MA Strategic Communication&Leadership

MASCL was NOT an easy program by any means...but it was probably the most rewarding academic experience of my life.  The instructors are tough, but they are attentive and always make time for you.  The work is difficult, but eye opening.  The program is competitive, but there is a palpable espirt de corps among students.  If you want to change the way you lead, or are a budding leader, this program is for you!

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.

This was a great program that was very challenging.  Working full time and taking MASCL full time was a challenge but in the end, I am truly proud of what I accomplished and feel as though I can better balance work/life.  I feel as though I am also ready to make the jump from individual contributor to manager.  Thank you MASCL!  Moreover, thank you for experiences I'll never forget and for relationships I will always have!

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.

I graduated last month from the MASCL program and am proud to say I earned this degree from a prestigious university.  MASCL made me a believer in the effectiveness of online education, when done right.  Like others on here, I had my doubts about the validity and legitimacy of an online program.  I wanted a degree from a reputable institution that I would learn from.  Seton Hall's MASCL program was the best solution I found, and I did a lot of comparing.  It is difficult to explain in a few sentences how much I learned from this program, but I can say that it has changed how I look at my job, my career and my organization.  I now feel much more confident in my position having read and understood the theory behind organizational culture and leadership.  The program is intense -- it will consume your life for 18 months.  There are daily online discussions, group projects, numerous papers and a lot of reading.  The residencies enhance this program greatly.  You get to know your teammates, so the people you interact with on a daily basis are not strangers, but friends.  If you're looking for an easy online degree, this program is definitely not for you.  If you want to be challenged, to learn and grow as a leader and a communicator, then you should consider Seton Hall's MASCL program.

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.

I learned about MASCL from a recent graduate of the program. She and I met attending a women's retreat.  What a gift she gave me by passing on information about the program.  This program is rigorous and requires a strong commitment, but it is well worth the time and effort. One of the great take-aways from MASCL is that you begin to apply the learning immediately. This on-line program is highly interactive and provides a unique, effective and challenging learning environment.  The instruction is exceptional. I highly recommend this program.

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.

MASCL was the best experience of my life. It wasn't easy. It absorbed time and energy. But it gave back, and then some. The combination of compelling subject matter and instructors who pull the best out of you -- better in my case than I ever imagined possible -- is one that should light a personal and academic fire in you.  But more than that, the combination of those in an environment that creates something like family around you is exhilarating. If you're a good communicator. If you're serious about knowing more and being more than you are, you can be sure that for the price of a car payment when it's over, that you'll have made the best possible investment in time, money, relationships and understanding you may ever make. Go for it.  John - Valedictorian, LT 20.

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.

I can't say enough about the MASCL experience. The coursework was rigorous, engaging and relevant. The residencies made the difference. I chose MASCL because if offered these and I believe it separates this program from the rest. I would recommend this for anyone interested in taking their education to the next level.

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.

The MASCL is a rigorous program. It pushes its students to operate outside their comfort zone.    The program provides challenging course work that requires its student to invest between 20 – 35 hours of preparation each week.   The program focuses on collaboration and bringing out the best in other people.    A student can often learn something and apply it in the workplace the next day.  As a result, it aids in the retention of the knowledge learned.   The instructional team is very knowledgeable and they are subject-matter experts in their respective fields.
 
What separates the MASCL distance learning program from others is its hybrid setup of online program and residencies.   The residencies provide the Learning Team the opportunity to meet one another and develop camaraderie.    The residencies are also use to coach and train students in dealing with various corporate communication challenges.  
 
For people who want to develop their leadership skills and take their career to the next level this program is a must.   I strongly endorse this program without reservation.   I’ll be graduating in two weeks and I am proud to be part of this program.

Will Lukang

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.

Seton Hall's MASCL program was challenging, rewarding and everything I looked for in a masters program. While other school's programs taught the next level in communications education, SHU's program taught LEADERSHIP. The educators were top-notch professionals and my fellow students came from a variety of backgrounds that provided engaging and stimulating "conversations." Further, I can attribute a promotion as a direct result of the MASCL degree.

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

I am currently enrolled in the MASCL program. It is rigorous, academically challenging, and inexplicably life changing. The program extends the learning environment into the workplace. The core topics are compatible with real life work experiences, which allow feedback to validate the effectiveness of both communication and leadership theoretical concepts. MASCL is by no means a “walk in the park” it will test your mind, spirit and heart. The program and the Life Coaches (Professors) will push you to not only to become a better human being, but to demonstrate disciplined commitment to build your leadership acumen.  Simply put, MASCL is a top notch program.

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.

You must have an enormous amount of self-discipline if you plan to attend the SHU MASCL program.  It is definitely not a course for the weak and weary.  However, it is doable and extremely rewarding.  I respect the professors, enjoyed the subject matter and built great friendships.  It is challenging and time consuming, but well worth it.  I would highly recommend the MASCL program.

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.

I spent the better part of three years searching for the right Masters program - on campus and on-line.  The Seton Hall Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership (MASCL) stayed at the top of my list from the time I learned of it in 2002.

I finally took the plunge and I am glad I did.  The MASCL is NOT a pay, play, and walk diploma program.  You have to be online 6 nights a week for 18 months, minus breaks.  You will be graded on quality AND quantity - and you will have team assignments.  You will meet your class mates in three residency weekends. You will spend enough money on all-inclusive tuition to buy a car, and you will spend some more on travel, your external reading, and probably a laptop.  You will get that value back. It is a robust and rigorous program.  

There are some imperfections.  The school's "blackboard" system for online posts is glitchy and can be slow to load - especially the e-mail.  Sometimes the time lines for assignments will vary inexplicably.  You might have one week or three to turn in a four-page paper.  Out of five twelve-week modules, I found only one unsatisfying, primarily based on being at odds with the assumptions inherent in the reading material. The most serious difficulties I had weren't with the program itself; my challenge came in dealing with some of the Bursar's office staff in matters of military education benefits.  I am on active duty, and one of the staff told me that I was not eligible for active-duty education benefits!  He also told me I wasn't eligible for the GI Bill. (I already had it, and used it for my undergrad degree).  The military and the VA are the arbiters of who is and isn't eligible for those benefits (I am eligible, and have been paid by both), not a clerk in a private university's bursar's office!

The faculty in the program are top notch - they are teaching because they want to be.  Most of them are established experts in their fields; some are alumni from the program.   I did not find any unacceptable. 

If you want a good program from a good school, sign up!

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

As a successful entrepreneur and marketing executive, I enrolled in MASCL because it provided a challenging curriculum to enhance my professional skills.  The credibility of Seton Hall University academics and solid instructional team with real-world experience made the MASCL program an easy choice for me.  To my surprise, this program also enhanced my personal life and taught me the importance of balance leading me to uncover the things that really matter in my life.  MASCL not only made me a better leader...it made me a better person!

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

The unique structure of the MASCL program is one in which the students become the subject matter. I still utilize the key points from the enlightening discussions, thorough readings, and interactive enhancements. I believe MASCL transcends the standard post-graduate program in that it prepares you for a wide variety of leadership opportunities, both personally and professionally, and ensures that you have all of the skills necessary to embrace and succeed in those opportunities.

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

I'm glad I took the plunge into Seton Hall's MASCL program. It is challenging, but would you really want less than that in a Master's program? You can apply your learning immediately to your daily interactions and the lessons you learn from the professors and other program participants is irreplaceable.

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.

My masters degree was money well spent on myself! Four years later and I am still using this education in my professional career and personal life. It was an incredible educational experience for me that I did not want to end. My professors were oustanding; extremely supportive with very high expectations. I am very proud to be affiliated with such an highly reputable university. People I meet are in awe when I tell them I have an on-line masters degree with Seton Hall Uni.

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.

A challenging and yet rewarding experience.  The "close-ness" you feel towards the faculty is one I've never experienced in higher education.  The most rewarding aspect of the program is the opportunity to witness the concepts being taught in "real time" at work and being able to apply those concepts as they are taught.  Definitely recommended!

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!

I selected the program because of its rigor, something that is often unusual (or at least perceived to be unusual) in an online program. I was not disappointed.  The program is demanding. You must be committed; however, the rewards in terms or learning and connection are invaluable.  Following graduation I did some consulting work with classmates and started my own business. I'm now in the top Ph.D. program for Organizational Communication in the country.  The MASCL program provide benefits in the practical aspects of leadership and communicating while providing a foundation for further questions and development.

The program makes good use of online time with strategic co-located seminars (which easily work around busy work and family schedules).  While I did not love every moment - it was a more than worthwhile investment overall. The material is directly related to tasks at work, but also trains you to look beyond and find solutions to more underlying problems or to seize opportunities in places where others were not aware opportunity existed.

MASCL is a great fit for individuals who want to be seriously challenged, who want to incorporate their experience with their education, and who may not have the opportunity (or the desire) to attend a physically co-located institution.  Seton Hall's MASCL program competes in terms of quality with the "traditional" education of my colleagues, in part because of the quality of its staff and faculty, its experience in providing online education, and its connection to a well-respected physical institution It provided me with a distinctively enhanced perspective to apply to my graduate school now and my consulting work as well.

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.

I am a public relations professional living in Anchorage, Alaska. I obtained my Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership (MASCL) from Seton Hall University (SHU). The program was intensive and challenging. I did check out other universities that had communication degrees that you could achieve with distance learning and found Seton Hall to be the leader. 

A big factor in making my decision was the fact that Seton Hall has an extremely well established university (est. 1856) with an excellent reputation.  I knew that if I was going to be investing my time, energy and money I did not want a “Johnny come lately” or a “fly-by night” school. I wanted my degree to have significance for decades to come.

The three residency stays in New Jersey are critical. It gave you a chance to bond with your team members and intensified the cohort experience. One of the benefit’s of the cohort experience is that your team members encourage you through the program. You expand your knowledge because of the shared experiences from all of your cohorts professions. 

After the first module, a couple of people dropped (perhaps they were looking for an easy degree and after the first residency realized Seton requires you to work very hard and progress to a higher level). After the first module though – we did not lose one team member. Sometimes your cohorts become the wind beneath your wings during this intense time.

We all made it through and graduated in the most beautiful and meaningful graduation ceremony imaginable. 

My boss, who is the chairman of the board of our top Alaskan business, Chugach Alaska Corporation, told me that she has seen my professional growth while I was going through the MASCL program at Seton Hall. I felt that I was growing in leaps and bounds, but it was great to hear someone who has perspective on my career give me that feedback.

MASCL Assistant Academic Director Karl M. Soehnlein, Ph.D., is one of the great professors working with this program who challenge you more than you thought you could be challenged. He teaches the first two modules of five modules. This is an excellent way to start off the program.

In the program, besides leadership and communication, you really delve deeply into communication involved in corporate change. In our changing society this knowledge is something that may make you stand out from the rest with your professional colleagues. 

If you have more questions on my experience with this program please feel free to email me at alaskagrad2b@yahoo.com.

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.

Seton Hall’s MASCL program is not one to be taken lightly!  The professors were wonderful and extremely knowledgeable.  The program was very challenging but also advantageous to my career.  What I really loved most about the program was being able to take the materials I learned and begin applying it to my job.   As a result of the MASCL program I have been promoted twice.  I would recommend this program to anyone who is serious about making a difference within their careers.  GO SHU!!!!!!

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.

The Seton Hall MASCL program is challenging, but more rewarding because of it. The leadership lessons you learn from instructors and peers can be applied immediately to your own work/personal life and help you make a difference. The professors are very involved and supportive in creating an ideal learning environment. This program has made me not just a believer but a staunch supporter of distance education - Seton Hall has set the Gold Standard.

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.

A great program, but not one to be taken lightly. Don't let the online aspect fool you. This program requires a good bit of reading, daily interaction, and a real effort to understand and master the subject matter.