Master of Arts in Health and Risk Communication

Our Health and Risk Communication M.A. program equips you with the skills to bridge the gap between complex medical information and the general public, making you an invaluable asset in the fields of healthcare, public health, and crisis management.

• > 90% placement rate (>85% into health-related jobs)
• Employers of HRCMA graduates include the CDC, NCI, Departments of Health and Human Services, and many more (Click here to view past job placements). 
• Jobs in health communication and risk communication are expected to grow throughout the next decades
• Work in local, state, or federal health agencies, international and nonprofit organizations, as well as in companies and health startups.

Invest in your future and make a meaningful impact with a Master's in Health and Risk Communication!

The HRCMA comprises 33 credits to make you an expert in health and risk communication. Students complete core courses in the following areas:

• Core Courses: Mass Communication and Public Health (CAS825), Health Communication for Diverse Populations (CAS826), Research Methods (COM803), Introductory Epidemiology (EPI810),  and Advertising and PR for Health, Science, and the Environment - OR - Environment, Science, and Health Journalism
• A practicum in the field of health and risk communication. 
• Health-related elective courses from several departments on campus
• A thesis - OR - comprehensive exam 

Becoming a Spartan is to gain entry into one of the largest and most productive groups of alumni networks in the world.

Unlock your potential - Apply now!

• Linked BA/MA program for our MSU undergraduates 
• Currently we are also offering spring admissions and do not require the GRE 
• More Information: Lisabeth Bylina, Academic Programs Coordinator, bylinali@msu.edu, 517-355-3471, 404 Wilson Rd., 472 ComArtSci
  East Lansing, MI 48824

Here you find all administrative documents in one place. The central resource is our HRCMA handbook, which includes all you need to know about the degree, requirements, tracks, and so forth. Forms are boring but they guarantee a smooth process and we keep them to a minimum. If you have any questions, we're here to help!

Health has always been a stronghold of communication at MSU. Nearly a third of our ComArtSci faculty are engaged in projects that promote healthy people and a healthy planet. By using new and emerging technologies to promote health behavior change and facilitate decision making, we aim to attain optimal health for people, animals and the environment. Our work includes studying the design and implementations of health and environmental information, ways in which health decision-making happens and how behaviors are adopted. Here are some of the ressources and initiatives our students have access to:

• The HRCMA program is part of our college's Health and Risk Communication Center (HRCC); the HRCC which brings together over 50 faculty examining health and risk communication in all facets --- from neurons to nations. 
• Health, Risk, and Science Communication is a dedicated thematic research area fin the college and the slogan Healthy People, Healthy Planet is a key part of our college's strategic plan
• Beyond the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, you can find a multitude of resources related to health communication across MSU, such as in the Colleges of Human Medicine, Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine, Social Science,  Natural Science, Veterinary Medicine, and Natural Resources. 

To prepare our graduates for the job-market, the Health & Risk Communication Masters Program is designed to include a supervised practicum experience. In their practicum, students will will put their theoretical training to practice in their field of interest in a real-world setting.

Examples of past practicum placements:

Where will this program take you?

Whether you're seeking a stimulating academic environment, a thriving job market, or a well-rounded lifestyle, MSU undoubtedly stands out as a remarkable destination:

• East Lansing and the MSU campus offer a vibrant cultural scene, numerous shopping locales, restaurants, and sports facilities.
• All-year outdoor activities in Michigan: reach the beaches of Lake Michigan or the Mountains of Michigan within a short car ride. 
• Lansing, the state capital, is the seat of most government branches, and the Mid-Michigan region offers ample business opportunities for 21st-century entrepreneurs. 
• Great accessibility: Multiple International Airports and large cities are nearby (Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago), an Amtrak Train station is located in East Lansing, and 12*/day bus connects from MSU/East Lansing to the Detroit Airport.

Members of the MSU community are a welcomed part of the East Lansing community, the Lansing capital area, Michigan, the USA - and a network of Spartans across the world.