Calvin News

Many college graduates wonder if further education is worth the time, cost, and effort. 

Taheer Alibhai began thinking about getting a master’s degree while working for a nonprofit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, just after graduating from college. 

“The people who make the decisions all had high-level degrees and had a lot of experience that came behind them in their knowledge,” Alibhai says. “I got to know that one of the biggest ways to make a difference is to show you’re qualified to make that difference.” 

Alibhai’s observation aligns with studies that have shown that, in addition to receiving promotions, workers with a master’s degree earn on average 12–20% more annually and experience lower unemployment than those with only a bachelor’s degree. 

Alibhai, who is from Kenya, saw that a master’s in communications and media would bring the qualification he wanted. So he enrolled in Calvin University’s master of arts in media and strategic communications (MMSC) program in 2025.  

One year later, as he prepares to graduate, he’s found that the MMSC did exactly what he hoped for: opened doors to broader horizons.

Flexibility for Returning Students

LaShone Manuel came to Calvin for the MMSC program because she was intrigued by the storytelling course offered by professor Craig Mattson. She believed that earning the degree would expand her knowledge of communication and media, support her current work as a career coach, and be valuable for future professional endeavors.  

Ten years out from her undergraduate degree, however, she was hesitant about returning to school. “I had concerns about managing all the roles I have as a working mom, wife, and ministry leader,” Manuel said.  

But as she started taking various classes and learned to manage her schedule, the support of her family and her faith helped make the load possible. 

She also felt support from her professors, whom she described as “very personable and relational.” 

“They want to see students thrive,” said Manuel. “I’ve had lunches with my professors to just share where I was at and the many things that I was managing, and they would strive to hear me, to understand, and to work with me.” 

Manuel especially appreciated the integration of a Christian perspective in her classes. She also noted how helpful it was that many of the classes are held in the evenings.  

The flexibility of the program allows Alibhai, who is enrolled full-time, to work a part-time job while also interning at The Right Place, an economic development organization, as part of the master’s program.  

“I could continue actively contributing to the workforce, actively gain experience, and at the same time, learn strategically what it takes to be in this kind of program,” Alibhai said.

Ready for What’s Next

Investing in a master’s program was a short-term expense for a long-term gain, says Alibhai. “I'm hopeful to have a huge expansion of opportunities by having an advanced degree and allowing myself to have more experience going into the workforce.”  

“At the same time,” he adds, “by having this expanded field in a very competitive job market, I can make myself stand out as I pursue my career.” He hopes to work in brand management, internal/external communications, or in-house advertising. 

Calvin’s MMSC program combines production training with communications strategy and technique, which sets it apart from other similar programs that usually focus on one or the other. Like Alibhai, Manuel sees a diverse range of opportunities have opened up for her, including media careers, video production, and dreams of being a talk show host.  

“And more so, limitations have been taken off. There’s so much more that I can do,” she said. “And I feel better equipped to guide and mentor students as they explore communication-related careers and opportunities. I’m grateful for the versatility that I got from the program and the opportunities that come from that. I feel like I got my wings.” 

At Calvin, graduate education is about more than earning another credential. It’s about helping students discover where their gifts can take them and equipping them with the skills, experiences, and confidence to pursue opportunities they may not have previously imagined. 

For Manuel and Alibhai, who graduate this August, the degree hasn’t just prepared them for a job title—it has expanded their vision for what’s possible. 

They leave the program with stronger professional networks, practical experience, and a deeper understanding of how communication can shape organizations, communities, and careers. 

And while their next positions are still ahead of them, they are stepping into that future ready to lead, contribute, and make an impact from day one. 

Interested in the MA in Media and Strategic Communications program at Calvin? Learn more and start the conversation, or explore our other graduate programs.