Communication Studies (MS)

Summary

The MS degree is typically sought by students interested in gaining knowledge directly applicable to a specific career path. Students usually plan a career in business or industry upon graduation.

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Master of Science

Major Credits

36

Total Credits

36

Locations

Mankato

Online

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

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

Research/Methods Course(s)

Choose 3 Credit(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

Organization and PR - Choose 6 Credit(s).

A focus on the theory and practice of developing advocacy campaigns. Topics include audience research, message creation, message distribution, network analysis, and campaign effectiveness.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to develop an understanding of speech communication in the organizational context. The course will aid each individual in working more effectively within any type of organization through exposure to major theories and works in the area of organizational communication.

Prerequisites: none

A crisis communication strategy is critical for organizations. Students learn a thorough examination of crisis typologies, theoretical approaches, applications, crisis management, and communication strategies. The course addresses the crisis management process including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Focus is on practical application of crisis communication theories using case studies.

Prerequisites: none

Grassroots campaigning is a proven strategy of civic discourse, engagement, and advocacy. Grassroots organizing works from the bottom up and is uniquely suited to engage historically marginalized constituencies and to amplify the voiced of traditionally excluded populations. This course emphasizes a practical, skills-based approach grassroots advocacy using communication strategies and tactics.

Prerequisites: none

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Prerequisites: none

This course will focus on preparing professional trainers and developers in communication teaching, training and development.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to enhance the communication skills of professionals. Students will learn theory and techniques of presentation for academic conferences, professional meetings, business and industry presentations, interviews, and group meetings. The use of technology in professional communication will be highlighted.

Prerequisites: none

Provides a foundation in public relations management within different types of organizations. Includes coverage and critical evaluation of organizational structures, management styles, strategy implementation, crisis communication, and other situations within public relations management.

Prerequisites: none

Culture and Relationships - Choose 6 Credit(s).

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within relationship communication. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Prerequisites: none

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within the intersecting fields of rhetoric and culture. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Prerequisites: none

This course interrogates difference as a communicative production. Students will examine social identities¿in the form of race, social class, sex/gender/sexuality, age, and ability¿as socially constructed communication phenomena used to understand the self and others. The course will involve both historical and contemporary investigations of how social identities have been produced through time, and how they continue to affect¿and be affected by¿everyday communication practices. In short, this course will investigate the dynamic relationship between culture and identity, and how communication facilitates that relationship.

Prerequisites: none

This class uses a critical and cultural approach to explore the intersections of gender, race, and media across multiple media platforms, including film, television, news, social media, and other emerging media. The course emphasizes evaluation and critique of research design and implementation of original research.

Prerequisites: none

The course provides explanations and analysis of the historical evolution of American mass communication from the colonial period of the 1600s to the present. Students will study media history within the broader contexts of American social and cultural history. Developing a deeper understanding of how mass media evolved will lead to a deeper and more effective comprehension of the roles and effects of mass communication in today's society. Students will also examine and apply historical research methods, theory and historiography to investigate aspects of American mass communication history.

Prerequisites: none

A critical analysis of contemporary social movement discourse and the means for advocacy by a movement. We examine communication theories, issues, trends, social movement processes, advocacy strategies, and how it all ties back into the field of contemporary communication studies.

Prerequisites: none

This course explores theoretical and practical concepts of global media from both contemporary and historical perspectives, particularly as they relate to issues of cultural autonomy, political rights, and social justice. This class will study theoretical, pragmatic, political and ethical issues, including cultural differences, comparative media systems, patterns of world news flow, political propaganda and impact of international advertising. Overall, the course offers the opportunity to look critically at global media structures and communication flows that enable (or not) people in different parts of the globe to be informed, voice their views, and construct images/identities of themselves and others.

Prerequisites: none

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 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

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 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

Communication Connections - Choose 9 Credit(s). Select courses in Communication Studies. Courses may not double-count within the degree.

Prerequisites: none

Companion Connections - Choose 6 Credit(s). Select courses outside Communication Studies.

Capstone Course

COMM 650 is required to complete the program

Choose 3 Credit(s).

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

Review and interpretation of a body of research.

Prerequisites: none

Provides first-hand experience in applying communication theories in the workplace under the direction of an on-site supervisor.

Prerequisites: none

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

Spring - 9 Credits

Second Year

Fall - 9 Credits

Spring - 9 Credits

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 three (3) credits from COMM 677-Individual Study may be applied toward completion of the degree. The limit may be waived with the consent of the graduate coordinator.
  • A maximum of three (3) credits from COMM 697-Internship may be applied toward completion of the degree.
  • 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 (COMM 697): 

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