The communication program prepares students to handle the challenges of communicating effectively and ethically in a rapidly changing world characterized by diversity in gender, cultural background and belief. The M.A. in professional communication provides advanced education for individuals in or pursuing communication-related careers in public/nonprofit organizations, media organizations, healthcare organizations or higher education. Courses in Communication acknowledge that communication occurs between people who are diverse in a variety of ways, such as gender identity, cultural background and beliefs, and that such diversity is becoming increasingly apparent in an ever more complex and interdependent global society. The program is both theoretically and pragmatically oriented to prepare students for the professional workplace or for doctoral study in organizations.