CSU Fullerton Master's Program in Communications to Be Offered in China


Beginning in February, Cal State Fullerton will launch a master’s degree program in communications at the University of Hong Kong’s School of Professional and Continuing Education.

The 30-unit graduate program will focus on public relations and advertising. Geared for working professionals, classes will be offered during the evening hours and weekends. In the fall, the program is slated for expansion to the school’s Shanghai campus.

“As China moves toward a market economy, it faces a tremendous need for trained practitioners in public relations and advertising,” said Fred Zandpour, associate dean of the College of Communications. “Without a doubt, selection of Beijing as the site for the 2008 Olympics and China’s recent accession to the World Trade Organization will intensify this need,” he added.

Communications faculty members scheduled to teach in China are Cynthia M. King, acting director of the university’s Center for Entertainment and Tourism, Shay Sayre and Hazel G. Warlaumont. Plans call for one faculty member to be in China each semester teaching two courses. King will be the first to take up residence there for the spring semester, with instruction beginning Feb. 3. Meanwhile, on the Fullerton campus, Sayre will be teaching an online course in advertising management as part of the program.

“The M.A. program in Hong Kong and Shanghai will promote a global perspective among the communications faculty,” noted Rick D. Pullen, dean of the College of Communications.
“Also, the program advances the College of Communications goal of internationalizing the curriculum.

“In the long term, this program will create visibility for the College of Communications and is likely to attract high-quality Chinese students to CSUF, adding to the quality and diversity of the student body,” he added. “Further, we hope to provide opportunities for CSUF students to complete a portion of their degree requirements in Hong Kong and Shanghai, in order to include an international perspective in their college experience.”

The University of Hong Kong joins a growing list of Chinese universities with whom Cal State Fullerton has established educational agreements, including Fudan, Northwest and Lianing universities. The oldest such agreement dates back to 1984.

Media Contacts: Rick D. Pullen at (714) 278-3355 or rpullen@fullerton.edu
Fred Zandpour at (714) 278-3853 or fzandpour@fullerton.edu
Susan Katsaros, Public Affairs, at (714) 278-4854 or skatsaros@fullerton.edu