FAQ’s

Health Communication Overview

What is Health Communication?

Health Communication is the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence a variety of stakeholders about existing and emerging health topics. It includes instruction in identifying, understanding and expressing the goals of health care promotion to create effective strategies, messages, campaigns and advocacy programs. It also explores the relationships, roles, situations and social structures of key stakeholders in health care and outcomes. Disease prevention, health advocacy, and communications concerning treatments are all important topics that require strong health communication. Health communicators are professionals skilled at informing, influencing, and motivating diverse audiences to address important health issues.

Tuition

What is the tuition and what fees are associated with this degree?

The base tuition is $700* per credit hour. Separate fees include a non-refundable application fee of $70, a technology fee, which is $50 per credit hour, and a $40 registration fee. The estimated total program cost for tuition and fees is $30,110 (excluding cost of books). For more information visit
http://www.bu.edu/met/metropolitan_college_people/student/resources/financialaid.html

* Note that tuition rates are subject to change per academic year.

Are there any program-specific scholarships offered at BU?

Not at this time.

Program Overview

From what college is the degree granted?

Metropolitan College

What is the official name of this program?

Master of Science in Health Communication

How will the degree read? Will it state online/distance learning?

The degree will read: “Boston University MS in Health Communication.” There will not be an online distinction.

How long has the program been offered? Is the program offered both on campus and online?

The program has been offered since Fall 2008 in an online format and is not offered on campus.

The curriculum was developed by faculty leaders from what disciplines?

Curriculum was developed by faculty leaders in the following disciplines: medicine, public relations, public health, advertising, marketing and law.

Are there required campus visits?

No

Where are textbooks ordered from?

Textbooks are ordered and shipped from Boston University’s Bookstore (Barnes and Noble). The average cost for books each term is $100.

How many hours per week should applicants plan to allocate towards studies?

Students should expect 15-20 hours of work per week.

Is the distance learning format synchronous or asynchronous?

The distance learning format is primarily asynchronous as courses are offered by accessing an online course management system. However, some instructors may choose to offer synchronous sessions to supplement core coursework. If so, such sessions will be recorded for later viewing.

How many start terms are there per year?

The academic calendar consists of six enrollment periods per year (Spring 1, Spring 2, Summer 1, Summer 2, Fall 1, and Fall 2). This allows for prospective students to apply for admission into the program up to six times per year.

How long will it take to complete this degree?

With continuous enrollment, this program can be completed in as little as 18 months.

How many courses are required for completion?

There are 10 courses required for completion.

Are the exams proctored?

Proctored exams are built into your online courses in Blackboard Vista and can be taken at approved testing center locations with authorized proctors. To allow you ample time to make arrangements, specific information regarding scheduling will be provided to you approximately two weeks into each term.

The courses are how many credit hours each? Total credit hours for program?

Courses are 4 credit hours each, with a total of 40 credit hours for the entire program.

Accreditation

Who is Boston University accredited by?

Boston University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, (NEASC) Inc.

Admissions

What is needed for my application?

1. -Official transcripts from each college/university attended
2. -Personal Statement
3. -Professional Statement
4. -3 Letters of Recommendation
5. -Resume

• International Students Must:
• -Provide a (3 minute) video elaborating on the personal statement
• -Students who have studied at a non-English speaking school must take the TOEFL. Language requirement waived if applicant holds a four-year undergrad degree earned at a regionally accredited US institution.
• -TOEFL test breakdown: PBT – 600; IBT –Total score of 100 required with minimum of 25 in each of the four categories.
• -Official Credential Evaluation from www.Wes.org

What are the admissions criteria?

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• An undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale preferred
• Relevant work experience or genuine interest in the Health Communication Field

How many transfer credits are accepted?

Transfer credits are reviewed by faculty on an individual student basis after admittance into the program. Students can transfer a maximum of eight credits into the program that was earned from another regionally accredited institution that was not applied toward another graduate degree program.

What type of work experience is required? Is there a minimum amount of years?

There is no minimum amount of work experience required.

Where should prospects send the application/fee/TOEFL scores?

Boston University
Master of Science in Health Communication
Off-site Admissions Support Center (Compass)
2145 MetroCenter Blvd., Suite 400
Orlando, Florida 32835

What are the career options for graduates of this program?

There are many career paths within health communication for our graduates: hospital public information officers, media relations representatives for non-profit organizations, consultants for doctor-patient communication, pharmaceutical company representatives, bio-tech marketing directors, executive positions in advertising agencies, major health care providers, PR agencies, government, and so much more. See the Careers section of the website for more information.