MA Strategic Communication&Leadership

Denise June 25, 2007 at 1:43 p.m.

A great program. LOTS of reading, writing, and daily interaction with the rest of the team ... generates great discussions about real life leadership issues dealt with by team members. Instructors were "above and beyond"!! SHU very supportive.

Jane M Bond June 25, 2007 at 2:19 p.m.

I chose Seton Hall because of its overall reputation and was not disappointed. The MASCL program is as advertised: highly interactive, team-based, and pragmatic. 6 years later and I still draw on lessons I learned from the reading, the group assignments, and most importantly, from direct, timely, and useful coaching from the professors. I believe the key to the program's value is the blend of online and on-campus time. Without the latter, I do not think I would have gained as much insight as I did from the very qualified teaching staff. Its as true as anything else in life - you get out of it what you put in. But the personal investment of time/energy was clearly compounded by the contributions of the professors both online and in person.

Jessica June 25, 2007 at 3:35 p.m.

The MASCL program was very challenging but with those challenges there came many rewards that I still feel today. The program allowed me to grow as a leader and communicator but more importantly as a well-rounded leader and communicator. The lessons that I learned not only helped me advance my career but helped me in my personal life to be more successful. The course work was blended excellently with hands-on, group work, readings, personal reflection and instructor support. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking to become a more strategic and effective communicator and leader. Be ready to put in the work this program requires and at the end of it you will be amazed at how far it will take you.

K. Baker June 25, 2007 at 6:07 p.m.

The MASCL program was rigorous and offered some of the most knowledgeable professors in the industry. No other program offered such instant gratification in terms of usability and real world application than this one. I found the program was extremely intuitive and created a synergistic learning environment. As others have offered in this forum, be prepared to buckle down and commit 18-25 hours a week in this program. If you do, your efforts will be handsomely rewarded with a top quality education from a top quality institution.

K.J.M. June 25, 2007 at 9:56 p.m.

With all the "poo-pooing" regarding online degrees. It is hard for people to decide if this style of learning is for them. If you are a person who is willing to challenge yourself, established organizational practices and culture, then MASCL is for you.

Team Work, Experienced Faculty, Broad Range of Classmates, and No fluff conversations, that's just part of what makes MASCL a winner.

Analysis, Measurement, Research, Measurement are some of the tools that are tweaked in this program.

The thrust to become an oustanding leader in your field is supported by top-notch readings, one-on-one teacher discussions, residency weekends, and a superb team forum.

I was amazed by it's diverse scope of students, experienced/accomplished faculty and the relevance of the information.

Teammates challenge each other, use relevant sources, and motivate the group to..."Ask more questions" and "Prove it".

The real key is: Learn it today and use it today!

Alan June 26, 2007 at 1:57 a.m.

The MASCL program provided not only a rewarding educational experience, but it challenges the student to think and approach management and leadership in new and innovative ways. It is my opinion that at the graduate level, students should seek out opportunities to learn from the best faculty possible but also as important expose themselves to other students of similar quality and drive. MASCL brings all of these elements together and what results is an investment that will provide ongoing value for the long term.

The key to the program is a tight integrated curriculum, a caring and knowledgeable faculty, committed classmates and most importantly....what you learn is all relevant to building the skills the student needs today.

Howard Steiger June 27, 2007 at 1:12 a.m.

If you are looking for a challenging opportunity to balance career, family, and continuing education, MASCL is a great candidate. Globalization of industry and the intense pace of technological advancement have created the environment where a modern MBA does not address the true concerns of business with the current economic business models. MASCL is able to balance the need for leadership and communication.

As I prepare a SMART action plan review for my team of twenty-four direct reports, MASCL has made a difference. Every module focused on increasing the bottom line for a company with real case studies from The Harvard Business Review, papers from former graduates, guest lectures, and the assignments directly correlated to real world examples. This happens while the threaded discussions balance the virtual learning environment as to touch many other examples from your Learning Team's composition and the Instructional Teams feedback.

As a mainframe programmer and web designer, I was conscious of wasting time in communication and leadership. However, MASCL delivered a course work that made applying the theoretical and conceptual with day-to-day business. I am able to apply the learning directly to my business objectives increasing productivity and especially moral. Yet, there is so much more.

Every Learning Team is able to build on the experiences of the previous, and the Instructional Team is able to harness the inertia into a morphed academic itinerary that is organic in nature. This creates a learning environment that can blend the virtual classroom with the residencies, and capture the true reason for education, which is to grow as a student. The support of the faculty was phenomenal. One can only want to take it to another level when completed; it is truly a different level of learning.

Mary Ellen Coblentz June 27, 2007 at 3:32 p.m.

