Communication and Media (MA)

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Master of Arts

Major Credits

33

Total Credits

33

Career Cluster

Arts, Audio/Video, Technology, and Communications

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Program Requirements

Common Core

An introduction to the communication field focusing on theory construction and the function of communication theory/models in the human experience. Contemporary theories of communication will be reviewed.

Prerequisites: none

Open only to teaching assistants of basic course in Communication Studies. Covers course design, course evaluation, methodologies for skill development, and related topics.

Prerequisites: none

This course explores theories, concepts, and issues relevant to understanding communication in culturally diverse contexts. Course instructors will use specific topics and case studies to examine and understand the intersections of culture and communication. The emphasis will be placed on developing critical literacy to engage complex issues in an increasingly global world.

Prerequisites: none

* COMM 603 is only required for graduate teaching assistants (GTAs).

Research/Methods Course(s)

This course is designed to provide graduate students in Communication Studies with knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate qualitative research as it appears in scholarly writing and to perform qualitative research in the academic or organizational context with the rigor appropriate to that context.

Prerequisites: none

his course is designed to provide graduate students in Communication Studies with knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate quantitative research as it appears in scholarly writing and to perform quantitative research in the academic or organizational context with the rigor appropriate to that context.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Specialization in Communication and Media - Choose 6 Credit(s).

Required for all graduate students in the Department of Communication Studies. Surveys traditional pedagogoical theories as well as critical pedagagical theories as they pertain to teaching communication courses.

Prerequisites: none

This course introduces graduate study in the varied fields of mediated communication. It uses a theory-driven, case-study approach to introduce common theoretical approaches to media study and professional practice.

Prerequisites: none

This course explores the reasons we have difficulty communicating with people from other cultures, why misunderstandings occur, and how to build clearer and more productive cross-cultural relationships.

Prerequisites: none

This course includes the skills in the analysis, application, and evaluation of argumentative communication.

Prerequisites: none

This course explores and critically examines interpersonal communication theory development, current research and leading theoretical perspectives, and potential applications in contemporary interpersonal communication contexts and relationships.

Prerequisites: none

This course provides both graduate students and faculty the opportunity to work together with a specific theme that is timely and relevant to the field. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: none

Theory and practice of social media in professional settings. Includes strategies for content development, network analysis, and analytics.

Prerequisites: none

Cross-Disciplinary Connections - A total of 9 credits must be completed in Cross-Disciplinary Connections.

Companion Connections - Choose 3 - 6 Credit(s). Courses outside Communication Studies

Communication Connections - Choose 3 - 6 Credit(s).

Prerequisites: none

Capstone Course

Capstone Prospectus requires a student to complete a capstone proposal. The student defends the prospectus before their committee. See advisor for specifics.

Prerequisites: 611 or 612

Original research which meets accepted research standards.

Prerequisites: none

A total of 6 thesis credits is required to complete the degree.

Degree Plan

The Degree Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual degree plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 9 Credits

An introduction to the communication field focusing on theory construction and the function of communication theory/models in the human experience. Contemporary theories of communication will be reviewed.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 9 Credits

This course explores theories, concepts, and issues relevant to understanding communication in culturally diverse contexts. Course instructors will use specific topics and case studies to examine and understand the intersections of culture and communication. The emphasis will be placed on developing critical literacy to engage complex issues in an increasingly global world.

Prerequisites: none

Second Year

Fall - 9 Credits

Capstone Prospectus requires a student to complete a capstone proposal. The student defends the prospectus before their committee. See advisor for specifics.

Prerequisites: 611 or 612

Spring - 6 Credits

Original research which meets accepted research standards.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Admission:

  • In addition to completing the minimum requirements for the College of Graduate Studies and Research, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or better in overall undergraduate studies and a 3.0 for the last two years of undergraduate work.
  • In addition to providing the materials required by the College of Graduate Studies and Research, applicants must submit all of the following materials in order to be considered for admission to the program:
    • a statement of personal, educational, and professional goals;
    • three letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to judge your academic competence in communication;
    • and an original, sole-authored writing sample demonstrating research, sound analysis, organization, and evidence.
  • Probationary status may be provided for applicants with an undergraduate degree whose GPA is below admission standards under the following conditions: Acceptable performance on the GRE and/or acceptance of a student petition and contingency of adherence to contract terms formulated by graduate faculty.
  • International applicants are required to have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

Credit Limits:

  • A maximum of six (6) combined credits from COMM 677-Individual Study and COMM 697-Internship may be applied toward completion of the degree. The limit may be waived with the consent of the graduate coordinator.
  • A maximum of six (6) graduate credits from "Speech-Debate" courses may be applied toward satisfactory completion of the degree. The limit may be waived with the consent of a student's graduate coordinator.

Internship Credit Requirements: 

In compliance with federal curricular policy, standard expectations are 45 hours of on-site internship experience for each credit hour earned.