Master of Arts in Communication and Business Leadership (M.A.)
High Point University > MA in Communication and Business Leadership
Unlock Your Potential

Unlock Your Potential

Are you ready to take your communication & business leadership skills to the next level? Apply today to discover how this program can empower your professional journey.
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Fuel For Your Success

The High Point University Master of Arts in Communication and Business Leadership program’s innovative 30-hour curriculum goes beyond theory, providing application-based instruction that actively develops essential skills: communication, leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. Designed to welcome students from all academic backgrounds, majors, and professional careers, our deliberate focus on practical application ensures a comprehensive education, making an immediate and lasting impact on your chosen career.  Let us know if you’d like to learn more!

business students high point university

Vision

We build the next generation of future focused leaders. Leaders who connect, engage, inspire, and create value for themselves and their organizations.

mission communication

Mission

To build and execute a curriculum and learning environment that levels up four critical skills required for personal and professional growth:

  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Critical Thinking

cbl values students collaboration

Values

To be successful, the program faculty believe students should embrace these values as they pursue their degree:

  • Personal Accountability: own your decisions and actions
  • Adaptability: Embrace change
  • Curiosity: Look for opportunities
  • Collaboration: There is no I in team
  • Active Listening: Seek to understand
  • Resiliency: Finish what you start

Communication and Business Leadership Program

Our Program

The Master of Arts in Communication and Business Leadership program offers a multidisciplinary approach, directly addressing an industry-identified skills gap between academic preparation and professional demands. In this program, students will develop proficiency in four essential skills areas: leadership, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, through practical, application-based learning.

Consequently, the program’s learning outcomes are highly regarded by both aspiring professionals and employers across diverse industry sectors. This strategic alignment with industry expectations makes the program a compelling choice for graduates from all academic backgrounds, providing them with the key skills and knowledge to advance in their career goals.

 

CBL Handbook CBL Spring Bulletin CBL Course Description

 

30 Credit Hour Program:

  • 5 required courses
  • 4 elective courses
  • 1 capstone project
  • Can be completed in 3 semesters of full time enrollment: 12 Hours in Fall, 12 Hours in Spring, 6 Hours in Summer

Required Courses:

  • CBL 5000 | Strategic Message Design
  • CBL 5020 | Organizational Behavior
  • CBL 5100  | Data and Decision Making
  • CBL 5200 | Persuasion, Positioning and Negotiation
  • CBL 5220 | Leadership
  • CBL 6010  | Capstone Course (taken in final semester)

Example Electives:

  • Brand Management
  • Design Thinking
  • Corporate Culture
  • Change Management

Why Choose Our Program?

For motivated students, the Master of Arts in Communication and Business Leadership program provides the best total learning environment for developing superior communication and leadership skills by delivering an experiential and application-based approach to communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking. These skills are consistently ranked as being important to employers and found to be lacking in recent graduates. The focus of the MA-CBL program is to train graduate students, regardless of undergraduate degree, to succeed in today’s job market through focused learning surrounding these skills.
CBL Fuel Your Success

 

 

Accreditation:

The Master of Arts in Communication and Business Leadership program at High Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Graduates of the program will be awarded a master’s degree upon successful completion of all requirements. 

The program can be completed 100% online, 100% in-person, or as a hybrid program. In addition to the courses, there are numerous opportunities for involvement, engagement, networking and professional development that are offered. Each graduate program has representatives in the Graduate Student Government Association.

During the academic year, there are several workshops and presentations exclusively offered to students to supplement their course work and prepare for future success. Among these include negotiation, professional development, and networking lunches and panels with program alumni and hiring managers.

The program also offers team building events for students to engage with each other, and the faculty, outside of the classroom to put into practice what they learn. The program has been structured to prepare students for the future of the workforce by providing them opportunities to develop key areas of business skills. Students who take advantage of all that the program, and the university, have to offer are well-positioned for future success.

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experiential opportunities macbl program hpu

We are thrilled that you are considering taking this pivotal step towards advancing your career and shaping the future of strategic leadership. This section outlines the comprehensive application process for the program. Please read each step carefully to ensure a smooth and successful application. We look forward to hearing your unique perspective and assisting you in reaching your future goals.

Materials for application to the program include:

  1. A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent
  2. Minimum 3.0 GPA (recommended)
  3. Resume
  4. Essay describing candidate’s interest in the program and goals for pursuing the degree
  5. Contact Information for two professional or academic references
  6. Official transcripts from all colleges attended outside of High Point University
  7. Online application

*All International Applicants, please refer to the Graduate Admissions for International Candidates page.

 

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MA-CBL Success Stories
Get inspired by real stories from students in the Master of Arts in Communication and Business Leadership program. From career breakthroughs to personal growth, these videos highlight the impact of a degree designed to empower leaders in today’s connected world.
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210819 Timothy Koba scaled e1630010859625 200x200 1
Tim Koba
Assistant Professor & Director of the Master of Arts in Communication Business & Leadership Program

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: (336) 841-2972

More Information
Robert Stec e1630007908865 200x200 1
Bob Stec
Professor of the Practice & Co-director of the Master of Arts in Communication Business & Leadership Program

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: (336) 841-2973

More Information
Marisa Ritter
Marisa Ritter
Director of Capstone for the MA Communication and Business Leadership; Assistant Professor, Hospitality Management; Certified Hospitality Educator
(336) 841-2977
View Full Profile
Andrea Hunt
Andrea Hunt
Professor of the Practice of Communication and Business Leadership
(336) 841-9000
View Full Profile
Jim Wehrley
Jim Wehrley
Professor
(336) 841-4560
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21.04.29 jenna fortier high point university MA communication leadership program e1661368706276
The Masters of Communication and Business Leadership at High Point University has equipped me with arguably the two most critical skills in the workplace: strong communication skills and an actionable understanding of transformational leadership.
Jenna Fortier
BSBA Marketing, 2020 | MA Communication and Business Leadership, 2021
Kaylee Kerr
This program has been the perfect balance between business and communication, two vital skills in a constantly changing world. This program has equipped me with the tools necessary to adapt and thrive, while allowing me to grow both personally and professionally.
Kaylee Kerr
BA Media Production and Entrepreneurship, 2020 | MA Communication and Business Leadership, 2021
20.05.08 kevin rubin student high point university MA communication leadership program e1661369138434
To quote the offer letter I received from Freddie Mac: ‘We received countless applications for this role and yours soared to the top.’ This would not have been possible without the experience I gained in grad school. 
Kevin Rubin
BS Computer Science, 2020 | MA Communication and Business Leadership, 2021
Nawal
MA-CBL, ’21
My top takeaway was learning how to collaborate efficiently with my fellow classmates. In the corporate world, this skill is vital. Being able to understand outside perspectives and adapt to group settings was a huge lesson I learned.
Nawal Dergham
Crisis Response Coordinator, Google
Grant Hines
MA-CBL, ’24
The classes in my Master of Communication and Business Leadership program are practical, and the skills transfer very easily.
Grant Hines
News Desk Assistant, NBC News

Graduate Tuition & Fees

High Point University’s tuition and fees are determined on an annual basis. For a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of attendance for the academic year, including additional estimates for living expenses, please refer to this link.

Learn More

Meet With Us

Sign up for an information session or individual consultation with someone from the Graduate Admissions team to help you determine if this program will be a good fit with your career, family, and life goals.

View All Information Sessions

Deadlines & Decision Date

Deadline
December 23, 2025
Admission Response
January 6, 2026
Days left
104days
Apply Today

Online or in-person program that develops your analytical and practical skills to prepare you to become a strategic thinker, problem solver and leader.

Deadline
August 3, 2026
Admission Response
August 17, 2026
Days left
327days
Apply Today

Online or in-person program that develops your analytical and practical skills to prepare you to become a strategic thinker, problem solver and leader.

Deadline
May 18, 2026
Admission Response
June 6, 2026
Days left
250days
Apply Today

Online or in-person program that develops your analytical and practical skills to prepare you to become a strategic thinker, problem solver and leader.

Office of Graduate Admissions

Choosing the right graduate program is a crucial step in advancing your career. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine the best fit for your professional goals.

High Point University’s graduate programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in today's competitive job market. We invite you to explore our programs and contact us to learn more about how we can help you reach your individual goals.
One University Parkway, High Point, NC 27268
Apply Graduate Admission Campus Map
336.841.9198
[email protected]
Mon-Fri 8:00am — 5:00pm

morgan schragger
Graduate Recruiter
Morgan Schragger
336.841.9635
Connect with Morgan
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