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The Health and Risk Communication M.A. (HRCMA) program equips you with expertise in health communication theory and practice, addressing one of society's most critical needs. You'll develop skills to craft, implement, and assess evidence-based health messages through comprehensive training. The curriculum covers mass communication in public health, epidemiology, culturally sensitive health messaging, quantitative research methods, and hands-on practicum experience, shaping you into a versatile health communication professional.
This interdisciplinary Master of Arts program, jointly offered by the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and the College of Human Medicine, teaches students to apply communication principles and risk strategies for improving public health. Students develop theoretical knowledge, practical skills for creating impactful health campaigns, and research evaluation capabilities. Career opportunities span government agencies, healthcare systems, insurance providers, nonprofits, medical media, and health service organizations.
The program offers flexible study plans suitable for diverse academic backgrounds, with past students coming from fields like biology, anthropology, communications, public relations, kinesiology, nutrition studies, pre-medicine, and English. Beyond required coursework in health communication, research methods, epidemiology, and practical internships with various organizations, students can select from university-wide health-related electives. These may focus on health communication theory, risk messaging, health marketing, policy development, medical sociology, science journalism, media strategies, and other communication specialties.