Master of Arts in Communication

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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)

Methodology and Inquiry Requirement (6 hours)

COMM 602 - Qualitative Research Methods in Communication Credits: 3
COMM 603 - Quantitative Research Methods in Communication Credits: 3

Theory Requirement (3 hours)

COMM 601 - Foundations of Communication Theory Credits: 3

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

Select only one:

COMM 690 - Capstone Project Credits: 1-6 (6 hours required)
COMM 699 - Thesis 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.

Elective Coursework (21 hours)

COMM 502 - Gender, Communication, and Culture Credits: 3
COMM 604 - Contemporary Rhetorical Criticism Credits: 3
COMM 610 - Seminar in Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3
COMM 611 - Communication and Personal Relationships Credits: 3
COMM 612 - Health Communication Credits: 3
COMM 613 - Political Communication Credits: 3
COMM 614 - Interpersonal Communication within Organizations Credits: 3
COMM 615 - Communication and Culture Credits: 3
COMM 616 - Performance in Social Contexts Credits: 3
COMM 617 - Instructional Communication Credits: 3
COMM 620 - Special Topics in Organizational Communication Credits: 3
COMM 621 - Advanced Public Relations Credits: 3
COMM 622 - Emerging Issues in Computer-mediated Communication Credits: 3
COMM 623 - Telecommunications Operations: A Leadership Approach Credits: 3
COMM 624 - Nonprofit Advancement Credits: 3
COMM 625 - History of Mass Media Credits: 3
COMM 626 - Semiotics Credits: 3
COMM 630 - Advanced Mass Communication Seminar Credits: 3
COMM 631 - Organizational Rhetoric Credits: 3
COMM 640 - Independent Study in Communication Credits: 3

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.