Department of Communication
The Department of Communication offers the Master of Arts Degree in Communication.
Master of Arts Degree in Communication
The Master of Arts Degree in Communication offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced study in Communication. This program encourages students’ development of broad perspectives in applying research, discovery, critical thinking, and creative enterprise to addressing the practical needs of individuals and groups in a variety of settings. The faculty intends to develop students’ knowledge and skills in communication that are requisite for success in leadership, scholarship, and/or creative endeavors in business, public sector, and nonprofit environments.
Admission Requirements
In addition to satisfying University-wide admission requirements, applicants must meet the following Communication requirements for unconditional admission:
- Complete online application.
- Provide two letters of recommendation from academic sources with the option of an additional letter from either an academic or a professional source (no more than three letters should be submitted). Letters from academic sources are expected, but if the applicant has been out of school for a significant period of time, letters from professional sources who can attest to the applicant’s academic potential may be considered.
- Provide a statement of purpose, 500–750 words in length, describing the applicant’s academic and other qualifications to be admitted to this program, areas of interest in the program, and goals related to pursuing the Master’s degree in Communication.
- Submit transcripts from all undergraduate programs.
The number of students admitted to this program may be limited.
Degree Requirements
The minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree is 36, exclusive of coursework or other study required to remove admission deficiencies. Any grade lower than “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in a graduate course will not count toward the 36 semester credit hours of coursework required in items A through E.
Candidates for the degree must complete the following requirements:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. 12 semester credit hours of core courses: | 12 | |
| Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication 1 | ||
| Communication Theory | ||
| Quantitative Research Methods | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| B. 12 semester credit hours (for the thesis or project option) or 18 semester credit hours (for the non-thesis/project option) of prescribed electives in Communication in consultation with the Graduate Advisor of Record. | 12 | |
| C. 6 semester credit hours of free electives in consultation with the Graduate Advisor of Record. | 6 | |
These courses may be in Communication or outside the program, but courses must relate to the student’s program of study. | ||
| D. No more than a total of 6 semester credit hours from the following may be applied to the Master’s degree. | ||
| Directed Readings | ||
| Internship in Communication | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| E. Master's Thesis or Project | 6 | |
Students pursuing the thesis or project option must complete COM 6983 Master’s Thesis (6 hours) or COM 6993 Master’s Project (6 hours). Students must complete at least 18 hours of coursework and maintain a 3.25 grade point average before they may enroll in COM 6983 Master’s Thesis or COM 6993 Master’s Project. | ||
| F. Comprehensive Examination | ||
As per University requirements, all students must complete a comprehensive examination as detailed below. | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
- 1
COM 5003 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication must be taken in the student’s first semester of graduate coursework.
During the first semester in which students are enrolled, they must meet with the Graduate Advisor of Record to devise a program of study.
In addition to the semester credit hours set forth above, candidates for the degree are required to successfully pass a written exam and then an oral defense of the written exam tailored to the student’s program and specialized coursework. The comprehensive examination is offered each Fall and Spring semester. The comprehensive examination is normally taken in the semester in which the candidate is due to complete his or her graduate study. Enrollment in COM 6961 Comprehensive Examination is required each term in which the comprehensive examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. The comprehensive examination can only be taken twice.
Students in the thesis or project option, in addition to passing both a written comprehensive examination and oral defense of the written exam, will present a written prospectus at a meeting for approval by their thesis or project committee and defend the prospectus. Students in the thesis or project option will also orally defend the final thesis or project before the committee.
Communication (COM) Courses
COM 5003. Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Arts Program in Communication or consent of instructor.
Tracks the development of research and practice in communication stressing integration of inquiry, theory, and practice as well as grounding in various areas of specialized study. Emphasis on the development of skills critical to success in graduate-level communication study. Course fees: DL01 $75; STLF $18.48; GL01 $90.
COM 5013. Communication Theory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in COM 5003, or consent of instructor.
Critical review of the historical roots, major paradigms, and current status of communication theory. Special emphasis on the diversity of theoretical approaches and applications as well as the integral relationship of theory and research. Course fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5023. Quantitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in COM 5003, or consent of instructor.
