Kent State Launches Online Master’s Degree in Public Relations — The Backstory
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
On August 31, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State University launched its Online Master’s degree program in Public Relations. As Director of the program, I thought readers might enjoy some backstory on the program and why my colleagues and I decided this was a path we should take.
While our traditional M.A. program in Public Relations is thriving, attracting students from around the globe, based on the fine reputation of Kent State’s JMC program, my colleagues and I realized that many, many potential students simply cannot get to campus — at Kent or anywhere else. Their lives are too busy, they work irregular hours, or other conflicts arise that make sitting through face-to-face classes practically impossible. In my mind, it is horrible to deny these bright, hardworking people a chance to attain a Master’s degree when the technology exists to bring education to them via the Web.
Probably the second most compelling rationale for me is that I enjoy building things and constantly challenging myself. I have been teaching hybrid classes (traditional classes with heavy emphasis on using new technology) since I began teaching. The opportunity to lead the creation of the online M.A. program was an important reason I decided to join the faculty at Kent [well, the school is my dream come true, so I would have taken the job regardless, but the online program was certainly icing on the cake]. Directing the academic side of this program and leading in the design of many courses in the curriculum enables me to stretch myself.
Another important factor in creating this program is that I am proud of Kent State, the College of Communications and Information, and JMC. I want this program to succeed, because it will allow many, many more people to experience the value of a world-class Kent State education. A colleague teased me the other day that if I were cut, I might just bleed Kent State navy blue and gold. I am sure that is not true, but I love Kent and want to be part of a program that showcases its value.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss the program in greater detail: rpbatche@kent.edu or 330.672.2571.
