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Reply to Renya Opportunities - AJ Williams 

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Reply to Renya Opportunities - AJ Williams 

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You bring up an interesting thought and made me wonder, how can the school use the positive reputation of the professors to entice undergraduate students to continue their education here?

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Reply to Lauren Hammond Threat - AJ Williams

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Reply to Lauren Hammond Threat - AJ Williams

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There is an AI in the industry course available this semester, do you think course opportunities like that would help alleviate this threat?

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Reply to Lauren Hammond Weakness - AJ Williams

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Reply to Lauren Hammond Weakness - AJ Williams

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I would also say the misleading information is perpetuated by a weakness of very few course offerings being available each semester from the department.

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Reply to Kelly Wallace (Weaknesses) - Val Adrian Mesidor

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Reply to Kelly Wallace (Weaknesses) - Val Adrian Mesidor

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Schools like UPenn, Temple, Drexel offering similar programs is a strong weakness because these schools have strong reputations and are located directly in the city. This would make WCU attract students within its own county.

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Having 3 diverse graduate program options helps cater to a wide range of student needs

WCU has affordable tuition which makes the department's offerings accessible to more people

Emphasis on on small, discussion - based classes which can be enticing to those wanting individual attention

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From personal experience, the wide range of the M.A. program and the specialization of the certificate creates an overlap that caused a little confusion on which path was the best course for me

Smaller classes and programs might face budget or resource constraints

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The growing demand for communication and media skills by companies and businesses should mean that in time there will be more students studying these fields.

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As WCU is located outside of Philly so there is the threat of other universities in the city such as Drexel, Temple, and UPenn that might draw students

There is definitely an enrollment decline in graduate education which could lead to fewer applicants, which would make it harder to grow a department's program

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-The curriculum is flexible and allows students to thoroughly learn in numerous areas such as digital media, marketing, communications, and much more.

-The Communication Studies Masters program and Digital Media Marketing certificate has all of the course offered online, which allows flexibility for students who need to work full-time.

-Almost all of the classes are on the smaller side, which allows for more personalized attention for students. Along with this there is better relationships between students and professors and it creates a positive learning environment to help students succeed.

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-There aren't as many specialized tracks in WCU's department. Which compared to larger programs, it may not be be beneficial for students looking for specific areas in communication and media.

-Some students benefit from learning in-person and for the Graduate and Certificate program, there is mainly only online courses. Therefore, some students may struggle with these online courses.

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-The department professors are mainly suited to help with students' professional development goals and they serve as communication consultants to groups and organizations outside of the University, which is extremely beneficial for career goals.

-There is large opportunity in this program to make more connections with media companies, internships, and job opportunities.

-There are opportunities to expand your degree with a Digital Media Marketing Certificate, which can help you stand out on your resume and gain key knowledge in this field.

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-There are many Communication and Media programs around the world that are offered online, therefore some students may chose another university.

-WCU's program isn't as large as other schools and doesn't offer as many specialized tracks in this field, which a lot of students are looking for.

-Although WCU may not be more expensive than some schools, pricing of university is pulling students away from furthering their degree in general. Therefore, there could be a lack of students enrolling in Communication and Media programs.

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West Chester University’s reputation. Ranked 209 in National Universities according to the U.S. News & World Report

Affordable tuition. Tuition is less than the average cost of in-state tuition in Pennsylvania (U.S. News & World Report)

Online classes available for Masters & Certificate Programs allow for more accessible education to a wider range of students.

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Little diversity in Master’s programs. Students can master in Communication Studies, but not Media & Culture.

West Chester University recognized more for majors in Business, Education or Marketing.

Located on the outskirts of Philadelphia. Many schools in Philadelphia including UPenn, Temple, and Drexel which offer similar programs.

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Accelerated Program from B.A. in Communication Studies or Media & Culture. Grants students already enrolled in a B.A. program easier access to enroll in a Master’s program.

Located in the Philadelphia area, but not directly in the city, therefore providing opportunity for students to live in the outskirts/suburbs.

