Communication & Advocacy (M.A.)

Why Earn an M.A. in Communication and Advocacy at TU?

Only an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., Towson University is situated in one of the largest hubs for advocacy work in the country. The proximity to key decision-makers and the abundance of nonprofit, governmental and regulatory bodies make the area ideal for the study of advocacy. 

The Master of Arts in Communication and Advocacy program advances knowledge about global leadership, organizational communication, and critical/cultural studies by training students in cutting-edge critical qualitative and arts-based research methods. You’ll develop a strong understanding of the ways in which knowledge is ethically generated and applied.

Choose between two areas of focus:

• Globalization and Leadership
• Critical/Cultural Studies

As a graduate of this program, you’ll be prepared for a career in media and communication consulting, nonprofit management, public advocacy, international development, K-12 and higher education administration and many other fields. You’ll also have access to pathways toward a doctoral program in communication studies or a related discipline.

Admission and Degree Requirements

View admission requirements and deadlines to apply to the program. View degree requirements and course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog.

Choosing Thesis or Internship

The program will begin with a 12-credit core sequence that will help you define your interests and develop a strong foundation of advanced communication skills, theories and research methods. You will also complete a six-credit thesis or internship project.

We strongly suggest you consult with your advisor or the graduate program director as early as possible for guidance as you choose between the thesis and internship tracks. You should be prepared to declare your chosen direction by the time you complete the 12 credits of required coursework. Both the thesis and internship tracks require a minimum of 33 credits to complete the program.

Thesis Option

Students will have the opportunity to work with a faculty member who will supervise their thesis alongside two other faculty members. This option is usually for students who want to go on to earn a doctoral degree.

Internship Option

Students will complete an internship in place of a thesis. This option is best for students who want to apply their training to specific professional fields or careers.

Graduate Assistantships

The Communication and Advocacy MA program encourages students to seek out all forms of financial support, including assistantships and scholarships. TU offers a limited number of graduate assistantships each year to qualified students. You may apply for either full-time (20 hours-per-week) or half-time (10 hours-per-week) assistantships for a period of one term (fall or spring) or one academic year. View more information about graduate assistantships, including types of assistantships, qualifications, stipends and how to apply.