812/464-1739
Program Objectives
The Master of Arts in Communication program provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving in the field of communication in areas as diverse as technological change, international relations, conflict and negotiation, organizational functioning, personal relationships, regional economic development, corporate responsibility, community outreach, and consensus and coalition building. We deliberately adopt pedagogical techniques, such as a case study approach, that develop our students’ problem-solving abilities and critical-thinking skills. Our hands-on capstone experience connects our students’ learning experience with real-life problems and will provide a service to the community. For students who want to pursue advanced graduate studies, we also offer a thesis option that allows them to gain experience in academic research.
Students who complete the M.A. in Communication will be able to apply their increased knowledge of communication processes, contexts, theories, and research methodologies to further their career and educational goals. The objectives of the Master of Arts in Communication program are:
- To produce graduates who are skilled and logical problem solvers and who can apply those skills to real solutions
- To equip students with analytical and practical tools that foster the ability to lead
- To develop and deliver a program flexible enough to serve practitioners and aspiring academics alike
- To offer a program full-time students can complete in two years of study
- To offer a program that part-time students can complete in three to four years
Admission Requirements
- Unconditional admission into the Master of Arts in Communication program will be contingent on the following factors:
- Admission to Graduate Studies.
- The Master of Arts in Communication requires that applicants hold a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution. Although applicants do not need to hold an undergraduate degree in an area of communication, preference will be given to applicants with an educational background in communication or other social sciences disciplines.
- A GAP score of 3,000 or higher: The GAP score reflects an individual’s undergraduate GPA multiplied by the quantitative and verbal components of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). For instance, if an individual holds a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and scores a combined 1,000 on his/her verbal and quantitative components of the GRE, he/she would satisfy the GAP criteria for unconditional admittance.
- A well-written letter of intent. The letter of intent will serve as the student’s application letter and writing sample. In this writing sample, the admissions committee will evaluate the student’s potential and ability for graduate-level writing.
- Three positive professional letters of recommendation.
Applicants not meeting the criteria for unconditional admittance may be conditionally admitted if space is available. These applicants will receive preference on the basis of GPA and the quality of the letter of intent.
Conditionally admitted individuals can achieve unconditional status following 12 hours of coursework if they hold a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. All students admitted to the program failing to attain a graduate 3.0 GPA after 12 credit hours will be academically dismissed from the program.
Students will be admitted to the Master of Arts in Communication program for both fall and spring semesters. The application deadline for fall admission will be April 15 of every year; and the application deadline for spring admission will be November 1 of every year.
Return to: