Graduate Studies >> College of Liberal Arts
812-464-1741
Program Objectives
The Master of Arts in Communication program provides students with an individualized, interdisciplinary approach to understanding human and mass communication across multiple contexts - personal, professional, social, civic, and mediated. The program establishes for students a foundation of effective problem solving and leadership in areas as diverse as technological change, international relations, conflict and negotiation, corporate communication, personal relationships, cultural and identity studies, corporate responsibility, and community outreach. We deliberately adopt pedagogical techniques that develop our students’ problem-solving abilities and critical-thinking skills in order to build careers and connections to enhance potential. Our hands-on capstone experience connects our students’ learning experience with real-life opportunities. 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 for real solutions
- To equip students with analytical and practical tools that foster potential
- To develop and deliver a program flexible enough to serve practitioners and aspiring academics alike
- To offer a communication program individualized to meet diverse student needs and goals
Admission Requirements
- Unconditional admission into the Master of Arts in Communication program will be contingent on the following factors:
- Admission to Graduate Studies.
- 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.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- 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. This letter should explain how a student’s career goals are related to or enhanced by our degree program.
- 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.
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