I think I found my graduate degree program

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by TCord1964, Aug 1, 2009.

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  1. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    I plan to finish my BA at Excelsior, hopefully by the end of the year. As I mentioned here before, I have been looking for a RA Master of Public Relations or Master of Communications DL program. I think I finally found a good one.

    It is the Master of Science in Mass Media Arts and Journalism at Clarion University. It is a 36-credit program.

    Judging by the web site, Clarion's distance learning options look relatively new, and I completely found this program by accident at eLearners.com, and trust me...I have spent many late nights searching Google and never came across this program before.

    I know Clarion is a campus-based university that has been around for a long time, but does anyone here have any first-hand experience with them? Any idea about reputation, rigor, etc?

    I have written to the school for more information about the program itself. I'll let you know what I learn.
     
  2. bazonkers

    bazonkers New Member

    I've heard good things about their distance ed. MS in Library Science degree from people that have completed the program. Hopefully that helps as that is all the info I have. :)
     
  3. jaer57

    jaer57 New Member

    I can't speak about the Clarion experience, but it is a well known school where I grew up in Pittsburgh. Several high school classmates of mine went on to school there. As a matter of fact, Reggie Wells of the Arizona Cardinals graduated from Clarion and also my high school. :)

    There's actually a cool story about Reggie going to Clarion; his dad also went there and played basketball. However, he left before graduating to pursue professional basketball. He never made it in the US, but played professional basketball in Europe for a few years. Afterwards he came back to the US and became a PA state trooper. 20 years later or so his son is going to Clarion, so the father decides to go back to Clarion to finish his degree, and both father and son end up graduating together.

    Anyways, I can't speak for everywhere, but in Pittsburgh everyone knows of Clarion and considers it a solid school. Good luck!
     
  4. airtorn

    airtorn Moderator

    Clarion - solid Pennsylvania state school. My sister graduated from the library science program last year and used that degree to get a librarian position at another public university.

    Good luck.
     
  5. Shawn Ambrose

    Shawn Ambrose New Member

    As a Pittsburgh native, the school has an good reputation in Western PA. Solid State University. My sister has a degree from education from them. Clarion also is well known for their communications programs in Western PA - it's a GOOD choice. Good luck!

    Shawn
     
  6. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

  7. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    I had noticed the University of Nebraska program, but the concentration I am interested in carries this disclaimer on their web site:

    *Marketing, Communication and Advertising (some courses online)

    So that one isn't available totally by DL.

    To all: thanks for the feedback! For me, it's a choice between Clarion and Franklin Unversity's MS in Marketing and Communication. I think Clarion has the edge on price.
     
  8. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    OK, I got some info from Clarion, and I have to admit, I'm really digging this program.

    Program Title
    The Online Master of Science in Mass Media Arts and Journalism

    Program requirements
    Students may pursue a thesis, internship or portfolio project option.

    Individuals seeking admission to Clarion’s Online Master of Science in Mass Media Arts and Journalism must:

    • have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an overall GPA of 3.0
    • complete a graduate application
    • provide official transcripts from an accredited college or university
    • submit a statement of purpose.
    • have access to a computer with reliable Internet capability.
    • For non-native applicants: submit TOEFL scores of 600 or above.
    Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to consult with the department chair before admission to the program.

    Credits to Complete
    36

    Course Length
    18 months to 3 years

    Format
    Entirely online

    Required Courses Cr Grade
    MMAJ 525: Mass Communication Theory 3 _____
    MMAJ 548: Media Strategies for Distance Communication 3 _____
    MMAJ 551: Public Relations Foundations 3 _____
    MMAJ 558: Society, Law and Media Technology 3 _____
    MMAJ 559: Management of the Communication Process 3 _____
    MMAJ 621: Mass Communication Research 3 _____
    MMAJ 641: Professional Communication Writing OR
    MMAJ 642: Advanced Public Relations Writing 3 _____

    Choose One:

    MMAJ or CMST 500/600 Level Course in focused area of interest 3 _____

    Choose One:

    MMAJ 700: Thesis/Research Study in Communication 6 _____
    By permission of graduate faculty
    No comprehensive examination

    MMAJ 701: Thesis/Internship in communication 6 _____
    No comprehensive examination

    MMAJ 702: Thesis/Portfolio in Communication
    No comprehensive examination 6

    Electives (select from among 400/600 level MMAJ or CMST graduate courses;
    Only one 400 level course may be taken).



