Communications Management, M.C.M.

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This is Canada’s first Master of Communications Management degree program, combining the best of advanced public relations management and business administration courses, designed specifically for the busy, working public relations professional. The program is designed to enable experienced mid-career, public relations executives and professionals to acquire critical management and advanced public relations abilities.

Recognizing the specialized needs, interest areas and professional time limitations of today’s public relations practitioners, this program combines an intense and challenging educational experience with flexibility and an opportunity for students to set their own pace for acquiring this valuable degree.

This program is designed so that students may complete their master’s degree in two years. To do so, students attend three on-site residencies per year (mid-October, mid-February, and mid-June) and register for six credits (two courses) each term. During the week-long residencies, faculty members present an overview of their entire course and guidelines for specialized study. Upon return to their own community, students complete readings and assignments at their own pace, meeting pre-determined deadlines with ongoing access to professors via a dedicated web-based student portal.

Admission Requirements

A maximum of 25 students will be admitted each year to this program. The admission decisions will be based on the following considerations:

An Honours Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional degree from an accredited university with at least a B+ average and three years of full time professional experience in public relations or a related field, excluding time spent in internships.
Two letters of recommendation, including one from the current employer. (If the applicant is an independent consultant or counselor, this letter can be from a current client or business partner).
Your current C.V.
Two copies of official transcript of academic work completed to date, sent directly from the issuing institution. If the final transcript does not show that a completed degree has been conferred, an official copy of your diploma is also required. Transcripts should indicate years of attendance, subjects each year, grades, and degree(s) awarded.
A personal essay (typed; maximum 500 words) explaining interest and suitability for the program as well as potential for completing the program.
A portfolio of samples of best work, particularly those which illustrate strategic management ability (e.g. public relations plans; marketing plans; crisis plans).
A personal interview with the Academic Director or Admissions Committee, either in person or via teleconference. The purpose of this interview is to ensure that the applicant is fully aware of all aspects of the program and the commitment needed for successful completion.
Prospective applicants who do not meet the normal admission requirements should consult the Program Director to discuss how their work experience might be assessed to make up for insufficient standing in their undergraduate degree. Please refer to Section 2.1.3 of the Graduate Calendar on this matter.

Program Requirements

In order to graduate a student is required to complete 36 credits covering these four elements:

Public Relations Core

(4 required courses; 12 credits)

Management Core

(4 required courses; 12 credits)

Electives

(two courses; 6 credits, or three courses; 9 credits)
(During the second term, students will vote for a total of three electives, which will be offered in the third term subject to the availability of instructors; taught by faculty from either Syracuse or McMaster faculty).

Cumulative Experience

(6-credit thesis or 3-unit Professional Capstone Project)
Students in this program can choose either a thesis-based option or a professional capstone project option. Students choosing to complete a thesis will only require two electives while students choosing to complete a professional capstone project will require three electives to complete their degree.