- Eligible applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in communication media, or a related discipline, GPA of 3.0 or higher, and must submit their academic transcript, a professional resume, and three professional references.
- Applicants can submit the online application to the program prior to their completion of a bachelor’s degree program but the Registrar must confirm degree completion before considering the application.
- Graduate and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State University has rolling admissions, which means that applicants can apply anytime. The online application can be accessed at https://admissions.fitchburgstate.edu/apply/
- Accepted students will have the option to complete the program in 24 months, allowing for a steady transition to the communication media career field.
- Accepted students will also have the option to complete the program within 72 months to accommodate their schedules.
The part-time online program option allows students maximum flexibility in course scheduling and requires program completion within six years of matriculation. Based on current demand, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6-11% increase in employment opportunities within the communication media industry between 2016-2026.* Regional employer demand trends reveal the need for professionals with social media skills in leadership roles for common job title listings such as: Social Media Manager, Marketing Manager/Director, Communications Manager, Director of Media Relations, Communications Specialist, Brand Manager, and Public Relations Director.
The master's degree in Applied Communication Social Media concentration will effectively prepare students for the growing communication media career industry and advanced graduate study. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to pursue a variety of career positions that require: applied understanding of social media theories and practice; design and management of social media sites and applications; ability to design and execute a social media campaign; ability to apply quantitative and qualitative communication research methods and integrated social media marketing skills; effective data visualization and multimedia presentation skills, and the application of intercultural communication competency in the social media context.
Additionally, applicants to this program are no longer required to complete the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) for admission. For more information about the program and how to apply, you have options:
- Make an appointment to speak to an advisor.
- Contact admissions.
Don’t delay, work toward earning your master’s degree today! Want to learn more? Watch our webinar to learn about admissions requirements, curriculum, and financial aid opportunities. Or you can attend our Virtual Open House on June 9 at 5 pm to talk to the chair of the program.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Media and Communication Occupations, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm (visited April 1, 2019).
Thank you to Meena Roy and Viera Lorencova from the Communications Media department for their contributions to this blog.