Communication (Health Communication), MA
Health Advocacy, Health Behavior, Health Disparities, Health Promotion, Health communication, International health, Intervention, Patient-Centered, Prevention, Well-being
Implementing effective health communication strategies and practices across interpersonal, organizational and intercultural contexts is central to preparing leaders for a dynamic health industry. Are you ready to help yourself and others live a longer, healthier and happier life?
The Master of Arts program in communication with a concentration in health communication prepares students to design and deliver strategic messages that inform, motivate and empower individuals and communities to achieve better health. The curriculum integrates health care, marketing, behavior-change theory, health strategy, digital media, and emerging eHealth and mHealth technologies, giving students the tools to navigate the complex communication challenges within today's health landscape.
Because effective communication underpins every sector of health care --- involving health outreach, patient care, organizational leadership and policy development --- the field encompasses a wide range of skills, including education and outreach, health advocacy, culturally competent communication, provider-patient interaction, crisis and risk communication and data-informed messaging. This comprehensive training ensures students can connect with diverse audiences and elevate health outcomes across multiple settings.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
30 credits including the required capstone course (COM 550)
Required Core (12 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Other Requirement (3 credit hours) Restricted Elective (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information For restricted electives coursework, students select one course from the list.
COM 501 Research Methods in Communication (3)
COM 504 Theories and Models in Communication (3)
COM 530 Training and Development (3)
COM 540 Conducting Communication Research (3)
COM 511 Health Communication and Social Change (3)
COM 512 Health and Organizational Communication Inquiry (3)
COM 513 Health Communication Across Contexts (3)
COM 598 Special Topics (3)
COM 598 Special Topics (3)
TPH 501 Foundations of Public Health I (3)
TPH 553 Health Technology and Equity (3)
TPH 557 Public Health Technology, Ethics, Policy and Law (3)
COM 550 Capstone (3)
Students should see their advisor for the list of approved topics for COM 598.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in health communication, communication or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- professional resume
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)®, or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.
The one- to two-page personal statement should speak to how prior experiences position the student for success in this program. Its focus should be both on the field of communication generally and the focus on health communication.
The resume should highlight how prior work, volunteer and educational experiences set the applicant up for success in the degree concentration.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/23 | Final |
| Session B | Online | 09/16 | Final |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 12/15 | Final |
| Session B | Online | 02/16 | Final |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/20 | Final |
Graduates are prepared for careers related to health communication, risk and crisis communication, and medicine and health care within educational institutions; federal, state and local governments; nonprofit and community organizations; health care organizations and other health industries.
Career opportunities include:
- health campaign designer
- health communication strategist
- health researcher
- medical or science communicator
- policy or advocacy roles
Hugh Downs School of Human Communication
|
STAUF 412
macomapp@asu.edu
480-965-5095
Admission deadlines
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
