M.A. in Communication at Johns Hopkins

I realize that this program was discussed a couple of years ago but I was wondering if anybody has any recent experience with the program. Right now it is my top choice and I am trying to get a general feel for how satisfied students were with the program.

I am also considering the M.A. in International Security Studies at University of AZ as well as the M.A. in History at Arizona State and MPA at Rutgers.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

I'm currently in the program, and I love it. The classes, classmates, and the professors are awesome. The only drawback to the program is its price tag. Each class costs approximately $3,800. Therefore, this 30-credit program (10 classes) will cost you roughly $38,000. Bear in mind this does not include books. The program is extremely expensive. I'm using my post 9/11 GI bill to pay for it. If you have a similar arrangements or your employer is willing to pay for it, then by all means go for it. It is a great program from a well-known and highly regarded university.

 

Couple of questions: what do you want to accomplish by earning a graduate degree? I ask because all of the degrees you mentioned are completely different. A communications degree, a history degree, a public administration degree, and security degree, these are all unrelated to each other. What do you currently do for a living? I say do a degree that complements your background and employment history, that way it will enhance your C.V. Bear in mind that all of these degrees are very limiting, with regards to a career field. If you are unsure I say get an MBA degree instead. If you have more questions about the communications program at Hopkins then shoot me a PM.

 

Thanks for the response. I guess I should clarified that the other programs were ones that I had considered in the past. I am employed by an organization that I thoroughly enjoy working for which does not require a master's degree. Studying would essentially be for personal reasons and I am mostly looking to improve my reading / writing ability and take advantage of my remaining G.I. Bill funds as oppose to letting them go to waste.

PM sent.

 

I don't know...I don't think I would spend $38k on a graduate degree "just because." Don't get me wrong...I was studying for a communications degree, but I'm switching over to business because I think I'll get more use out of it, and I say this as someone who has worked in communications for 30 years.

If you are looking for a graduate degree in communications, there are definitely programs out there that are more cost-effective. If you plan to work in PR or marketing communications, most employers are just looking for a bachelor degree. For higher level executives, most businesses look for an MBA.

 

There's nothing wrong with thinking outside the "MBA box." Given his reasons for pursuing a degree, I'm not sure why anyone would have recommended an MBA to the OP. Approving one's reading/writing ability does not require an MBA (or any graduate degree for that matter). When anyone on this board notices even a sniff of indecision with someone selecting a graduate degree the default recommendation is the MBA! I do agree that the Hopkins program is quite steep at 38k, but if Sean83 has the funds available then why not? I'm assuming he is an adult and can make his own decisions around cost.

@Sean83 -As the JHU program is your top choice, I would say go for it. Obviously Hopkins reputation is impeccable. Why study spend time and money on on a subject that you don't absolutely love?

 

I gave an opinion based upon my own experience because the OP asked for it. If anyone disagrees, that is fine. I'm sure they will make the best decision for themselves based upon their own wants, needs and desires.

 

Sorry gentlemen. I was a little cranky this morning. :sgrin:

 

No worries mate. It happens to the best of us.