Communication Studies, M.A.

About the Communication Studies Master’s Program

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies offers advanced study of human communication in face-to-face, public, and mediated contexts. Students are encouraged to pursue research interests in organizational and small group communication, intercultural and interpersonal communication, instructional communication, and/or rhetoric and public affairs. Ultimately, the program aims to foster and promote a theory of engaged living. The M.A. degree prepares students for a career in a wide array of arenas, including but not limited to, non-profits, start-ups, corporate contexts, and educational institutions. Alternatively, many students elect to continue their studies and matriculate into Ph.D. programs. This 33-hour program includes five core courses: two theory classes (Communication and Rhetorical Theory) and three methods courses (Quantitative, Qualitative, and Critical/Interpretive). To complete the degree requirements, students choose from among various options: a thesis, two publishable papers, a praxis report, or qualifying exams.

The graduate program for the Master of Arts in Communication Studies requires a minimum of 33 semester hours. The thesis option requires a minimum of 27 hours of coursework, 6 hours of thesis, and an oral defense. A non-thesis option requires a minimum of 33 hours of coursework, a written comprehensive exam, and an oral defense.