Combined Master of Arts in Communication/Certificate in Nonprofit Management
The university allows students to simultaneously pursue a Master of Arts in Communication and Certificate in Nonprofit Management in the School of Arts and Sciences. To enroll in both programs, students must apply and be accepted to both programs. Students who successfully complete the requirements in both programs will receive two separate documents—a communication diploma and nonprofit certificate. Students may complete one program first before continuing with the second program or be in both programs concurrently. Pending graduates must complete the graduation application for each school. Students who finish the combined program participate in a single commencement ceremony.
Professionals with sharpened skills in the social science of communication will be able to apply those skills to mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Upon graduating from the combined program, individuals will be well prepared to lead their nonprofit employers in designing and implementing communication campaigns that promote reforms in public policy, mobilize constituencies to lobby their elected officials, advance their goals through public and media relations, or change behaviors in ways that improve the health, well-being, and public safety of all. Even if students pursue careers in the corporate or public sectors, they are highly likely to interact with nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations, or serve on nonprofit boards of directors. All of these roles require an understanding of the impact of nonprofits in the U.S. and other countries, and the principles and challenges of managing them, including what it means to supervise a volunteer workforce and raise money through the generosity of others.
Admissions Criteria for all Advanced Academic Programs
Program Specific Requirements
Individuals who wish to apply for the combined MA in Communication/Certificate in Nonprofit Management 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 combined program 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, while the Certificate in Nonprofit Management program will consider applicants for the Certificate in Nonprofit Management portion. 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 the Advanced Academic Programs become the property of the Johns Hopkins University and will not be returned to applicants under any circumstances.)
- Statement of Purpose: Explain why you are interested in entering the MA in Communication and Certificate in Nonprofit Management combined program, and how it will help your career or other goals. Double space your essay and limit it to 500 words or fewer (place the word count at the end of the document).
- Writing Sample: Effective for summer 2015 and beyond, applicants to the MA in Communication program must submit a writing sample. Please click here to download the instructions and article for your writing sample. This exercise asks you to write a single, brief paragraph. It should not take the form of a larger document, such as a letter, an email, a report, or a plan. Submit one paragraph with no more than 250 words.
- GRE scores: The MA in Communication and Certificate in Nonprofit Management programs have different requirements for GRE scores:
- The MA in Communication program may require GRE scores. The program waives this requirement for applicants who have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and higher or at least five years of full-time work experience after completing college. Submit results directly to the Advanced Academic Programs Office of Admissions, using the code 8747. Photocopies will not be accepted.
- The Certificate in Nonprofit Management program does not require GRE scores.
Program Requirements
Communication Program Curriculum
The combined MA in Communication/Certificate in Nonprofit Management program enables students to reduce their course load. If students were to complete the two programs separately, they would complete a total of 16 courses. Yet students in the combined program take a total of 14 courses. Please note that students must complete all 14 courses before they are eligible to apply for graduation. Students must take the following courses from the MA in Communication program:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses - Required: | ||
| AS.480.600 | Research & Writing Methods | 3 |
| AS.480.602 | Changing Behavior through Communication | 3 |
| Core Courses - Customizable | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Foundations of Digital Media | ||
| Theory of Mass Communication Practices | ||
| Persuasion | ||
| Practicum | ||
| Select at least one of the following: | 3 | |
| Communication.org:Not-for-Profits in the Digital Age | ||
| Communicating for Social Change | ||
| Strategic Communication Program Management | ||
| Public Policy Management & Advocacy | ||
| Select five electives | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Certificate in Nonprofit Management Curriculum
Students must complete four courses under the Nonprofit Management program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| Resource Development and Marketing in Nonprofits | ||
| Institutional Fundraising: Raising Maximum Dollars from Government Agencies, Corporations and Foundations | ||
| Mission Meets Profit: Building a Social Enterprise | ||
| NGOs in Development and Global Policy-Making | ||
| Fundamentals of Nonprofits and Nonprofit Management | ||
| Nonprofit Governance & Executive Leadership | ||
| International/Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society in Conflict Zones | ||
| Financial Management and Analysis in Nonprofits | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |