Communication (MA)

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Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Program Educational Goals:

A graduate of our M.A. in Communication program will be able to:

Articulate the central theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts of the discipline.
Apply communication science theory and methods to conduct research on complex questions and societal problems.
Demonstrate a capacity to communicate research findings to academic and lay audiences.
Incorporate ethical communication principles and practices into their subsequent work environment.
Recognize the cultural basis of communication and acknowledge their own standpoint, with respect for the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Employ communication strategies to resolve challenges and empower people.

Requirements for the Degree:

Upon entering the program, students are given a temporary advisor. By the completion of nine hours of graduate work, students are expected to have chosen their major advisor with whom they can work closely. Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 or better GPA. A thesis or comprehensive exam is required of all MA candidates. There is an oral portion of the comprehensive examination as well as an oral examination of the MA thesis by the candidate’s committee after each member of this committee has had time to review the project thoroughly.

Core Courses:

COMM 601 - Epistemology and Theory in Communication Credit(s): 3
COMM 603 - Communication Research Methods - Procedures Credit(s): 3
COMM 604 - Communication Research Methods - Analysis Credit(s): 3
COMM 606 - Foundations of Contemporary Communication Theory Credit(s): 3

Thesis Option:

COMM 869 - Master’s Thesis Credit(s): 1-6 (6 hours)
COMM 890 - Communication Colloquium Credit(s): 0-3

Elective courses:

12 hours of electives.
Two courses must be taken in Communication.
Two courses (or six credits) may be taken outside the Communication Department in a related area, if approved by the graduate student’s committee.

Non-Thesis/Comprehensive Examination Option:

COMM 890 - Communication Colloquium Credit(s): 0-3

Elective courses:

18 hours of electives.
Four courses must be taken in Communication.
Two courses (or six credits) may be taken outside the Communication Department in a related area, if approved by the graduate student’s committee.
Comprehensive Exams in three areas.

Communication (MA)

Program Educational Goals:

Requirements for the Degree:

Core Courses:

Thesis Option:

Elective courses:

Non-Thesis/Comprehensive Examination Option:

Elective courses:

Credits to Total a Minimum of 30

Last Revised for 2022-2023 Academic Year