    Total: 36 credits

    You can also start off with a 15-credit Certificate in Public Relations, and those credits can be transferred to the Master degree program. Finally, I have found a school that is offering EXACTLY the kind of program I want at a reasonable price. This is truly a hidden gem in the DL world!
     
  9. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    That's really a hidden gem, no doubt about it.

    One question: going through your last post, it seems they don't ask for the GRE. Is that correct?

    If it is I think that wonderful. While I think the GMAT is a good test, I think the GRE is probably one of the most stupid ones ever.

    Last question: Did you transfer to Excelsior already? I'm curious about how will they handle your AJ credits.
     
  10. jasonw93

    jasonw93 New Member

    Centennial college of canada

    While searching on internet I found good information about centennial college

    It is one of the good community college in Toronto with four campuses.
    Lots of different kind of degree programs and courses like advertising, communications, broadcasting, journalism, aviation, automotive are taught at centennial college.

    Make your career in your interested field !!!

    :)
     
  11. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    Cool looking program Terry.
     
  12. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    I didn't see any mention of GMAT on Clarion's web site or in the information they sent me, so I don't think it is required.

    I haven't applied to Excelsior yet. I plan to do that at the end of September. I'll let you know what happens with the AJU credits.
     
  13. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    I think this one is going to be my pick for a grad program. I've been waffling back and forth between going for an MBA or getting a PR/Communications graduate degree. I'm not really all that psyched about trying to get an MBA (maybe later), but the PR/Comunications/Journalism masters degree is what really interests me.
     
  14. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    Personally I feel that if you're not 100% convinced you need an MBA, do something else. It's not a fun program to be sure, for me it was a necassary beating and a personal challenge, but fun and enjoyable aren't words I generally associate with it. Since life is short and you have a clear direction you want to move in, go for what works for you. Besides, you didn't want to be in management did you?
     
  15. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    Well, yes...either Marketing Manager, Communications Director or Director of Public Relations or some similar job. Most of these jobs only advertise that they are looking for someone with a bachelor's degree, at a minimum. Those that do specify a master's degree either mention an MBA or some type of communications degree. I figure a degree like this will give me an edge in the marketplace, and help me at my current job, too.
     
  16. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    I received the information I requested from Franklin University regarding their MCM program (M.S. in Marketing and Communication).

    Unlike Clarion, I received this information via snail mail, rather than email. The information consisted of a letter and a brochure about the program. The information wasn't nearly as detailed as what I received from Clarion University.

    Here are the highlights of the Franklin University program:

    Online, can be completed in 17 months.

    Students are paired with a "graduate coach". This is described as "an experienced professional from the business community who is trained to offer one-on-one career guidance and support."

    Admissions requirements:

    Bachelor's from a RA school.

    Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

    GMAT required if GPA is under 3.0.

    That's pretty much all of the info they sent me. To be honest, I'm still leaning toward Clarion, which provided with me much more info, including a list of courses I would need to take in their program. I think Clarion also has the edge on price.

    In a head-to-head comparison, which school's reputation and prestige would provide more return on investment...Clarion or Franklin?
     
  17. Go_Fishy

    Go_Fishy New Member

    Both will probably earn you a "Huh?" unless the person is from Ohio/PA. Franklin has more students/alumni and is private, which to some people means fancy.

    But if I were your potential employer and googled both schools, I'd notice that Clarion seems to have a gorgeous little campus and a good website. Seems like a very friendly school...
     
  18. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    Neither one is very well known, so you should decide based on price, curriculum and structure of the program.
     
  19. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    Based upon those criteria, I think my choice will have to be Clarion.
     
  20. David H

    David H Member

    First, congrats on getting to this point - choosing between two schools. Your due diligence is awesome!

    I would add one thing to consider -- which one sounds better to YOU when asked the question:

    "Where did you do your grad work?"

    "Well, I did my grad work at xxxxxxxx!"

    Congrats again -- look forward to hearing updates!

    David
     

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