Evan Kropp, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) executive director of Distance Education, is the author of “Advice for Choosing the Master’s in Communication Program that is Right for You” published on mastersincommunications.com.

Kropp’s comprehensive guide is designed to help prospective students who are interested in a communication master’s degree identify, understand and leverage the key factors they should consider when researching graduate programs.

According to Kropp, pursuing graduate study is a considerable investment of time and money. Students often sacrifice other priorities like family time or vacations to earn a degree they hope will help them start a career, switch careers or advance within their current career. Therefore, anyone considering graduate school needs to be a critical and educated consumer.

In the guide, prospective students are encouraged to focus on personal fit rather than generic rankings. It offers a downloadable comparison chart and a list of 13 decision-making factors to consider. They include:

• School and program accreditation
• Admission requirements
• Program administration and online programs
• Non-profit vs. for-profit institutions
• Tuition costs, financing options and graduate assistantships
• School payment methods
• Program curricula and online instruction methods
• Faculty and instructors
• School reputation and rankings
• Life beyond courses.

“There are a ton of programs out there and even more information on each,” writes Kropp. “All of that information can become overwhelming. People often don’t know which factors they should be investigating and what questions they should be asking. “This article helps solve that challenge.”

He adds, “The bottom line is that research, careful consideration, and asking questions is critical in this process. Graduate school is a major investment of your time, energy, and finances. Remember, when researching programs, the ‘best’ program is one that meets your criteria and helps you achieve your educational goals.”

Posted: July 24, 2023
Category: College News, Covid-19 Updates
Tagged as: Communication Master's, Evan Kropp, Graduate Degrees