Communications and Media is a growing field, therefore more students will be studying these fields.

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Universities in the area such as Temple or Penn State also offer Masters programs in Media Studies and Communication Studies.

Possible recession/Stock Market crash could make it hard for students to attend university or find jobs in the field.

Possible lack of student interest/participation in the program.

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*Providing three graduate program options allows students to tailor their education to their unique needs.

*A well-rounded faculty with diverse academic specialties allows for the course offerings to be taught by industry experts.

*Many online or asynchronous classes allow students to fit the graduate program into a busy schedule that may already include a full-time professional position.

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*Although the program course catalog has several varied courses, what is actually offered each semester is limited to just a few. Over the past 2 years, some of the courses on the website have never been offered. This can be seen as misleading.

*For the student who likes to learn in person, there are limited classes that are not online/asynchronous.

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*With many local colleges/universities closing their doors, more students may be looking for an institution to continue their education at WCU.

*The accelerated program for BA students can increase enrollment in the graduate program, if promoted sufficiently.

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*According to the National Center for Education Statistics, college enrollment has decreased 8.5% from 2010. By 2023, enrollment had decreased to about 15.8 million students. Undergraduate college enrollment dropped from 18.1 million to 15.8 million over the last 13 years. Less students looking for undergraduate programs equates to less students looking for graduate programs.

*Students interested in graduate programs, may opt for a more common post graduate degree such as an MBA or a Master's in Education.

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With an emphasis on small, discussion-oriented seminars and papers/presentations, WCU instructors are able to foster an engaging environment for students to thrive academically. This method of learning allows students to connect and interact with their peers and instructor, get insightful feedback and participate in meaningful discourse.

Offering prospective students three graduate program options enables the opportunity for flexibility and choice. Because professional experience varies within those enrolled in the program, students will be able to choose a program that serves their personal lifestyle and professional objectives.

A comprehensive curriculum allows for students to receive a well-rounded education that covers a wide variety of topics. The curriculum strongly incapsulates both the theoretical and contemporary approaches to communication.

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The options for elective courses available from other departments are not clearly defined. Prospective students may experience confusion while registering for courses for the first time, as they may be uncertain of the choices they have regarding the varying academic paths they can take.

Limited specializations in the program may result in diminished interest for prospective students in comparison to other local universities. Graduate programs often offered at nearby universities include journalism, media production, public relations, etc.

Students that enjoy immersive, in-person learning may experience difficulty adjusting to a program that mainly offers online/asynchronous courses.

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Students have the choice of earning a Digital Media Marketing certificate in addition to their master’s degree. This offers those interested in social media, digital marketing and visual communication an opportunity to apply their expertise in professional settings.

Students have the opportunity to fulfill credit hours with courses abroad. This allows for students to further their education by gaining international experience and exploring global communication practices.

The department offers students the opportunity to obtain graduate assistantships that enable them to receive financial support while taking courses. Graduate assistantships are also beneficial to those interested in gaining extracurricular involvement.

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With collegiate institutions shutting down, particularly in Philadelphia, prospective students closer to the city may prefer taking courses at the Philadelphia campus. The commute from Center City to WCU is roughly one hour long, depending on traffic conditions. The closure of the program offered at the Philadelphia campus along with the distance to the main campus may contribute to a decline in enrollment.

Competition from other educational institutions offering more specialized communication programs could impact the program’s appeal and student recruitment.

The current conditions of the economy can result in a decrease in student enrollment due to financial limitations.

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The program has an option to take all of the classes remotely.

The Department of Communication and Media have multiple graduate programs to choose from: M.A. in Communication Studies, Digital Media Marketing, B.A. to M.A. in Communication Studies, and B.A in Media and Culture to M.A. in Communication Studies

The classes are mall and discussion-based. This leads to close interaction with classmates and professors.

West Chester University ranks 209 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

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The program offers a Master’s in Communication Studies but lacks specific tracks like Media & Culture, potentially limiting its appeal to a wider audience.

Smaller programs with limited budgets might face challenges in offering a wide range of courses each semester, leaving some courses unavailable.

Students preferring in-person classes might struggle handling online classes.

Schools in Philadelphia, like UPenn, Temple, and Drexel, offer similar programs, competing with more specialized offerings like journalism and media production.

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With effective promotion, the accelerated program could bring more students from undergrad into the graduate program.

With other colleges nearby, WCU has a chance to attract students seeking to complete their degrees elsewhere.

The growing demand for digital media marketing is an opportunity for students to get into the field and grow their expertise by joining the program.

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West Chester's Digital Media Marketing certificate costs more than other notable schools tuition:

WCU’s Digital Marketing Certificate Program costs $7,958.03 (for 12 credits, I pay $6,326.03 since I only needed 9)

UPenn’s Digital Marketing Certificate Program costs $2,300

Duke’s Digital Marketing Certificate Program costs $3,195

UCLA Digital Marketing Certificate Program costs $4,350

Georgetown Digital Marketing Certificate Program costs $4,995

LSU’s Digital Marketing Certificate Program costs $2,750

Google’s Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate is free

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West Chester University is a respected university in the state of Pennsylvania. It offers unique services that satisfy the needs of its students. For example, it waives the registration fee of previous students who are starting their graduate program.

They work with students who don't meet the program requirements, that includes, offering classes that help you meet the program.

Tuition is affordable, they provide you with information about loan companies that could assist you with your tuition.

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There are couple of limitation in the graduate program, that include, non-degree students earning nine credit before getting into admission.

Online and in person don't have the same style of learning, some students finds it difficult adjusting to the online learning.

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WCU offers a program to help students study abroad and expand their learning experience in different countries. Students can study in places like England, Ireland, and Latin America.

The Department of Communication provides courses like, interpersonal and intercultural Communication, and mass and public relations.

Internships are available for students who meet the department's requirements. The department encourages students to take internships to build up their work experience, and it's one of the experience options for media and culture majors.

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The University is overpopulated, due to that, they have limited classes, because there aren’t enough professions for the students who are enrolled, there aren’t enough housing for students who want to attend.

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WCU is renowned for its name in the region. It is one of the best public universities in Pennsylvania.

This Department has a clear focus in the three programs available; there is not an oversaturation of degree options for students to select.

Wide breadth of professors with degrees and experiences that could draw in students and enrich their learning.

The cost of attendance at WCU is more affordable than competitors in the space.

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When you think of Communication Departments in Graduate Schools, names like Annenberg and Klein come to mind. Unfortunately, the WCU doesn’t have a recognizable identity that students can embrace like competitors in the region.

While understandably narrow in degree programs, the course offerings can be seen as a bit limited and lacking more depth in scope.

The Department does not have a fully online distance education offerings for students to opt-into.

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While WCU is renowned regionally; it could expand its visibility to reach other students via digital and physical ads.

Online education and virtual leaning are booming. This Department could expand on its distance education offerings and include a fully virtual option like the MBA to boost interest and participation.

The courses offered could also be expanded to include newer concepts like AI in the world of Comm, Cross-cultural Communication and more

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There has been a decline in the number of students going to college, which could potentially shrink the pipeline of future students going to Grad School (Source).

Although Graduate student enrollment has been slightly trending upward despite the undergrad decline, Communications is not one of the top 10 master’s programs that people enroll in.

The threat of another pandemic could impact WCU

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Reply to Kelly Wallace Threats - Samuel Emmanuel

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Reply to Kelly Wallace Threats - Samuel Emmanuel

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Hi Kelly, I think you raised a good point on the looming recession and stock market conditions. Although WCU is on the more affordable side of tuition costs, inflation and rising prices have made people more cautious with their spending so this is a good point to be mindful of.

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Reply to Bethanie Lori Opportunities - Samuel Emmanuel

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Reply to Bethanie Lori Opportunities - Samuel Emmanuel

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Hi Bethanie! Good point you noted on the accelerated BA to MA program increasing enrollment. This is definitely an opportunity for growth starting much earlier than competitors. I also think this is a strength as not many universities have that BA to MA pipeline offering.

