SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

M.A. in Strategic Communication and Leadership
South Orange, New Jersey

Founded in 1856, Seton Hall is a private coeducational Catholic institution—the nation's oldest diocesan institution of higher education in the United States. One of the region's most prestigious academic institutions and a recognized leader in online education, Seton Hall University enrolls approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Seton Hall University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Distance Learning Program

SetonWorldWide, Seton Hall's online campus, provides learners with the opportunity to earn a Seton Hall University degree in an e-learning environment that allows the working professional to fit their education into their busy lifestyle.

Delivery Media

Learners access their online course rooms using an Internet connection—anytime, anywhere. This 24/7 access allows course study and interaction in a flexible user-friendly environment.

Programs of Study

A basic building block for success in today's highly competitive world is the manager who can lead and communicate effectively. Executives, managers, and military command personnel are increasingly expected to bring to their organizations these unique competencies. The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership (MASCL) program has been designed to meet the needs of today's busy professional. Through a highly interactive curriculum that allows for significant discussion of strategies and solutions to current issues in effective leadership and communication, the program provides an opportunity to network and study with colleagues and experts in specialized disciplines. Using state-of-the-art online learning technologies, this rigorous program is aimed at helping the high-potential individual earn a Seton Hall University degree in a convenient format.

A serious program for the serious learner, MASCL requires 36 credits and takes eighteen months to complete. Students interact with a learning team of their peers (successful executives, managers, and professionals), experienced instructors, and other experts in an anytime, anyplace e-learning environment. Three on-campus weekend-long residencies, five 12-week modules, and an ongoing leadership and communication skills enhancement program combine to develop the superior abilities required for dynamic leadership. Faculty members mentor participants throughout the program to polish interpersonal, presentation, and writing skills.

The three on-site weekends—Orientation, Mid-Program Residency, and Final Residency—include sessions for students to practice their communication and leadership skills. Individual coaching is provided during all of the residencies. The Orientation Weekend prepares the learning team for the program. Students meet one another, faculty members, and administrators. They learn how to access and use the online learning technologies, and they make a presentation and receive feedback and coaching. At the Mid-Program residency, students give group and individual presentations, and they also take part in a mock press conference. During the Final Residency, students present their strategic-communication plan, with an emphasis on how they intend to communicate it to their organization's stakeholders. The weekend concludes with commencement exercises.

Student Services

Seton Hall provides online support and assistance throughout the program, and learners have access to Seton Hall University's extensive library resources.

Credit Options

All course waivers, including work experience, and transfer credits are subject to the review and approval of the program director.

Faculty

The Department of Communication faculty members combine practical experience with academic preparation. Each curricular area utilizes faculty members who have impressive professional records and those with doctoral degrees for a blend of the academic and practical.

Admission

Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The ideal candidate has significant experience in a corporate, military, governmental, association, or nonprofit organization. Candidates are ready for increased workplace responsibilities or a new executive position and seek to develop and enhance their leadership communication skills in preparation for these challenges and opportunities. They typically do not have the time to attend an on-campus program and seek a rigorous online program in communication, leadership, business strategy, and organizational development.

Tuition and Fees

The cost for the entire program is $27,500 and includes all fees and expenses, tuition, books and other materials, room and meals for the on-campus residencies, and graduation costs. Travel expenses to the on-campus residencies, the application fee, computer equipment, software, and Internet access are not included in this figure.

Financial Aid

Financial aid for graduate students is available in the form of a FFELP/Stafford Loan, an alternative loan, or a personal loan. Another option available to students is a budget plan that divides tuition costs into monthly payments. Students are encouraged to check with their human resources departments to determine what educational assistance or tuition reimbursement programs may be available.

Applying

Students must submit the completed online application, the $50 nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, two letters of recommendation (preferably one each from a present and a former supervisor), a current resume, a work sample in any medium that demonstrates the candidate's excellence in his or her field, and a short (about 500 words) essay that states the candidate's goals for engaging in the MASCL learning experience.

CONTACT

Regina Walker, Account Executive
Presidents Hall, Room 327
Seton Hall University
400 South Orange Avenue
South Orange, New Jersey 07079
Phone: 973-275-2419
Fax: 973-761-9325
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.setonworldwide.net