Frequently Asked Questions
Part-time M.A. in Strategic Communication Program
Q: What is the best way to apply?
A: There is no cost to apply if you apply online. Apply Now!
Q: When can I apply to a part-time program?
A: Anytime. We operate on a “rolling” admission process, which means applicants can submit and have their applications approved at any time during the year. However, be advised that courses sometimes fill up quickly and it takes some time for your materials to arrive to our office (especially transcripts and test scores), so please allow at least three weeks before the start of a term to get your application together.
Q: When can I start a part-time program?
A: There are four times during the year that a student could begin either the part-time M.A. or Certificate programs in Strategic Communication: Fall (late August), Spring (mid-January) or Summer (there are two Summer sessions that usually begin in both mid-May and late June/early July).
Q: Where are your programs offered?
A: The Part-time M.A. and Certificate programs are offered at the Communication Center on Main Campus in Northwest Philadelphia, PA. Most of our courses meet face-to-face, but we do offer some online courses as well.
Q: Do I need to take the GRE or MAT test before beginning graduate studies?
A: No. We believe that the best determination of your ability to succeed in our programs is through your submission of a personal statement and our own interview process.
Q: What do I need to apply for the M.A. Program?
A: Prospective students must do the following:
- Submit the online application through the La Salle University Website.
- Submit a professional résumé.
- If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.25, submit two letters of recommendation from any combination of academic or professional sources.
- The official transcript of the applicant directly to La Salle by the B.A./B.S. academic institution.
- Have an interview with the Graduate Academic Advisor by phone or in-person.
- Complete a brief personal statement describing your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Strategic Communication at La Salle University.
Q: What if I don’t meet the GPA requirements?
A: If you fail to meet our GPA standards, but still seem to be a strong candidate, we can admit you provisionally. That means you would have to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in the first two or three courses you take.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid Questions
Q: What is the tuition rate for the Programs?
A: The current tuition rate may be found here
Q: Is Financial Aid available?
A: Yes. La Salle offers two kinds of financial assistance for part-time students. First, the Strategic Communication Program provides tuition grants. These awards are available through the program office on a competitive basis, and pay up to 1/3 of the cost of a course for a student. Also, the University participates in a variety of loan programs. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services at 215.951.1070 for information on these loans.
Q: How is billing handled?
A: The Office of Student Accounts Receivable can answer most billing questions. In general, the University offers a deferred billing system that allows a student to pay for his or her tuition and fees over the course of the semester rather than all at the beginning. The University also provides an Employer Assisted Deferred Payment Plan that works with most employer tuition reimbursement programs.
Enrollment & Advising Questions for Part-Time Students
Q: Can I take one course per semester?
A: Yes. Actually, over half of the students in the program average one course a semester and one during the summer sessions. Working professionals who also have family responsibilities may find this approach the best way to complete their courses, but we will work with you to find an approach that works best for you.
Q: How many credits can you take in a semester?
A: To a large degree the answer to this question will be dictated by the amount of time students have to complete their coursework (e.g., reading, writing, researching) and balancing that work with other responsibilities they may have. Most students take one course per semester. Very good students who have less in the way of outside responsibilities may be able to handle two. In general, only International students or those not employed should consider doing more than two courses per semester.
Q: How long will it take me to complete my program?
A: Generally, a Certificate student who takes two courses per semester, including the summer, can finish within one calendar year. A Master’s student taking two classes per semester can finish in about two years.
Q: Are transfer credits accepted?
A: Yes. The Program may accept up to six credits from another accredited institution of higher learning as long as: (1) the courses are at the graduate level; (2) the course has some relevance to the student’s professional interests and goals; (3) the course grades are at least a 3.0 “B” level and (4) the student has forwarded directly to the Graduate Program Office an official transcript from the other graduate institution. Students also have the option of taking up to six credits in another La Salle University Graduate Program and applying those credits to the Strategic Communication degree. Please consult with the Graduate Director before registering for a class you would like to transfer into the Program.
