MA in Communication / MBA
Dual Degree Program with the Carey Business School
The university allows students to simultaneously pursue a Master of Arts in Communication in the School of Arts and Sciences and a Master of Business Administration at the Carey Business School. To pursue these dual degrees, students must apply and be accepted to both programs. Students who successfully complete the requirements for both degrees will receive two separate degrees. Students may complete one degree first and be awarded the diploma before continuing with the second degree, or strive toward both degrees concurrently. Pending graduates must complete the graduation application for each school. Dual-degree students may participate in both commencement exercises.
Leaders in business and industry recognize the importance of communication, but few MBA programs offer communication courses. At the same time, communication professionals recognize the importance of good business practices, but programs rarely offer courses in business. The Master of Arts in Communication/Master of Business Administration dual degree program was developed to fill that need. It helps advance the careers of managers in public and media relations, advertising, crisis communication, organizational development, and risk communication. Students and alumni have access to our exclusive job opportunities network and career services center.
Admissions Criteria for all Advanced Academic Programs
Program Specific Requirements
Individuals who wish to apply for the dual MA in Communication/MBA program must apply through Advanced Academic Programs. They can apply to both programs concurrently, or they can start with one program and then apply for the dual degree by submitting an application to the second program through the AAP Admissions Office. The MA in Communication program will consider applicants for the MA in Communication portion of the degree, while the MBA program will consider applicants for the MBA portion of the degree. An individual can be accepted by one rather than both programs; in this case, that person can decide whether to enroll in the single program. (The Admissions Committees reserve the right to request additional information from applicants, if needed, to assess their candidacy for admission. All application materials submitted to Advanced Academic Programs become the property of the Johns Hopkins University and will not be returned to applicants under any circumstances.)
- The MA in Communication and MBA programs have different requirements for GRE or GMAT scores:
The MA in Communication program may require GRE scores. The program waives this requirement for applicants who have (a) a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher or (b) five or more years of full-time work experience after earning an undergraduate degree. Submit results directly to the Advanced Academic Programs Office of Admissions, using the code 8747. Photocopies will not be accepted.
The MBA program may require the GMAT or GRE scores. A waiver from these exams may be approved if a candidate has:- Completed a graduate degree and can demonstrate quantitative ability through coursework of B or better in statistics, corporate finance, or microeconomics.
- Completed an undergraduate degree and has at least five years of professional experience. Applicant has also taken at least one course in statistics, corporate finance, and microeconomics, and earned a B or better and earned an overall GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Holds a professional designation, such as CPA or CFA.
- Statement of purpose: Explain why you are interested in earning the dual MA in Communication/MBA and how it will help your career. Double space your essay and limit it to 500 words or less (place the word count at the end of the document).
- Writing sample: Please go to the online application to download instructions for your writing sample.
Program Requirements
MA in Communication Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Course - Required: | ||
| AS.480.600 | Research & Writing Methods | 3 |
| Core Courses - Customizable | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Foundations of Digital Media | ||
| Changing Behavior through Communication | ||
| Theory of Mass Communication Practices | ||
| Persuasion | ||
| Practicum | ||
| Electives (Six courses) | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
MBA Curriculum
All students pursuing this dual degree must take the following courses. Course scheduling allows for completion of the MBA portion of the program in 32 months. Dual degree recipients receive both diplomas upon completion of both programs.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses - Required: | ||
| BU.210.620 | Accounting and Financial Reporting | 2 |
| BU.520.601 | Business Analytics | 2 |
| BU.120.601 | Business Communication | 2 |
| BU.220.620 | Business Microeconomics | 2 |
| BU.231.620 | Corporate Finance | 2 |
| BU.142.601 | Leadership and Organizational Behavior | 2 |
| BU.410.620 | Marketing Management | 2 |
| BU.680.620 | Operations Management | 2 |
| BU.510.601 | Statistical Analysis | 2 |
| BU.150.620 | Strategic Management | 2 |
| Electives (11 courses) | 22 | |
| Select 11 two-credit courses. Students may fulfill this requirement with any Carey courses for which they meet the pre-requisites and enrollment criteria. | ||
| Total Credits | 42 | |