The Gonzaga Online Communication and Leadership Studies Degree: Where Communication Professionals Learn to Lead

Gonzaga's online Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies is an innovative degree that blends the latest communication theory and practice with a strong foundation in leadership to provide graduate-level expertise for solving complex communications problems in modern organizations and social systems.

Our program is grounded in:

• Scientific theory and methodology
• Humanistic theory and methodology
• Global communication and ethics
• Leadership
• Practical theory to solve real-world problems

An Award-Winning Program

The online M.A. in Communication and Leadership Studies is the recipient of the prestigious Innovation Program Award from the National Communication Association, a Washington, D.C.-based organization promoting scholarship and education in the field of communication. The NCA cited the program's strong focus, high-quality teaching, its multiple delivery systems of class content, its outstanding cultural immersion program in Italy, and attention to service as features that raised it above the competition.

A Diverse Student Body

Our online master's degree in Communication and Leadership is designed for students advancing their academic preparation and professionals from a variety of backgrounds who aspire toward leadership roles within their organizations or the communication field.

Students come from broadcasting, public relations, publicity, advertising, law, political campaigns, lobbying, human resources, training, consulting, media criticism, media management, marketing, strategic planning, teaching, non-profit administration and more — all with the goal of combining advanced communication theory with the leadership skills necessary to turn details into action.

Our communication degree is also popular with recent graduates and others who want to earn their master’s in communication while also continuing to work full time. Many students find that this program is excellent preparation for further Ph.D. work in communication.

Class Sizes Designed to Facilitate Networking

We like to keep our class sizes small to promote learning, discussion, and student-instructor interaction. Our distinguished faculty members are not only exceptional teachers, they are also caring mentors who want you to succeed. Our guiding principle is that it is not what you know, but what you do with what you know.

"Our faculty are among the most respected scholars in the field, and are prepared to guide you into various occupations in the communication professions, including training and consulting, media industries, college teaching, profit and non-profit organizations or into advanced doctoral studies.”

— Heather Crandall, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in Communication and Leadership Studies

Write Your Story with a Master’s Degree in Communication

Whether you want to forge your own path as a communication consultant or step up to a leadership position within your organization, our online Communication Master’s will provide you with the expertise to get results.  In our courses, you learn the most up-to-date communication theory and combine that knowledge with studies in leadership techniques so you can put your plans into action.

By blending studies in communication and leadership, the online Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies is an asset that will set you apart.

A Top-Tier Education

Gonzaga University has been ranked one of the top universities in the West for 16 years by US News & World Report. In addition, The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine have separately ranked us one of the nation's best universities, and Kiplingers Personal Finance has named Gonzaga University one of the best values among private universities nationwide.

We are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Schools (NWCCS) and a member of the Jesuit Education Network.
 
Professional Outcomes of the M.A. in Communication and Leadership Studies

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of communication theory and its practical uses in a variety of settings
• Exhibit excellence in interpersonal skills, public speaking, small group dynamics, writing and multimedia
• Understand and analyze the influence of communication and communication technologies both in the US and globally
• Solve communication problems in modern organizations and social systems
• Understand the role of ethics in communication and develop a coherent ethical philosophy for communicating and leading others
• Carry out sustained independent research and develop it into a full thesis project

Distinctive Features of Our Online Communication and Leadership Program

• Flexible scheduling: Individualized degree plans and course patterns that fit around your busy work schedule
• Tailored learning: Research projects customized for specific organizational problems
• Expert instruction: Developed in partnership with industry experts and professional instructional designers
• Affordable: Gonzaga offers competitive tuition and generous financial aid programs 
• Accredited: Gonzaga is regionally accredited
• Quality: Gonzaga is ranked the number three university in the west by US News & World Report and as one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine

Other Pages of Interest:

• Welcome from the Communication Program Chair
• The Communication Master’s Curriculum
• Communication Program Testimonials
• International Media Emphasis

To learn more about our online Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies, request more information or call us today at (866) 295-3105.