Graduate Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies provides students with a social scientific approach to the study of human interaction, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Our curriculum is designed to explore how communication takes place interpersonally, within organizations and constituents, within our political system, and between and within cultures.  We also offer courses in topic areas such as health communication, leadership, persuasion, nonverbal communication, strategic communication, and technology.

We offer three different graduate degree options, both in-person and online. Our programs provide a wide variety of courses, allowing students the opportunity to select topics pursuant to their special interests. In addition to courses, students can obtain practical experience by participating in professional activities offered by the department, research, and colloquia.

In-Person Program

Degree Overview

Our in-person M.A. in Communication Studies offers a thesis, project, and comprehensive exams to complete the Masters of Arts program. All three tracks require 36 credits, which includes not only Communication courses but courses from outside the department.

The thesis and project option requires:

  • At least 30 credits of coursework and 6 credits of Thesis (COMM 5999) or
  • 6 credits of Project (COMM 5994), and an oral defense.
The non-thesis or comprehensive exam option requires 36 credits of coursework, plus a written comprehensive (6 credits minimum), followed by an oral defense. All options require a minimum of 30 credit hours of Communication courses.

 

First-year Graduate Students in the main campus in-person program are required to take:

  • Quantitative Research Methods (COMM 5130) or Qualitative Research Methods (COMM 5140) and
  • Theories of Communication (COMM 5110)

These two courses serve as a foundation for other coursework in Communication Studies.

 

Graduate Students are also expected to take most of their core content courses in their first year of enrollment. The four core areas our department offers are:

  • Communication & Culture (COMM 5710)
  • Interpersonal Communication (COMM 5610)
  • Organizational Communication (COMM 5510)
  • Political Communication (COMM 5210)

Students are required to take three of the four core content courses. All of the other courses can be designed with the consent of the student's advisor to focus on the student's area(s) of interest. For more information, please click here.

Students in this program can apply to be Graduate Teaching Assistants. Find out more about our Assistantships here.