Academic Program Proposal
Main_Content
Date
Proposal
Activated | Institution
and
Proposal | Degree
Awarded | Academic
Program
Name | Objections
Received | Objection
Deadline | MHEC Final
Action | Final
Decision
Date |
|---|
| University of Maryland University College
Proposal | Master of Science | Strategic Communications | | 10/14/2017 | Approved | 10/23/2017 |
| Strategic Communications Program Description |
| The purpose of restructuring the curriculum to create a freestanding M.S. in Strategic Communications is to 1) strengthen the curriculum and better align it with the needs of employers via competency-based teaching and learning approaches and 2) clarify the content of the degree and simplify the pathway to completion so that it can be more readily communicated to prospective and current students and employers. <br> <br>The current structure of having the A.O.C. in Public Relations nested within the M.S. in Management places an emphasis on the core coursework in general management rather than on the specific content of the concentration in Public Relations. The revised program structure benefits students and employers by more clearly focusing the content on the application of communications to facilitate the accomplishment of organizational strategic goals. As a result, UMUC will be better able to differentiate the degree from others within its portfolio of offerings and ensure the currency and relevancy of the curriculum relative to current workforce and employer demands. <br> <br>The proposed M.S. in Strategic Communications program is aimed at those with academic and/or professional backgrounds in a communications related field. These include early or mid- career individuals with experience in the military, public, or private sectors who desire to expand their knowledge and skill set in strategic communications, including public relations, crisis communications and marketing communications in order to enhance their opportunities for advancement as independent practitioners, public affairs leaders in government organizations and leaders in public relations at nonprofits or in commercial firms. <br> <br> |