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Reply to Val Adrian Strengths - Samuel Emmanuel

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Reply to Val Adrian Strengths - Samuel Emmanuel

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Hi Val, I like that you called out the small class sizes as a strength. WCU has a 20:1 faculty to student ratio, providing room for more connection with professors. This is definitely a draw for incoming students.

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Reply to Alanis Schwarzler Weaknesses - Samuel Emmanuel

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Reply to Alanis Schwarzler Weaknesses - Samuel Emmanuel

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Hi Alanis! I definitely agree that the undefined cross-departmental electives are a point of improvement. Highlighting pathways to completing the Digital graduate certificate program through existing/required courses from other disciplines would be a great way to boost interest and grow the department. It is an internal structure that needs to be amended.

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The price of the tuition which can appeal to many audiences, especially in the current economic state

The accessibility and convenience of most classes being asynchronous or if classes do meet, they are usually later at night after the usual 9-5 job that many graduate students hold.

The student led discussion classes engender an environment where the students think for themselves and develop leadership and critical analysis skills

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The lack of classes offered. The courses offered each semester are limited and make it hard for a student to complete a fast track grad degree

There lacks extracirricular activities for students to further their graduate interests (i.e Syracuse has many clubs/departments for grad students to further their careers/interests)

The only 3 classes offered make it hard for it to be accessible to all if one class is synchronous or in person

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With lower tuition but still amazing professors with a lot of experience and is beginning to offer classes that deal with new and upcoming technologies or societal issues that nurture critical thinking

West Chester University already has a good reputation and can expand it through the poised graduate alumni

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Response to Samuel Emmanuael Threats - Renya

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Response to Samuel Emmanuael Threats - Renya

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I think it's interesting that there has been a trend towards graduate school with a decline in undergrad degree. It is a really good and interesting point to look at and perhaps study

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Although the tuition is more costly, many other graduate programs within the area offer a more appealing education through courses offered or ways students can still participate on campus with their chosen degree

Because of how small the program is, interest and enrollment

could start to decline even more

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3 different programs allow students to choose the right one for them/meet students’ specific needs

Classes are flexible with online, asynchronous options perfect for students with other responsibilities like jobs and family

Emphasis on student collaboration/discussion facilitates conversation, idea-sharing, learning, and networking

Small class sizes help students get “face time” with professors and peers

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·      Course selection is limited which means enrolling might be challenging with so many of the same students wanting to choose the same classes

·      Studying online and/or asynchronously can be difficult for some students. The lack of in-person interaction and professor-led lectures can be challenging.

·      Nearby schools like Temple offer the same sort of programs that students may find more appealing due to lower cost, in-person class options, other specialized tracks, etc.

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·      The emphasis on student collaboration/discussion and the small class sizes give students opportunities to learn from each other, build critical thinking skills in the context of marketing, and network.

·      There are two WCU campuses: West Chester and Philadelphia. This allows for a larger number of students to pursue their academic goals.

·      Undergrad students can follow the Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s tracks which gets them their degrees faster. There are two different options to choose from (Communication Studies or Media and Culture) which gives students some freedom in their studies.

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·      Students may find other schools with similar programs more appealing due to lower cost, in-person class options, other specialized tracks, etc.

·      West Chester is not known for its marketing/communications programs, so students may choose other schools more well-known for theirs.

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Hi Gina! In your opportunities section I like how you mentioned that WCU also has a Philly campus. I think that is a huge draw for people who perhaps don't drive or see the commute to the main campus as a negative.

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Hi Val! I think in your weaknesses you highlighted how there was a limitation to specific tracking and taking specific courses. You then followed it up by mentioning universities with more diverse programs and I think that is a really important weakness to look at!

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Reply to Val Adrian Mesidor (Threats) - Alanis Schwarzler

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Reply to Val Adrian Mesidor (Threats) - Alanis Schwarzler

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Hi Val!

In your threats section you mentioned WCU's Digital Media Marketing certificate was priced at a higher cost than the surrounding, notable universities in the area. I think it's very helpful to the department that you showcased the pricing of their programs, as it could potentially open discourse for more affordable tuition for students.

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Reply to Sammuel Emmanuel (Strengths) - Alanis Schwarzler

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Reply to Sammuel Emmanuel (Strengths) - Alanis Schwarzler

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In the Strengths portion of your SWOT analysis, you mentioned that because the program has three programs available, there is not an over saturation of degree options for students. I think this is helpful because it allows for each curriculum to have more focus and attention, strengthening the quality of education we receive. However, I do also believe that the university could benefit from developing other programs, specifically for those more interested in audio/visual communication, etc.

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Reply to Miracle Fofana (Weaknesses) - Alanis Schwarzler

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Reply to Miracle Fofana (Weaknesses) - Alanis Schwarzler

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Hi Fofana!

In the Weaknesses portion of your SWOT analysis, you stated that preferences for online and in-person are dependent on the students learning style. I believe that WCU could benefit greatly from developing more in-person courses. I know of several students who have expressed this interest as well! Offering both options offers students flexibility for their schedules and an opportunity to have a more immersive experience depending on their learning preferences.

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Reply to Bethanie Lori (Weaknesses) - Val Adrian Mesidor

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Reply to Bethanie Lori (Weaknesses) - Val Adrian Mesidor

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College enrollment dropped by 8.5% since 2010, fewer students are enrolling in undergraduate programs. If there's fewer undergraduate students, it means there will be fewer people enrolling in graduate programs later. Good work.

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Reply to Alanis Schwarzler (Threats) - Val Adrian Mesidor

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Reply to Alanis Schwarzler (Threats) - Val Adrian Mesidor

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If WCU's program doesn't stand out, they can possibly lose students to competitors, leading to fewer enrollments and growth for the program.

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Resonse to Claire Zwolak Opportunities -  Gina Mullen

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Resonse to Claire Zwolak Opportunities -  Gina Mullen

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Hi Claire! Your point that there is a growing demand for communication and media skills is such a good point. Especially with how rapidly modern technology advances and how quickly social media trends come and go, companies and businesses need professionals. I had not even thought of this point until I read your post — good idea!

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Response to Bethanie Lori Weaknesses - Gina Mullen

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Response to Bethanie Lori Weaknesses - Gina Mullen

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Hi Bethanie! You make a great point that even though there are several courses for each program, the actual classes offered per semester is quite limited. I experienced this firsthand; coming into this semester, I was on the waitlist for this class. Moreover, online/asynchronous learning may benefit students’ busy schedules, but it can be hard to learn alone and motivate yourself to get the work done. Great points!

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Response to Val Adrian Mesidor Threats - Gina Mullen

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Response to Val Adrian Mesidor Threats - Gina Mullen

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Hi Val! Your research and analysis really helped emphasize your point that WCU’s Digital Media Marketing certificate costs more than neighboring/well known universities’. This was a factor I considered for a long time before eventually choosing West Chester for the certificate. Great point!

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The accelerated program specifically is a strength, because it means that undergrads at WCU studying media and culture and communication studies can get their M.A. in communication studies much more quickly (and for less money) than if they tried a different grad program. I was able to take four classes towards my M.A. during undergrad and have those 12 credits count towards both of my degrees (and pay undergrad tuition for them).

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This is kind of a small program, so there are few classes available each semester. This means there’s less room for choice when it comes to which COM classes we want to take, as well as not really opportunities to specialize in something unless you want to get a grad certificate in digital media marketing or write a thesis.

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I think the communication studies field has changed and developed a lot over the past decade, especially when it comes to digital media. I think this presents WCU and the communication and media department with the opportunity to lean into digital media studies more deeply than we do now. The digital media marketing certificate program could increase its class offerings to meet this opportunity, or we could offer more specific niches for students to delve into.

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I think one outside threat to the department of communication and media’s grad programs is other school’s programs. When it comes to its graduate programs, WCU is best known for its education program and not the M.A. in communication studies or graduate certificate in digital media marketing. (This is the same for undergrad.) Other schools are more well known for their communication programs, like UPenn or Penn State. This is a threat because these outside forces (other schools) have an advantage over WCU when it comes to name recognition and popularity.

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The MA of Communications program is somewhat flexible in its admission requirement for GRE scores, which may be waived for students who have completed graduate-level work.

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As someone participating in the Digital Media Marketing Course, I echo others in the lack of available course options. On the website, it is clear which four classes are required to complete the program. However, there was a semester when none of those courses were offered and an alternative course was offered in its place. While this course will count, it made the program information seem misleading.

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Some suggest that the average salary for digital media marketing specialists has increased over the last few years. Similarly, digital media marketing jobs seem to be a growing speciality in communications. This growth suggests there may be an opportunity for the digital media marketing certificate program to recruit prospective students. (DeLegge, 2024)

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The rhetoric surrounding AI advancements is a threat to communications programs. AI will likely impact many of our jobs in the future, but will hopefully not actually take over our jobs entirely. Though, this rhetoric is powerful and I think it could dissuade folks from pursuing higher education in communications in media for fear that a job will not be available to them after their degree/certificate is achieved. (Johanns, 2023)

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Reply to Gina Mullen - Strengths (by Abbie Chipps)

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Reply to Gina Mullen - Strengths (by Abbie Chipps)

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Hi Gina! I like your point about how there are some asynchronous classes offered in this department and its programs! That definitely is a plus. I with they offered more each semester though - I think lots of students would appreciate it. I also liked your point about smaller class sizes leading to students getting more time with professors.

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Reply to Renya - Weaknesses (by Abbie Chipps)

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Reply to Renya - Weaknesses (by Abbie Chipps)

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Hi Renya! I completely agree with your points! It would be amazing if this program was just a little bit bigger and we had more class offerings available. Your point about clubs/orgs is great too! That would be such a nice way for us to all connect with one another on a level where we can still be gaining experience in this field of communication studies or media!

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Reply to Claire - Opportunities (by Abbie)

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Reply to Claire - Opportunities (by Abbie)

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Hi Claire! That's a really good point. I feel like communication/digital media is becoming more a part of our lives every day and that definitely is reflected in how companies operate and who they are!

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Hi Alexis! I liked your analysis! Especially the part where you mention that our program doesn't have specializations or focuses. I think that could be really useful for us as students and would help a lot with our future/current career choices as well. It would be cool if it was kind of like the B.A. in media and culture program at WCU, where students can pick a focus of either culture, production, or strat comm!

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One of the strengths that the graduate program has is that it offers three different paths to achieve get a higher degree in Communications

Another strengths is how a student who was interested in doing a masters can start that masters while they are in undergrad by doing the accelerated program

With graduate programs becoming more and more expensive WCU remains one of the more affordable options for graduate programs in the area

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One of the weaknesses of the programs is that there is no specialized area that students can seek out. Unlike other programs like finance or business communications does not have a specific track that a student can specialize in.

Not every student will be able to attend in-person classes they could be at different points in their careers. This can be a point of contention because it can cause a student to look somewhere else because they would have to do in-person classes which isn't possible for them.

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An opportunity for this program is possibly adding a concentration to the program just like the business school does. Instead of having a certificate making the digital media marketing a concentration in addition to a master's could be beneficial.

Another opportunity could be adding classes that deal with media more than communication. With the world becoming more and more media centric it could be a good idea to have classes that implement on how media can be used in future careers.

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Reply to Gina Weakness - by Bethanie Lori

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Reply to Gina Weakness - by Bethanie Lori

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Hi Gina! I agree that the limited course offerings each semester is a weakness of the program. When I applied for the program I was looking forward to taking some of the classes listed on the department website, but have never seen them actually offered over the past 2 years. In some ways, it seems misleading to promote the classes that will never come to fruition. I found that frustrating as a student. I also agree that the abundance of online/asynchronous classes can be challenging. I'm a people person. I like to talk and ask questions face-to-face so asynchronous classes are definitely a struggle for me as a student. Although I like the flexibility to do the work on my own time when it fits into life, I miss being able to ask questions live or even hear other students' questions that I may not have thought of...kinda like this activity on padlet. ;)

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Reply to Alanis Threats by Bethanie Lori

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Reply to Alanis Threats by Bethanie Lori

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Hi Alanis! I agree that closing the program at the Phila. campus is a threat when students may choose a different intercity college/university over traveling to WCU's main campus. I wonder what the demographics look like for student enrollment. How many of the student population come from Philadelphia vs Pa suburbs or out of state? Depending on where the majority of the students are coming from, perhaps it actually isn't a threat if we have more students coming from Pa suburbs or out of state.

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Reply to  Samuel-Strengths by Bethanie Lori

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Reply to  Samuel-Strengths by Bethanie Lori

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Hi Samuel! I agree that WCU has a great reputation as it is the largest public university in the PA system of higher education. I also believe that one of the greatest strengths is the versatility the program offers with the accelerated BA to MA, these vs non-thesis tracks and the DMM certificate. The variety of professors' expertise plus the affordable tuition are also huge strengths.

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Response to Abigail Chipps Strength - Renya

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Response to Abigail Chipps Strength - Renya

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I agree that one of the strengths is the accelerated program, as that's the same one that I was in during my time at undergrad. I think that program is such a big value for fast-paced students and a great strength for saving money.

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Response to Kelly Wallace Opportunities - Renya

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Response to Kelly Wallace Opportunities - Renya

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I agree with the opportunities you had found. I think that West Chester University's location offers students so many opportunities. West Chester's main industries are around finance and business but it also nurtures the arts as well.

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The threat that comes with these programs is that compared to other masters programs the other program blows them out of the water. Other masters programs are able to offer more media classes and more on that side of communications. Other schools might be able to offer specialized tracks that WCU might not be able to offer making them more appealing to students.

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Reply to Miracle, Strengths - Lauren Hammond

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Reply to Miracle, Strengths - Lauren Hammond

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Hi Miracle, I see that almost everyone suggested strengths that align with the WCU overall, rather than the specific Department of Communication and Media. In my opinion, I would assume that the program does not have direct influence on many of the strengths listed in your post and others. You and at least 6 others mentioned affordable tuition. I could be incorrect, but I don't believe department faculty have any say over tuition rates. I agree that the low cost of tuition in comparison to other universities is positive, but I would consider this an external factor. Therefore, I would put this under opportunities. According to authors of Principles of Marketing (2015), opportunities refer to external factors that are largely uncontrollable by the entity being evaluated. In this context, I don't see the Department of Communication and Media's graduate programs one in the same with WCU.

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I am also doing the Digital Media Marketing course along with the MA in Communications. I had many hiccups when scheduling and solidifying my program a lot of miscommunication on what was what. However, through this experience I learned that you can substitute courses (with valid reason) to satisfy the requirements for the DMM certificate. I thought that was a plus. I think this should be stated somewhere on the website so that students know to ask about accommodations or there should be a course schedule that is accessible to students to map out when they can take certain classes. I originally wanted to start in the summer but none of the courses I needed were offered then.

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Response to Jimmy: Weaknesses - Lauren Hammond

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Response to Jimmy: Weaknesses - Lauren Hammond

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Hi Jimmy, I can see how the lack of a specific tracks to select might be seen as a weakness. You and several others in the class have identified this as such. However, I think that the MA program is actually more flexible in that it allows students to select up to 15 credits in any other department. Essentially, you can specialize in anything you'd like that's also offered at WCU.

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I agree that the evolving study of communications could be seen as an opportunity. Increasing class offerings or specific track options are good strategy options for taking advantage of this.

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Fully online asynchronous program for graduates that supports the needs of graduate students allowing flexibility and access to an education at West Chester University. I remember the struggles in undergrad of not having a fully online schedule and needing flexibility from my employer at the time to attend classes a few times a week.