Introduces social scientific approaches to communication inquiry. Focus is on design, measurement, and data analysis of quantitative research. Covers principal descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., univariate and multivariate) applied in communication research. Demonstrates techniques in data analysis using computer programs. Students apply course concepts by evaluating and conducting research projects. Course fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5033. Qualitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in COM 5003, or consent of instructor.
Introduces humanistic approaches to communication inquiry. Focus is on design, coding, analysis, data interpretation, and reporting of qualitative research. Examines a variety of qualitative research methods as well as challenges facing researchers in diverse contexts. Students apply course concepts by evaluating and conducting research projects. Course fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5103. Theories and Applications of Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in COM 5003 and COM 5013.
Integration of theory and application in one or more contextual areas of communication, such as interpersonal communication, organizational communication, new media, international communication, intercultural communication, health communication or issues management. May be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 9 hours will apply to the Master’s degree in Communication without the permission of the Graduate Program Committee. Same as COM 5203, COM 5303, COM 5403, COM 5703, and COM 5803. Courses may be repeated for credit if subjects vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5113. Communication and College Level Instruction. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course facilitates understanding of the major issues in teaching at the college level. In this graduate-level seminar, emphasis will be placed on the conceptualization, design, development, and management of college-level courses in communication and other allied areas. Assignments will include syllabi development, assignment development, grading rubrics, lesson plans, record-keeping methods, and short written assignments describing personal development as a college-level instructor. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5203. Interpersonal Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course explores theories of interpersonal processes and communication principles, including the history of and approaches to studying interpersonal communication. Topics such as impression management, identity, uncertainty, and conflict in interaction are covered. Students will gain theoretical and applied knowledge to help them become more effective communicators in both their personal and professional lives. (Formerly COM 5103. Credit cannot be earned for both COM 5103 and COM 5203.) Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.
COM 5213. Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course offers a more focused study of specific contexts in interpersonal communication, led by faculty with expertise in various subspecialties of the field. The course might feature concentration on a particular area of interpersonal communication (e.g., relational communication, the dark side of interpersonal communication, etc.) or explore a timely topic in which faculty are conducting research. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5223. Small Group Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is an examination of communication processes in bona-fide groups such as interdisciplinary health care teams, community groups, and corporate teams. This course emphasizes the role and function of verbal and nonverbal communication in group processes of decision-making, dialogue, and problem solving. The course includes integration of theory with research and/or practice. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5303. Health Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This survey course emphasizes both the theoretical and applied nature of health communication studies. Spanning different approaches and such contexts as patient-caregiver relationships, social support, socio-cultural dimensions of health and health disparities, the role of media and public policy, as well as local and global influences on health, students will gain knowledge to assist them in analyzing and developing innovative, ethical, and effective health communication strategies. (Formerly COM 5103. Credit cannot be earned for both COM 5103 and COM 5303.) Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5313. Special Topics in Health Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course offers a more focused study of specific contexts in health communication, led by faculty with expertise in various subspecialties of the field. The course might feature concentration on a particular area of health communication (e.g., interpersonal health communication, global health communication, or health campaigns), or explore a timely topic in which faculty are conducting research or which correlates with a collaborative opportunity with local health organizations or community programs. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.
COM 5323. Special Topics in Health Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: COM 5103 or consent of instructor.
This seminar will focus on significant and timely topics in the health communication field. Students may be exposed to healthcare issues such as provider-recipient communication, interdisciplinary team communication, decision-making, social identity, family dynamics, the role of culture in health and disease, new media, healthcare promotion, or community outreach. Broadly, students will gain insight about applied health communication topics and discover the multiple career options available for communication majors in health contexts. Course Fee: GL01 $90.
COM 5403. Organizational Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is a survey of organizational communication research and practice that offers a broad perspective on communication and organizing. The course emphasizes the role of communication in creating and shaping organizational processes. Topics include organizational structures, power, control, identity, diversity, culture, socialization, leadership, change, relationships, technology, and resilience. (Formerly COM 5103. Credit cannot be earned for both COM 5103 and COM 5403.) Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5413. Special Topics in Organizational Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is an in-depth exploration of a particular topic in organizational communication. Examples of topics that may be explored include, but are not limited to, organizational identity, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and organizational change. The course integrates theory, research, and practice. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.
