strategic communication & leadership program at …...portfolio element engagement with fellow...

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION & LEADERSHIP PROGRAM at the UNIVERSITY of WEST FLORIDA

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CLICK HERE TO APPLY: https://uwf.elluciancrmrecruit.com/admissions/pages/welcome.aspx CLICK HERE TO APPLY

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION at the UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA

Phone: 850.474.2874 Email: [email protected]

Website: http://uwf.edu/cassh/departments/communication-arts


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Table of Contents

Do We Think Alike? Message from the Graduate Program Director . . . . . . 3

What We’re All About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

What’s Special About This Program? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

What Can I Do With This Degree? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

What Are Our Graduates Doing Now? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

What Are My Options Within the Program? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Curriculum and Course Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

If You Begin in the Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

If You Begin in the Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

If You Begin in the Summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Admission Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Costs and Financial Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

https://uwf.elluciancrmrecruit.com/admissions/pages/welcome.aspx

http://uwf.edu/graduate/graduate-admissions/apply-now/

mailto:[email protected]

https://uwf.edu/cassh/departments/communication/graduate-programs/strategic-communication-and-leadership/






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Do We Think Alike?

Thanks for your interest in the Strategic Communication & Leadership master’s degree at UWF. I feel

fortunate to be a professor in this extraordinary program, and I’m delighted to tell you more about it.

Given that this is no ordinary graduate program, how do you know if it’s for you? Through the years, I

have developed a compatibility quiz of sorts. It goes like this:

1. Do you believe that good relationships and teamwork are key to success?

2. Are you interested in becoming a leader who inspires others, listens well, and helps teams surpass

their goals?

3. Do you enjoy weighing the benefits of diverse options

to determine which strategies will be most beneficial

for everyone involved?

4. Do you strive to be a better decision maker by honing

your skills at interviewing, observing, conducting

surveys, and synthesizing information?

5. Do you enjoy dynamic, hands-on learning?

6. Are you interested in building a portfolio that

showcases your professional-quality accomplishments

even before you graduate?

7. Do you enjoy learning about current communication issues in a variety of arenas, such as media,

health care, public relations, and nonprofit organizations?

8. Is it important to you to work closely with professors, community leaders, and professionals?

If you answered yes to these questions, then we do think alike. Like you, we believe that these issues are

fascinating, important—and frankly, a lot of fun. What’s more, employers agree. These are some of the

most sought-after talents in every industry. Please read on. If you think this program is for you, don’t

hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. I’m happy to answer questions and help with the process!

Sincerely,

Distinguished University Professor

Graduate Program Director












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What We’re All About

Coaching, not just grading

Building meaningful relationships

You. You were chosen for a

reason. You belong here.

A hands-on professional

portfolio element

Engagement with fellow students,

faculty, and professionals

Personalized attention to help you meet your

individual goals

Timely, helpful feedback accelerates

learning

Networking and idea sharing are essential

to success

We take joy in your personal and

professional growth

What We Believe

In What We Do (In Every Course)

Why We Do It

Thanks to coach Pete Shinnick, who led the UWF football team to a national championship based on his 3x3 grid of core values. He inspired us to create our own “Shinnick Model.” Thanks, coach. Arete!










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What Is Strategic Communication?

Strategic communication is mindful, goal-oriented, and ethical. It involves a conscious understanding of

where we are and where we want to go, along with a clear plan for getting there. Strategic

communication requires that we be good listeners, open-minded, and focused on both internal and

external environments.

What’s Special About

this Program?

• Nationally recognized professors work closely

with students in and out of the classroom.

• Class schedules meet the needs of busy

professionals.

• Students gain hands-on experience working with

business and community leaders.

• The program includes discussions and

collaboration with experts in the field.

• Students create professional portfolios to

showcase their work in the program.

• The program culminates with a capstone project

in the student’s chosen field.

What Can I Do with this Degree?

Advanced training in communication is more vital than ever as our society is reshaped by access to

information, technological advancement, and increases in global interaction. Our graduates excel in

health care, politics, public service, academics, nonprofit foundations, multinational corporations,

education, entrepreneurships, and other settings. See the next page for a list of positions currently held

by a few of our graduates.










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What Are Our Graduates Doing Now? The following graduate list provides just a few examples of potential jobs and career fields made

available with this degree.

Careers in Higher Education

Dan Shafer went on to earn a Ph.D. from

Florida State University and is now an assistant

professor at Baylor University.

Mary Lee Cunill earned a Ph.D. at the

University of Georgia and is now teaching at

Florida State College in Jacksonville. She is also

the communication coach and owner of TRY

Communication, LLC.

Alexa Demski is the assistant director of alumni

outreach programs for Townson University.

Careers in Health Care

Kendrick Doidge is the vice president of

Business Development and Marketing at West

Florida Hospital.

