Master of Arts in Health and Risk Communication

The Master of Arts in Health and Risk Communication (HRCMA) program will make you an expert in the theory and practice of health communication, one of the most pressing topics in today's world.

Our courses and a practicum will prepare you for working at leading employers in the health sectors, such as:  

Master of Arts in Health and Risk Communication Job Opportunities

Past students of the HRCMA program have come from diverse educational backgrounds, including communication, psychology, epidemiology, nutrition, kinesiology, nursing, and various specialty fields across the social, health, and life sciences.

Start your Health Communication Journey here!

Based in one of the largest colleges of communication in the world, you will master using modern mass communication to inform and influence people about public health - whether in traditional media or via social media channels.

  • In-person (with hybrid options) 
  • 2- year program (including a job practicum)
  • 8 to 15 elective credits (included in the course requirements)

Master of Arts in Health and Risk Communication Logo

Information about the application process

Apply Now! Program Flyer Check out our courses

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.

HRCMA top success criteria: Job placement, job enjoyment and security, MSU credits and connections

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

More info on job opportunities

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
  • practicum in the field of health and risk communication. 
  • Health-related elective courses from several departments on campus
  • A thesis - OR - comprehensive exam 

hrcma courses

More about our HRCMA Courses

As a student in the Health and Risk Communication M.A. program, you will be able to use the resources of MSU

  • a R01 university with top-ranked academic units and a diverse academic community
  • a dedicated Health and Risk Communication Center with over 50 faculty examining all aspects of health and risk communication
  • a beautiful campus and a vibrant area, including with a rich cultural scene, exciting athletics and sports facilities, and a multitude of economic opportunities and entertainment options

Our college is the first communication college in the nation and home to multiple top-ranked communication programs across the globe. 

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

More about the Spartan Experience

Unlock your potential - Apply now!

  • Application Deadline (for fall start): April 1st (but note, we admit people on a rolling basis, hence early application is encouraged)
  • 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

Apply now for the HRCMA

More about the Application Process

Schedule a zoom meeting

HRCMA Fast Facts

   

20%

Average raise for M.A. graduates
(compared to B.A. degree)

   

Since 1995

Our program exists for over 25 years at MSU, a worldwide leader in Communication in general and Health Communication in particular

   

In Person + Hybrid

Combining in-person education
with flexible hybrid options

Linked Bachelor's - Master's Degree in Health and Risk Communication

With our Linked B.A.-M.A. in Health and Risk Communication program, students can seamlessly connect from their undergraduate majors in ComArtSci to an advanced degree in health communication, including health promotion, health education, prevention and risk communication. 

Find out more about the Linked BA-MA program

Questions? Contact:  
Ralf Schmaelzle schmaelz@msu.edu 
Lisabeth Bylina bylinali@msu.edu

Information for Our Current HRCMA Students

We understand that money is a key aspect during graduate studies. You can calculate the tuition costs via MSU's current tuition calculator. Although our program does not have the resources to offer dedicated teaching assistantships, we do our best to connect students with fellowship and job opportunities. Fortunately, a large university like MSU does offer many job options:

  • in our college (e.g. as research assistants in research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, NIH, or the National Science Foundation, NSF),
  • across MSU (e.g. in the university's health promotion department or with the National Social Norms Center),
  • or in the Greater Lansing area in various businesses and organizations. 

Moreover, multiple options for scholarships exist for qualified applicants.

Forge your path to success: MSU Scholarships

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!

HRCMA Handbook

HRCMA FORMS

HRCMA Degree Requirements

Graduate Programs and Policies

hrcma handbook logo

Questions? 
Lisabeth Bylina

Academic Programs Coordinator
bylinali@msu.edu
517-355-3471
404 Wilson Rd., 472 ComArtSci
East Lansing, MI 48824-1212

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. 

Master of Arts in Health and Risk Communication logo

News about Health Communication @ ComArtSci

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.

Master of Arts in Health and Risk Communication Practicum Logos of Opportunities

Examples of past practicum placements:

  • American Medical Center for Cancer Research 
  • NYU College of Public Health
  • Carter Center Educational Program
  • Reporting for Young Journalists
  • Kaiser Family Foundation in Health
  • AARP
  • MSU Children’s Health Initiative
  • Harvard Medical School Public
  • National Cancer Institute
  • Lansing Health Fair
  • American Hospital Association
  • National Kidney Foundation
  • Michigan Education Special Services Association 
  • American Cancer Society
  • UNICEF
  • National Cancer Institute 
  • Livingston County Health Dept.
  • Mayo Clinic Health Writer Intern
  • Surgeon General Michigan
  • Department of Community Health
  • Michigan Fitness Foundation
  • Michigan Public Health Institute
  • Northwestern U, Dept. of Emergency Medicine
  • Cristo Rey Community Center
  • Michigan Department of Community Health
  • Michigan, Lansing Regional Office
  • American Lung Association
  • Center for Disease Control (CDC)
  • National Food Safety Toxicology Center
  • Ingham Regional Medical Center

 

Where will this program take you?

Job Opportunities for HRCMA interns and graduates

 

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.

aerial view of MSU's large campus - Master of Arts in Health and Risk Communication

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.

Spartan Research and Impact

Our latest HRCMA Webinar

Contact the Program Directors

Questions? Want to schedule a meeting?

Ralf Schmaelzle
Associate Professor
Director of the Health and Risk Communication Masters
schmaelz@msu.edu

Lisabeth Bylina
Academic Programs Coordinator
bylinali@msu.edu
517-355-3471
404 Wilson Rd., 472 ComArtSci
East Lansing, MI 48824-1212

Schedule a zoom meeting