COM 5423. Organizational Implementation of Integrated Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course provides students with a comprehensive experience in developing a solution to a communication problem. Students have an opportunity to acquire experience in working with others as a member of a team, develop specific skills and competencies needed by communication practitioners, and learn how to find and use resources for answering questions or solving problems. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.
COM 5613. New Media Design and Production. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is an introduction to information design and application of communication theories to practice. Advanced study of new media development. Hands-on skill development in creating digital content elements for use in multimedia and combining these elements into interactive presentations. The course includes integration of communication theory with research and/or practice. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5633. Digital Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is an in-depth discussion of contemporary issues in digital communication. In this course, students examine recent development, research, and theoretical frameworks in digital communication and media studies. It explores impacts and implications of digital communication on audience, industry, society, and culture. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5703. International Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This survey course introduces key concepts, theories, and practices in international communication. Through exploring the dynamics in transnational information flows, students will analyze issues and cases related to global communication. Topics may include media, conflict, religion, entertainment, cultural diversity, technology, democratization, advertising, public relations, and sustainable development within an international context. (Formerly COM 5103. Credit cannot be earned for both COM 5103 and COM 5703.) Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5713. Special Topics in International Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
The course offers a more focused study of specific contexts in international communication led by faculty with expertise in various subspecialties of the field. It might feature concentration on a particular area of international communication (e.g., international public relations, global health communication, or sustainable development). In general, the course enhances students’ critical thinking of topics of interest to them. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5803. Intercultural Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: COM 5103 or consent of instructor. This course is an examination of communication dynamics in diverse societies and between different cultural communities. The interactions among communication, culture, and identity are explored within historical and contemporary perspectives. The course includes integration of theory with research and/or practice. (Formerly COM 5823. Same as COM 5103. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: COM 5823, COM 5103, and COM 5803.) Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5813. Special Topics in Intercultural Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This seminar offers a more focused study of specific contexts in intercultural communication, led by faculty with expertise in various subspecialties of the field. It will focus on significant and timely topics such as identity, language, migration, conflict, or social movements. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 5973. Topics in Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is an intensive study of one or more specific issues in communication. May be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.
COM 6933. Directed Readings. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course includes reading, research, discussion, and writing under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. Enables students to explore/prepare an area of specialization for their comprehensive exam, thesis, and/or project. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.
COM 6943. Internship in Communication. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) of the instructor and Graduate Advisor of Record. This internship is a supervised experience, relevant to the student’s program of study, within selected organizations. Must be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.
COM 6951. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) of the instructor and Graduate Advisor of Record.
Independent reading, research, discussion, project development and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. Intended for specialized work not normally available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. May not be substituted for COM thesis or project courses. Course Fee: GL01 $30; STLF $6.16.
COM 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) of the instructor and Graduate Advisor of Record.
Independent reading, research, discussion, project development and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. Intended for specialized work not normally available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. May not be substituted for COM thesis or project courses. Course Fee: GL01 $90.
COM 6961. Comprehensive Examination. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Approval of the Graduate Advisor of Record.
Independent study course for the purpose of taking the Comprehensive Examination. May be repeated once. Enrollment is required each term in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination). Credit earned in COM 6961 may not be counted in the 36 hours required for the Master’s degree in Communication. Course Fee: GL01 $30.
COM 6981. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Written thesis proposal must be approved by the faculty advisor, the thesis Committee and the Graduate Advisor of Record prior to enrollment.
Supervised thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fee: GL01 $30; STLF $6.16.
COM 6983. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Written thesis proposal must be approved by the faculty advisor, the thesis Committee and the Graduate Advisor of Record prior to enrollment. Supervised thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.
COM 6991. Master's Project. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Written project proposal must be approved by the faculty advisor, the project committee and the Graduate Advisor of Record prior to enrollment.
Supervised development and completion of a professional-quality project in the student’s area. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the project. Enrollment is required each term in which the project is in progress. Course fee: GL01 $30.
COM 6993. Master's Project. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Written project proposal must be approved by the faculty advisor, the project committee and the Graduate Advisor of Record prior to enrollment.
Supervised development and completion of a professional-quality project in the student’s area. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the project. Enrollment is required each term in which the project is in progress. Course Fee: GL01 $90.