​​​​​​​Master of Arts in Professional Communication​​

Strengthen your communication and advance your career.

The University of Findlay is one of only a few institutions nationwide to offer a fully online master's program in professional communication. 




About the Program

Why Professional Communication?

Advanced communication skills are the lifeblood of any individual or organization. 


The Master of Arts in Professional Communication (MAPC) at the University of Findlay offers online-only options designed to prepare students coming from any career or undergraduate major to succeed in communication-driven careers. 

Whether you want to advance in your current field, move your career to a new position or industry, or even pursue a Ph.D. in communication, the MAPC at the University of Findlay is the best choice for you. 

Why No GRE? Not Local? No Problem!

The MAPC’s flexible admission criteria allow students to enter the program without taking the GRE. 

Unlike many other professional communication programs, the MAPC at UF does not require any residency stay to complete the degree. 

Our faculty are highly-trained online learning specialists and can work with students every semester to ensure success no matter how course material is delivered. 

Skills-Focused Curriculum​

The MAPC is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice a wide variety of communication skills. Students in the MAPC learn the skills to help any organization ethically:
  • Create digital and social media
  • Develop strategic communication plans
  • Design and deliver traditional and digital presentations
  • Improve community and public relations
  • Increase brand awareness
  • Lead meetings and individuals
  • Manage interpersonal communication and conflicts
  • Persuade customers
  • Research and analyze information
  • Train employees



Advancing Careers, Expanding Expertise, and Changing Fields

Students take six core classes designed to teach and practice communication skills as well as one three-course Interdisciplinary Sequence developed with faculty across campus to prepare students to implement their communication skills in a specific area or industry. Students can select from nine different Interdisciplinary Sequences including:
  1. Applied Linguistics
  2. Educational Technology
  3. Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Management Communication
  4. Human Resource Management
  5. Interpersonal Communication
  6. Leadership
  7. Marketing
  8. Persuasive Communication
  9. Technical Communication

Optimize Your Time at Work and UF

The MAPC’s unique design allows students to incorporate the work from their current professions and projects into their coursework. Many courses including the two-course final capstone or thesis projects allow students to propose projects that can be used directly in a student’s current field or designed to help students prepare for a career change. 

Teaching Assistantships Available

While most students complete the program fully online, students in the Findlay, Ohio area who can travel to campus can apply for a select number of teaching assistantships. Students primarily teach the COMM 110 Principles of Speech course. For more information about the teaching assistant program, reach out directly to the Director of the Master of Arts in Professional Communication.  


Financial Aid and Loan Options


As a graduate student at UF, you are eligible to apply for loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Through the federal program, you can obtain federal funds directly from the U.S. Department of Education. See below to learn more about Federal and private loan programs. In addition, there are other financial aid and loan options available to graduate students at the University of Findlay.


Federal Loan Programs

Stafford Loan Program - If you file a FAFSA and are enrolled at least half-time, you may qualify for a Stafford Loan, which is a long-term, low-interest loan. As a graduate student, you may borrow up to $20,500 in Federal Direct Loans each year.  The FAFSA and your cost of education will determine how much you can borrow. Your enrollment level also plays a role in your loan eligibility, but you must be enrolled at least half-time, which is at least four and one-half (4.5) hours of credit in a term.

Graduate PLUS Loans - You may also have the option of applying for a Graduate PLUS loan if your unsubsidized loan does not cover all of your educational costs.

Check on current inter​est rates for Federal Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loan funds. You can complete the Master Promissory Note and entrance counseling for the Federal Unsubsidized loans and apply for a Graduate PLUS loan at Student Loans

Private Loan Options

​ You may wish to consider one of the alternative loans that are available to graduate students in lieu of the Direct GradPLUS Loan. As the borrower, you must initiate the loan, which must subsequently be certified by the Office of Financial Aid. Generally, you must be creditworthy, and a cosigner must be creditworthy as well. While you may be able to borrow without a cosigner, having a cosigner may reduce the fees and/or the interest rate on the loan. A careful review of interest rates and their trends may be of value as you decide whether the Direct Grad PLUS or the alternative loan is the right choice for you. Please visit FASTChoice to explore some private loan options.

Employer Reimbursement

For many graduate students, employer reimbursement is a good option to help cover the cost of your education. If your company offe​rs employer reimbursement, you must contact the University's Business Office to complete the University's Company Reimbursement Form prior to each session you enroll in.