Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2015-2016 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED PUBLICATION]

Master of Arts in Communication


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812-464-1968

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Curriculum


The program is comprised of 36 credit hours (12 courses) of coursework leading to a Master of Arts degree. A total of 15 hours of course work (five courses) are required; an additional 21 hours (seven courses) must be taken from a selection of elective course offerings.

Required Coursework (15 hours)


Theory Requirement (3 hours)


Thesis/Capstone or Non-Thesis Option (6 hours)


Select only one:

  • Credits: 1-6 (6 hours required)
  • Credits: 1-6 (6 hours required)
  • Non-thesis option with comprehensive examination (6 hours required).  Directed electives approved by faculty advisor and successful completion of comprehensive examination.

Type of Degree


Students who complete the program are awarded the Master of Arts in Communication degree. There are no distinctions in the name or prestige of the degree according to the thesis, capstone, or non-thesis options.

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