Fast tracked Graduate Certificate Program in Digital Media Marketing. The requirement of just 12 credits or 4 classes as well as the flexibility of swapping other relevant courses to satisfy the certificate criteria allows graduate professionals to attain this degree to further their expertise in less than a year.

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I went to West Chester University for undergrad and I got tons of emails and mail regarding graduate school. There was a drop off after the first year after school. There could be opportunity in staying connected with undergrads that might have interest in furthering their education at West Chester.

As someone that graduated only four years ago it was still a huge adjustment back into academia. Although, I attended the graduate welcome meeting. I think there is still room for opportunity in regard to guidance for students that are in the masters program. This is the most confused I have ever been in my school career roughly because there aren't as many check-ins. Even after speaking with the graduate advisor it was a more you are on your own attitude as far as guidance. This experience may be unique to me but as a professional with a demanding job, a family etc. I think there should be more supportive resources available that helps students to stay on track.

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I think the biggest threat to West Chester's Communication and Media program is location. West Chester is about a 35-40 min drive from Philadelphia. The addition of the Philly campus building was helpful to me and others who live in the city but it is limited with class offerings. If I had to take an in person class for my grad or undergrad I wouldn't be able to take a class there under this department. Therefore, I believe people who live in or closer to Philadelphia opt out of attending West Chester based on where it is when they can attend one of the many colleges in Philadelphia instead. As I mentioned in a previous response I had an employer that allowed me to leave throughout the week to go to school. Some semester's I would be gone for 4 hours (travel +class time) because of the drive back and forth. Not everyone has this flexibility and will just choose another option.

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I absolutely agree that there is a lack of depth in the Masters program here. I really wish that there were a more focused media Masters program at West Chester.

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Reply to Gina Mullen- Weakness : Holly Jacobs 

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Reply to Gina Mullen- Weakness : Holly Jacobs 

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I agree that the course selection is very limited. There is no focus whatsoever within this Masters program. This is a big red flag to me as someone who wants to grow my knowledge in media and have a degree which reflects that.

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Reply to Kelly Wallace- Strengths: Holly Jacobs 

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Reply to Kelly Wallace- Strengths: Holly Jacobs 

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I love that you bring up WCU's reputation. They are nationally ranked which is a big deal to a lot of different businesses. I also love that you bring up tuition. I feel that is such a big stumbling block for some people, however WCU has been able to keep tuition stable for the past few years which is a big deal.

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-Offers mostly online courses! You can get your Master's Degree without taking in-person classes. Offers an ease of access for all to take classes at WCU.

-Affordable Tuition for in-state and out of state

-Masters Program is offered with a thesis or without

-Choose your classes that fit you best outside of the two required courses.

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-Have to compete with other big names that are in proximity such as Temple, Villanova, UPENN

-Does not offer several of the traditional in-person courses

- No specialized courses or focuses in MA COM Studies. You learn everything but they don't have specialized tracks for Advertising, Digital Media, PR, etc.

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-Push fully online programs to open up to a wider audience nationally and globally.

-Continue to create classes with what is trending like AI and keep a pulse on the ever-changing communication industry

-Create more certificate programs that fall under the Masters program

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-Fully in-person courses

-Big name University's with bigger programs

-Not having any specialization courses or lack of certification programs

-More affordable online options that have been strictly online institutes for years

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Reply to Jimmy Middleton Weakness- Chris Moreno 

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Reply to Jimmy Middleton Weakness- Chris Moreno 

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I completely agree and put in my report that not having specialized programs is a weakness. We do get an overall look at multiple disciplines but we don't have the access to learn one discipline fully that interests us. I also agree with not everyone enjoys online learning. Some do not focus or function 100% in a full online course!

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Reply to Miracle Fofana Strengths- Chris Moreno 

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Reply to Miracle Fofana Strengths- Chris Moreno 

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I like that you mentioned the registration fee being waived. This is helpful for anyone who is applying to multiple programs and that could get very pricey! I also mentioned the tuition being affordable. I know that many even out-of-state students who paid less come to WCU and still receive an excellent education.