Jessica Coleman is a marketing specialist at

Studer Group in Healthcare Marketing.

Krystle Galace Fernandez is Planning Analytics

& Logistic Manager at Baptist Healthcare.

Mary (Leslie) Patterson is executive director of

the American College of Cardiology, New York

State Chapter.

_________________________________

Careers in Community/Business

Development and the Arts

Cheryl Zipay Kirby earned a Ph.D. from the

University of Southern Mississippi and is associate

state director of Marketing and Professional

Development for the Florida State Business

Development Center.

Nicole Stacey is the director of Marking and

Communications for Visit Pensacola, Inc.

Kathy Holsworth is artistic director for the

Pensacola Little Theater.

Careers in Training, Development, and

Human Resources

Scott Noble is an instructor for the Aerospace Joint

Apprenticeship Committee in Tacoma, WA.

Melissa Aiken Rawson works as a

communications/employee program specialist for

Navy Federal Credit Union, and she is an adjunct

instructor at the University of West Florida.

Praewa Tanuthep is the general manager of

human resources for 11street (Thailand) Co in the

Bangkok Metropolitan Area.










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Careers in Advertising, Marketing,

PR, and Strategic Communication

Dan Fugate is marketing director at Blues

Angel Music and administrative director for the

Blues Angel Music Foundation.

Megan Gonzalez is executive director of

Institutional Communications for the University

of West Florida.

John James is the strategic communications

lead at Oasis Systems and an adjunct instructor

at University of West Florida.

Valeria Lento Palmertree is the marketing

and communications director at Grow in

Norfolk, Virginia.

Katelyn Scanlan is a Marketing Sponsorships

and Events Specialist at Cox Communications.

Kalyn Wolfe is a copywriter, digital media

strategist, and adjunct Instructor at the

University of Montevallo.

___________________________________

Careers in the Public Sector

Kelly Cooke is a community and media

specialist with the Escambia County Tax

Collector in Pensacola, Florida.

Sonya Daniel is program coordinator for the

Escambia County Supervisor of Elections

Office.










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Entrepreneurs

Maria Laura Camargo is owner of Lela Instituto de

Idiomas.

Rebecca Hileman is founder of Nautilus Business

Consulting in the Fort Pierce, FL area.

Ryan Noble Wiggins is owner and chief strategist

of Full Contact Strategies, LLC in Pensacola, FL.

Valerie Thornewell is the owner and director at

Brandworks Consultancy in the Netherlands.

Alejandra Escobar Ryan is the founder and digital

marketing specialist for Altius Marketing in

Pensacola, FL. She is also a product manager for

Alevo Nutrition.

Abby Timmer is the founder of Abby Timmer

Design, LLC in Indianapolis.

Careers in Athletics, Sports, and

Recreation

Martin Foley is an assistant media relations

director at San Diego State University.

Quintin Payton is the assistant athletic director for

marketing and promotions at Texas A&M

University.

David Pruett is the assistant men’s basketball

coach at the University of North Georgia.

Murphy Powell is the assistant director of athletic

communications at the University of West Florida.










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Curriculum and Course Schedule

Start any semester—fall, spring, or summer. In 20 months, earn the master’s degree and the graduate-level certificate. Some classes count for two emphasis areas, making for a total of 33 semester hours.

Note: This calendar is especially useful for those who are pursuing one emphasis area rather than the entire master’s degree. Those pursuing the masters’ degree will take the same classes but in a slightly different order for optimal success in the capstone project. See subsequent pages for the course sequence depending on when you enter the program.

Emphasis Area: Executive Leadership

Emphasis Area: PR and Advertising

Certificate in Health Com Leadership

Capstone Project

FALL

Half Semester Adv Lship (3sh)

To earn the MA, complete all other requirements and take 1.5sh of Capstone in each of your last two semesters in the program.

Half Semester Pres Speaking (3sh)

SPR

ING

Half Semester Com Training (3sh) or Com Theory (3sh)

Half Semester Strat Com (3sh) Strat Com (3sh)

SUM

MER

Half Semester Emerging Topics in Advertising (3sh total)

Half Semester Emerging Topics in PR (3sh total)

FALL

Half Semester Adv Research (3sh) Adv Lship (3sh)

Half Semester Health Com (3sh)

SPR

ING

Half Semester Interv/Info Gath (3sh)

Half Semester Crisis Mgmt & Fundraising (3sh total)










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If You Begin in the Fall …

UWF Master’s Degree in

Strategic Communication &

Leadership

First Fall

Advanced Leadership (3sh)

Presentational Speaking (3sh)

First Spring

Com Training (3sh) Strategic Com (3sh)

Summer

Emerging Topics in Advertising (total 3sh)

Emerging Topics in PR (total 3sh)

Second Fall

Advanced Research (3sh) Health Communication

(3sh) Capstone, Part 1 (1.5sh)

Second Spring

Interviewing & Info Gath (3sh)

Crisis Management (1.5sh)

Fundraising (1.5sh) Capstone, Part 2 (1.5sh)










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If You Begin in the Spring …



Leadership First Fall


Advanced Research (3sh)

First Spring

Com Training (3sh) Strategic Com (3sh)

Summer

Emerging Topics in Advertising (total 3sh)

Emerging Topics in PR (total 3sh)

Second Fall


Health Communication (3sh)

Capstone, Part 2 (1.5sh) Second Spring

Interviewing & Info Gath (3sh)

Crisis Management (1.5sh)

Fundraising (1.5sh) Capstone, Part 1 (1.5sh)










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If You Begin in the Summer…



Leadership

First Fall Advanced Research (3sh)


First Spring

Strategic Com (3sh) Interviewing & Info Gath

(3sh)

Summer

Emerging Topics in Advertising (3sh)

Emerging Topics in Public Relations (3sh)

Second Fall

Health Communication (3sh)


Capstone, Part 1 (1.5sh)

Second Spring

Com Training (3sh) Crisis Management

(1.5sh) Fundraising (1.5sh)

Capstone, Part 2 (1.5sh)










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Admission into the Graduate Program

The faculty engages in a holistic evaluation of each candidate, meaning that a candidate who falls a bit

short in one category may compensate for it by excelling in another. Do keep in mind, though, that we

receive more applications than we can accept, and admission can be quite competitive.

Express Admission

Communication majors with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher might qualify for express admission

into the graduate program within the year after they graduate. Qualifying students need not take an

admission exam or provide essay answers, letters of reference, or resumes. If you would like to be

considered, contact us at the start of your final semester before you graduate.

Regular Admission

Standardized Test Score

The preferred admission exam for this program is the

Miller Analogies Test (MAT), however we do accept GRE

and GMAT scores.

Applicants are evaluated based on the following:

• Undergraduate degree cumulative GPA of 3.0 or

higher

• Answers to essay questions (in the online

application)

• Two references

• Current resume or curriculum vitae










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Costs and Financial Assistance

UWF Graduate Admissions Website Find information about costs, residency requirements, and housing options at uwf.edu/catalog/adm_grad.cfm

Online UWF Graduate School Application https://uwf.edu/graduate/apply/apply-now/

Cost of Graduate School at UWF For the 2019-2020 school year, the cost of tuition and fees was about $300 per credit hour. For more information, see https://uwf.edu/finance-and-administration/departments/controllers-office/student-accounts-and-cashier/tuition-and-fees/tuition--fees/.

Funding Opportunities The UWF Graduate School maintains an up-to-date list of scholarships and other funding opportunities at https://uwf.edu/graduate/tuition-funding/funding-opportunities/.

Most financial aid assistance will require students who are U.S. citizens to have FAFSA on file. Click here or follow this link https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa to complete your FAFSA.

Graduate Assistantships A good way to gain experience and pay for graduate school is to be a graduate assistant, which is essentially a part-time job on campus.

• Most graduate assistantships work 10 hours per week at $10.25/hour and receive a 50% tuition waiver. That’s a total tuition savings about $5,000. (Fees of about $82 per credit hour are not waived.)

• Graduates (from any field or any university) with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher might qualify for a graduate assistantship with a 100% tuition waiver (fees are not waived).

• If you are interested in being considered for an assistantship and won’t have a full-time job while you are in school, let us know when you apply by emailing [email protected].

• Additionally, students in our program are often recruited to be graduate assistantships in other departments, such as Career Services, the Graduate School, and Sports and Recreation. These positions are





http://catalog.uwf.edu/graduate/admissions/

https://uwf.edu/graduate/apply/apply-now/

https://uwf.edu/finance-and-administration/departments/controllers-office/student-accounts-and-cashier/tuition-and-fees/tuition--fees/

https://uwf.edu/finance-and-administration/departments/controllers-office/student-accounts-and-cashier/tuition-and-fees/tuition--fees/

https://uwf.edu/graduate/tuition-funding/funding-opportunities/

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa







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sometimes listed by UWF Career Services. Search for UWF Career Services job listings in your browser or go to https://jobs.uwf.edu/.

Contact Information

The Department of Communication • Phone: 850-474-2874

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://uwf.edu/cassh/departments/communication/graduate-

programs/strategic-communication-and-leadership/

• Location: Building 26, Room 178

Financial Aid

• Phone: 850-474-2400


• Website: https://uwf.edu/offices/financial-aid/

• Location: Building 18, Main Lobby

Graduate School

• Phone: 850-473-7716


• Website: https://uwf.edu/graduate/

• Location: Building 11





https://jobs.uwf.edu/



https://uwf.edu/offices/financial-aid/

https://uwf.edu/graduate/

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