The Top Communications MBA Online Programs

Despite the fact that the business world is so reliant on public relations and customer outreach, accredited communications MBA online programs offer one of the few degrees that merge business and communication theory. A top online Master of Business Administration in Communications is an important tool for students looking to build businesses through the use of advertising and media. Now that social media is such a prominent part of everyday life for so many people, business leaders are actively searching for graduates with an online Master of Business Administration in Communications to form new strategies and expand into new markets using cutting edge communication methods.

The best communications MBA online programs produce savvy graduates that can use media resources and technology to communicate effectively with both current and potential customers. In addition, an online MBA in communications will prepare students to deal with media scrutiny effectively in order to maintain a healthy public image for the company. In addition to teaching students how to manage media-related business practices, online MBA communications programs also teach students how to promote effective mediation techniques for workers within companies, helping to bridge the gap between employees and upper-management.

How can I tell if an online MBA communications degree is right for me?

Students with a passion for social media, advertising and even graphic design should consider an online MBA degree program in communication.

Many online MBA communications students also have the following characteristics:

• A capacity for communicating with persons outside organization
• A propensity for selling or influencing others
• A flair for establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
• A knack for performing for or working directly with the public
• A flair for training and teaching others

How long does it take to earn an MBA online communications degree?

The time it takes to earn a communications MBA degree online is comparable to the time it takes to earn other MBAs online. This degree generally requires two years of full-time schooling to complete. However, students are able to complete the course in a more convenient manner at some business schools that have part-time or accelerated programs.

What are the prerequisites and admission requirements for MBA communications schools online?

An undergraduate degree is required before students can enroll in online MBA communications programs. While having an undergraduate degree in subjects such as business administration, advertising, fashion marketing, and visual communications may be ideal for those wanting to enroll in a good MBA communications online program, it is generally not required.

Many online MBA in communications programs also base admission on the following criteria:

• References or Letters of Recommendation
• Work experience
• Academic transcripts
• Graduate Management Admission Test scores (GMAT)

What courses will I take in communications MBA programs online?

MBA communications online programs aim to teach students both sound business practices and communication techniques. The first round of classes typically aims to solidify general business knowledge. During the initial portion of an MBA online communications program, students should expect to take courses in marketing, financial reporting, statistical analysis, business ethics and information systems.

From there, online communications MBA schools will shift the focus to media and communication theory. Students will take classes that cover public relations, brand marketing, media effects and communication law before summing up all of their knowledge in a significant final thesis project.

In addition to coursework, internships are also done by some students in online communications MBA programs. Such an internship can prove helpful in that it not only gives students an opportunity to practically apply the business and communications skills they are gaining in an actual business setting, but it can also serve as an introduction into a particular business or company.

What are the best online MBA in communications books I should consider reading?

Some books students wanting to pursue communications MBA careers may find insightful are:

1. Mastering Communication at Work: How to Lead, Manage, and Influence (Ethan F. Becker and Jon Wortmann) – This is an important book for students enrolled in communications MBA schools online because it outlines general communication principles, some dating back to ancient times, and applies them to today’s global marketplace.

2. People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts (Robert Bolton) – Bolton’s book takes business out of the equation and breaks down communication to a simple art based on asserting yourself and avoiding common communicative barriers in order to build partnerships and resolve conflict.

3. Writing That Works: How to Communicate Effectively in Business (Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson) – This book is a wonderful complement to Bolton’s book because it applies the same basic theories of effective communication, this time to digital media.

4. The Business Side of Creativity (Cameron S. Foote) – A perfect book for graduates building a freelance portfolio in copywriting, graphic design or illustration, because it demonstrates how to make a living while giving your work proper exposure.

5. PeopleSmart: Developing Your Interpersonal Intelligence (Melvin L. Silberman and Freda Hansburg) – In this book, the authors argue that despite the emergence of new social and digital media the business world remains people-driven, offering some guidelines for effective interpersonal skills and practices.

What are my future job prospects if I pursue communications MBA jobs?

Overall, national employment in the communication industry is modest with an estimated total of 23,600 jobs. However, many of these jobs are so specialized that employers search for applicants from schools with good online communications MBA rankings so they know they are hiring skilled, professional people. An average communications MBA salary differs between occupations, but here are a few median salaries for common positions in the industry:

• Advertising Managers: $83,890
• Technical Writers: $63,280
• Public Relations Managers: $91,810
• Broadcast News Analysts: $54,140

One of the most important pillars of success for growing businesses in a globalized market is effective customer outreach. Corporate leaders are therefore on the lookout for people who can effectively promote their business’s image in the media. Consequently, the job growth projection for communication careers over the coming decade is around 15 to 20%. These projected employment rates already exceed economy-wide growth averages, and they would be even higher if many companies were not merging media departments to cut costs. Regardless, the overall job forecast for communication careers is bright.

Many employers favor graduates who have earned their degrees from a program that has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB accredited communications MBA programs are believed to provide students with a quality education.