As a graduate of LT5 in 2002, I know that there have probably been a lot of changes. That is one of the great things about this program. Past students provided feedback on how to make it better and the program keeps growing in strength.I found MASCL after much investigation into Masters programs.I am an older student and still working full time at my career. I chose MASCL because I wanted a program that would be specific to my work and not just for the purpose of adding more "alphabet soup" after my name.It was a challenge and one needs to be self directed, motivated, very organized and able to work autonomously. One also must have family support. It is time consuming and for the time it takes to complete the program most of your life is work and school. I did block out every Friday evening as "rest, spend time with family" time.The topics we studied were SO pertinent to my everyday work that sometimes I was sure someone from Seton Hall was following me around at work and using my current situation as our next day discussion! One often questions, "how can you build relationships in an on-line program?" Take it from me, you can and do. Our group went through 9/11 together and we were a wonderful source of support for each other throughout this very difficult and tragic time for our country. Our professors were top notch, supportive and were very involved with discussions and feedback. I've heard from other on-line program participants that this is not always the case and other program students were often very much on their own....Since graduating, my company has used my last project, Strategic Communication Plan, in my department to market it's value to the business. I was asked to become a member the department leadership team and also a taskforce to implement a cultural change within the department. I became the lead of this taskforce 3 years ago and am still there. I have made the decision, however to step down at the end of this year as I believe that providing others the chance at leading this initiative is very important. Last October I was approached and offered a new position within my department. This was a promotion and I accepted...If you ask me why I think good things have happened to me in my career, my answer would be that it started with MASCL, I really applied myself in the program (this is a must,...you cannot glide through), learned a lot and applied my learning to my job,... real time learning and application!...It was a great ride and I hope all those considering the program go for it if it fits your career plan (remember, what you learn in MASCL you can use in any career and in your personal lives). If you have already been accepted to the program, take note of all of the comments above. Every bit of advice is another key to success in MASCL. If you have any questions or wish to discuss any aspect of the program, please feel free to contact me at mec357a@yahoo.com

RRD June 27, 2007 at 4:51 p.m.

The MASCL program blends the two skills that every CEO wants - leadership and communication. The format of the program lends itself to the working professionals who wants to improve their leadership, communication, critical thinking and teaming skills. It is an MBA without the numbers and focuses more on the critical skills demanded in the workplace. It has a "learn it, apply it" orientation that takes the theory and infuses it with "real life" so students can use the material immediately in their professional roles.

It is a tough program that demands commitment and good work habits but it is worth the effort. The personal growth you will experience is beyond expectations. It is an investment that will serve you well in your professional life. You will be amazed at the impact the program will have on your skills, perspectives and insights. In less than two years, you will grow in ways that can not really be explained but every alum notes this when they finish the program.

It was a life-changing experience for me. Nothing has had the same impact on my professional life than MASCL - incredible experience.

RRD

Elizabeth T. June 28, 2007 at 12:25 a.m.

Almost an alumna of Seton Hall, I can testify that MASCL has been a very challenging program in the very best sense of the word. Like most adult learners wanting to expand their horizons while balancing the rigors of work and family life, MASCL offers a realistic and manageable way to accomplish it all. That is not to say you won’t have to make some sacrifices along the way--but it’s an enriching experience--one you will never regret.

It was important for me to find an online program affiliated with a respected institution. Seton Hall has accomplished this and so much more. The faculty are experts in their fields and offer great insight into the practical side of business communication and leadership. My learning team (LT) is diverse and each person brings something unique to the table. I expect many of our relationships will last a lifetime.

Knowing what I know now, I would do it all over again. But beware; MASCL is for the serious learner, not someone looking for an easy masters program to window dress their resume.

“You only get what you give”
New Radicals

Matt June 28, 2007 at 2:05 p.m.

Cost for the program is around $27,000 (at least it was a year ago). A year prior I had attended a similar mixed mode Executive MBA program through a prestigious and highly ranked major western university costing $49,000. SHU/MASCL wins out by leaps and bounds. I am now enrolled as a doctoral student at a brick and mortar university. To be honest, I found MASCL as demanding and rigorous, if not more so, than my current work. Best value for the buck with fantastic people on all sides.

Happy Grad June 29, 2007 at 6:18 p.m.

The only thing I would add to what has previously been mentioned is that the Instructional Team in the MASCL program is held to a very high standard by the Academic Director and Asst. Director. The program is rigorous for them as well! This is a BIG BIG positive in terms of the quality of instruction you will find in this program. Instructors who are not engaged in the program are let go....Simple as that. The people running this program are very serious about keeping up instructional standards.

Kevin F. Przystup July 5, 2007 at 3:17 p.m.

