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The Master of Science degree in health communication focuses
on communication strategies that inform the public and other
audiences such as health workers, patients, community
members, and policy makers about important health-related
topics. Effective health care communication is critical for
ensuring optimal outcomes, delivering quality patient care,
encouraging individuals to adopt healthy behaviors, and
directing policy makers' attention to important health
issues.
It is a new specialty that is growing in importance given
the changing face of the healthcare delivery system and
growing public attention to physical and mental health
throughout society. Real
Video: Dr. Lawrence comments on
program.
The Master of Science degree in health communication from
Marywood University takes an interdisciplinary approach,
combining the fields of health and communication. The health
communication program is one of few offered nationally, and
provides academic advantages not found in many other
graduate programs. Marywood's interdisciplinary approach
provides students with a broad-based background about the
changing health care field.
The
program is designed to teach students:
- how
to design a variety of messages and campaigns to educate,
influence and motivate individuals, institutions, and the
public about important health topics.
- how
to identify communication barriers within the healthcare
system and determine methods to get the clearest possible
message across.
Real
Video: Dr. McDonnell's commentary on the
program.
The
program also encompasses:
- Communication
theory
- Leadership
and Communication
- Health
Communication
- Health
Education and Promotion
- Mass
Media & Communication
- New
Technologies for Communication
- Health
Policy and Services
- Health
Care Marketing, Public Relations, and
Advertising
- Complementary
Healthcare
- Electives
- Internship
The program also includes courses in the growing field of
"integrative healthcare," the merging of traditional
health care with alternative health care.
Student have many opportunities to work in communications or
public relations departments of health-related
organizations, non-profits, and businesses. Additionally,
through relationships with prestigious universities abroad,
students can have international internship
opportunities.
The program prepares students for leadership positions in a
variety of jobs in marketing, public relations, speech
writing and other types of communication in hospitals, HMOs,
other medical settings, non-profit organizations, local,
state, and federal government, rehabilitative organizations,
research centers, universities, associations, pharmaceutical
companies and others.
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