Master (MA) in Digital Communication & Social Media

• Completed application form and personal statements (approximately 500 words), which may be submitted online.
• Two recommendation letters (at least one from an academic source and one from an employer).
• Official college/university transcript of undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Official college/university transcript of graduate degree from an accredited institution (if applicable).
• Evidence of proficiency in English: Michigan State University Certificate of English Language Proficiency (MSU – CELP), Michigan Proficiency Certificate, Cambridge Proficiency Certificate, Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) with Grade A only, TOEFL (score 87 or higher on internet-based test), IELTS (score 6.5 or higher), GCE, International Baccalaureate, Graduation from an accredited English language college/institution.
If none of the above is available, the candidate must take the English Placement Test administered by the College. Based on the results of the test, students are placed into the appropriate English for Academic Purposes Program or Writing Program.
• A certified copy of an identification card for Greek citizens or of a valid passport for international students.
• CV (English or Greek).
• Interview with the respective Graduate Program Coordinator.

The digital and social media revolution has dramatically changed the way we learn, exchange information, communicate, consume, play, and work. For years, we have been witnessing the transition from an analog to a digital society, and the expansion of digital and internet media into all areas of our lives. As the industry rapidly grows, there is increasing demand for digital media specialists, people who are skilled in digital communication and media. The MA in Digital Communication and Social Media is designed to meet this growing need in the market. It is a specialist graduate program for students who aspire to plan, design, implement, and evaluate digital communication and social media strategies in private, public, and non-profit settings. With a cutting-edge and interdisciplinary curriculum, the program prepares students to successfully navigate and shape the digital and social media landscape, and to enter the new generation of knowledgeable and competent communication practitioners.

Student & Graduate Profile
The MA in Digital Communication & Social Media is designed for recent graduates from all disciplines, as well as for working professionals from a broad cross-section: educators, lawyers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and community/NGO managers. The program also welcomes communication professionals who wish to enhance their educational qualifications and their career opportunities. Τhe aim is to recruit a qualified and diverse group of students, ensuring a quality and collaborative learning experience for everyone involved in the program. Given that digital media includes so many different areas of training, graduates of this program may pursue careers in communication and marketing departments, digital marketing, social media and advertising agencies, as well as in consulting and digital start-ups across sectors (private, public, non-profit, small business, services, or self-employed). Indicative careers include: Social Media/Digital Communication Manager, Brand/Digital Marketing Manager, New Media Publishing, Blogger/Social Media Copywriter, Media Relations Representative, Online Community Engagement Manager, Social Media Specialist/Consultant. Program graduates will also be able to engage in research or continue on to doctoral programs.

Program Structure
Students must successfully complete 11 graduate-level courses, representing a total of 33 US credits as described in the table below.

Curriculum
Required Communication Courses

Applied Communication Theory
Applied Communication Research Methods
Quantitative Research in Communication
Required Digital & Social Media Communication Courses

New Media Theory & Research
Digital & Social Media Strategy
Web Design and Development
Content Strategy
Elective Courses (3 from the list)

Digital and Social Analytics
Digital Media Production
Brands and Digital Branding
Social Networks Behavior
Advanced Web Development
UX – User Experience & Responsive Design
Advanced Media Writing and Techniques
Capstone Project or Thesis

Capstone Project in Digital Communication & Social Media
or
Thesis in Digital Communication

Program Level Competencies
The program provides an integrated study of fundamental communication theory, as well as practical skills in crafting and delivering content through digital and social platforms. Upon successful completion of this program, participants should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theoretical frameworks and practical methods for engaging and communicating with audiences through digital and social media.
• Analyze and appraise the context and implications of the Internet and social media for online collaboration, interactivity, information sharing, e-commerce, and networking.
• Develop and assess the effectiveness of digital and social media communication strategies.
• Use appropriate methods and tools to generate and evaluate digital content.
• Select and apply current technologies in digital communication program design and evaluation.
• Use appropriate methodologies to develop and implement clear research plans.
• Effectively communicate ideas and arguments in written/ digital formats, orally, and in formal presentations.