaga about the program mentioned in the first post. They were very nice and helpful. I did not consider the program further because of the tuition, but seems like a good program, and it is apparently not hard to get into.

 

I'll trade you thoughts if you go give me some advice as well on my thread.

At first glance WVU stands out to me on looks alone both on name of the school and the program. Gonzaga also has strong name recognition and I like that it attempts to combine leadership with a communications degree. These types of hybrid degrees seem to be gaining steam lately. Both of these programs look like they would be a really good fit.

 

Oh, great! Now we're picking schools based on the reputations of their basketball teams!

 

If you are picking a school based on the basketball program, I would pick Mizzu, Gonzaga or WV.

They all have good basketball programs. WV and Mizzu have pretty good football programs also.

 

Haha. That isn't what I meant to imply. My point was that Gonzaga's name has gained national exposure due to the performance of their basketball team over the past decade. It is a small Catholic school in rural Washington that, I would venture to bet, not many people outside of the Pacific Northwest could have told you about ten years ago. Like it or not, strong athletic performance garners schools a lot of national attention.
For example, take George Mason University. After their Final Four run two years ago out of state applications increased over 200% and their school was recently recognized as one of the top 10 up and coming universities in the country by USNWR.
I'm not saying that Gonzaga's program is any better than any of the other programs on the OP's list, my point is that Gonzaga is a name employers outside of the Pacific Northwest will recognize when they see it on a resume and that is due in large part to the success of their basketball team.

 

If you're in the East Coast, I'd stick with Marist. There's a plethora of scholarships available, plus the college itself is ranked fairly high.

 

Back to the topic, it is good to have a solid plan. I change my mind all the time about my path to a bachelor degree. I am currently enjoying FHSU, but on paper, I like Marshall's Regents program. I plan on continuing my coursework at FHSU, but I am afraid that if I watch We are Marshall, that might change. ;-)

 

You might also check out the MA in Organizational Communication at Southeastern Louisiana University. At one time, this program was delivered almost entirely over the web and some sections employed streaming video. It may be cheaper than National as well.

 

I know from personal experience that SLU is a great school. They are a small located in Hammond, La. and have a pretty small campus. My friend is graduating from their nursing program and she really loves the school and hasn't had a bad word to say about them.

 

I did look at this program, but it seems to be geared more toward those in the media than those who work in marketing and public relations.

 

I can find no indication on their web site that this degree is available via DL.

 

I say go with Fort Hays MLS with the communications concentration.

Problem solved - close the thread.

 

I don't see communications as a concentration in their MLS program, but their web site says you can "design your own" with the help of an adviser. I wonder how that works? If that's actually an option, the tuition would be less than $7,000. Not bad!

 

They do have one, but it is not offered online. My bad.

http://www.fhsu.edu/mls/conc/index.shtml

 

It looks like they once did, but I found this message on their web site:

"We regret to inform you that as of November 19, 2007, this concentration will no longer accept applications due to the Department of Communication's workload. Please check this website for notification regarding when applications will be accepted."

That's unfortunate, because they had a Public Relations concentration, which is just what I was looking for.

 

You should see the facilities that the basketball program has provided for the school.

Old GU attitude: "We are an educational institution that is meant to better the lives of young adults" Complete with significant snotty tude.

New GU attitude: "We love basketball $$$$$ they put the good name of $$$$ of our school out $$$$$$$$$ to everyone."

Basketball is building new buildings, increasing enrollments (and endowements$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$) and making the school more viable. Those catholic priests love Dr. Naismith now.

Cory