Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

• Understand and be able to apply the central cannon of communication theory.

• Understand and be able to employ quantitiative and qualitative research techniques in order to analyze, interpret, and present data effectively.

• Have developed the ability to apply strategic communication principles in the context of professional work.
• Demonstrate dynamic, effective, and persuasive oral communication skills.
• Write clearly, concisely, correctly, and in an appropriate style for the strategic communication objective.

• Have developed essential familiarity with technical skills used in producing digital images.

• Understand and be able to apply principles of global/international communication.

One important communication consideration is recognizing cultural diversity. Not only does the MASCOM program take a global view, the learning environment at HPU is also multi-cultural. Located in the center of the Pacific Rim, Honolulu is a cosmopolitan city with a busy, international business community. This attracts a wide range of learners. In fact, HPU students come from all 50 states and nearly 65 countries.

• Because Honolulu is a uniquely international city, MASCOM students have opportunities for jobs and internships with many multinational companies. Classrooms are centrally located in the downtown financial district of Honolulu, near the state legislature, print and television news organizations, media production companies, public relations firms, and advertising agencies.

• Faculty in HPU’s MASCOM program are excellent teachers and involved mentors for all students. Their awards and experiences include a Fulbright Senior Fellow Nomination, the Walt Disney-Hollywood Pictures Fellowship Writer’s Award, the Lawrence A. Frost Literary Award, the HPU Trustees Award for Teaching Excellence,  the CLIO Award for Advertising, KHON2 media commentator, and Peace Corps volunteer.

• Students may take up to two electives from other related programs, such as Master of Business Administration, Master of the Arts in Sustainability, and others, to count toward their MASCOM degree.

• HPU's MASCOM program offers two elements not commonly offered by other programs:
  • Emphasis in technical design training (courses in Digital Graphic Design and Web Design).
  • Strong international/intercultural component (courses in International Communication and Media and Globalization).

• The MA in Strategic Communication is a professionally oriented curriculum; however, students planning to continue studies toward the Ph.D will find the program’s intellectual breadth and depth, academic rigor, and emphasis upon integrating theory with practical application perfectly aligned with their future plans.
  

• Application
• Transcripts
• Personal Statement
• $55 Application Fee
• Letter of recommendation
• Resume

(Revised June 3, 2020.  Disclaimer: Classes may be cancelled due to low enrollment.)

Undergraduate students advancing to a Master Degree in Strategic Communication can now earn the MASCOM in less time under its concurrent program. Students who meet the eligibility requirements of the Concurrent Program--current undergrad student with 90 credit hours (including current term and transfer credit), at least 15 credit hours earned at HPU  and a GPA of at least 3.0-- may use this form to request to take up to 12 credits (4 courses) of the graduate courses in the table below. These courses will serve as substitutes for the corresponding undergraduate course and are counted toward both the completion of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. Request must be approved by both undergraduate and graduate advisors.