MASCL has provided the direction necessary to appreciate and foster a greater understanding in today’s multi-faceted business enterprises. With a dedicated faculty; committed program and engaged learning team, I was able to invest precious time. During that time, I came to appreciate the importance of leadership; communication; organizational culture and diversity within our organizations, teams and societies. It was because of MASCL, I am truly a servant leader. I deleveloped a personal philosophy based on this phenomenal experience: Keep it pure; plain and simple in order to inspire; engage and motivate to win hearts, minds and souls! Thank you MASCL for providing the necessary tools to succeed in today’s ever-changing Marketplace! Please feel free to contact me with questions/concerns: KPrzystup@Verizon.net

Robert February 22, 2008 at 12:44 p.m.

I was initially suspicious of a distance learning program. Online degrees have the reputation for not being legitimate. Let me put your concerns to rest. Seton Hall offers what it calls a rigorous program and it lives up to its billing. I had the opportunity to speak to a graduate class at another university in NYC that happened to be studying the same subject matter. It made be appreciate the academic focus Seton Hall places on its online program, which was hands down superior to what I witnessed in the traditional classroom. If you think you know online programs, you probably don't know online programs. Seton Hall will make you a believer, a better student, and a better leader. And you can apply today what you learn today.

Ken Fleetwood May 31, 2008 at 6:59 p.m.

I am located in Indianapolis Indiana and have easy access to Indiana University, Purdue University, Butler, etc. The problem was a very busy career and personal life and sitting in a classroom two nights a week was not a possibility. My wife also confirmed that this was not possible! Seton Hall is a big-time school with a program that is manageable for busy people. The program is difficult but the experience is significant and life changing. Relationships formed with people around the world are unbelievable. At orientation I had no idea what I was getting into. I did not just want a degree to hang on my wall or put in a resume. I wanted to learn and grow and SHU provided the venue for pushing students way out of their comfort zone! Lastly, the professors are fabulous and truly care about the individuals.

Doug Anderson August 28, 2008 at 4:40 a.m.

What an incredible experience. MASCL was challenging, difficult, and sometimes frustrating but overall one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of. MASCL has increased my knowledge and now I feel more confident to take on the world and accomplish excellent leadership results. Thanks to everybody for an incredible experience.

MASCL Grad February 24, 2009 at 7:44 p.m.

This program requires a lot of time commitment to reading and writing papers, threading daily with other students and challenging and being challenged by both peers and instructors. Some of the other students are stellar while I question whether some really should be there. There is a bit of inconsistency between what they say - accurate communication demanded, excellent grammar and punctuation - and what they do in communicating. The program is set up for PC users and not friendly to Mac users. I did learn a lot and felt that it will enhance my career. I understand from others that have gotten traditional masters degrees and those that have gotten online degrees that this program's time commitment is much higher and much more demanding.

John D. Williams March 5, 2009 at 4:35 p.m.

When I started the MASCL program, I was unsure how this program would match up against other more traditional graduate graduate programs. Through the 18 months spent writing papers, participating in the threaded discussions, preparing for the residencies, performing outside research, and applying this knowledge in the workplace, I have discovered that this program does indeed hold its own.

A word of caution, this program will provide you with the tools, knowledge, and a vocabulary that may be foreign in your office. Many will find what you say interesting, but not know how to respond; some will find what you say intimidating and respond appropriately. Either way, know that what you bring to the table after completing this program has greater direct and immediate applicability than just about any other program you can undertake.

The cost is great, but the personal satisfaction is well worth it.

John Richard August 23, 2009 at 7:38 p.m.

I am on the verge of graduating from the MASCL Program with graduation just three weeks from today. It was been a tiring but hugely rewarding experience. The organization of the program and the professors are top-notch. The three on-campus residencies, of which I wish there had been more, are a delight (speaking in the future tense for the upcoming third and final residency). If you think an on-line program is a walk in the park, think again. The excellent professors of the Instructional Team, who will be engaged with you throughout the program, like to use the term “rigorous” to describe the workload. Believe me, that is quite the understatement. As somewhat of a lifelong student and with this being my third Master’s Degree under my belt, I can easily say that this was the most difficult program I have gone through, but also, and by far, the most rewarding. Should you decide to venture down this ever-challenging path, you will not be disappointed.

MP September 29, 2009 at 6:52 p.m.

Just finished MASCL in Sept. 2009 and it was one of the most enlightening, educational, challenging, enriching, and overall most rewarding experiences of my life. Don't kid yourselves -- it's tough and not for everyone. If you're looking for a program that you can fly through and go through the motions just so you can put "Master's Degree" on your resume, then this is not the program for you. Its rigorous online/in-person residency curriculum will challenge even the most dedicated student. Couple that with the fact that we are all busy, hard-working professionals, many of whom have families and other outside obligations, you will be put to the test. But in a good way. You'll come out on the other end with a new outlook on leadership and business.