HomeMaster of Arts in Communication
The department offers masters level work with emphases in Communication Education, Communication Studies, Dispute Resolution, Journalism, Media Arts and Studies, and Speech Communication.
The Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution (MADR) program is an interdisciplinary MA program directed by Dr. Loraleigh Keashly. It is designed to provide meaningful academic knowledge and professional skills for individuals interested or angaged in conflict resolution activities. Visit the MADR website for more details.
The research interests and orientation of the faculty are diverse, and our faculty and graduate students have written extensively on rhetorical theory and criticism, interpersonal/family/health communication, organizational communication, communication and public relations, political communication, media criticism and media effects. The program is deeply committed to the intersections among theory, practice, research, experience, strategy and ethics.
For more information on the program, including detailed information on the admissions process, download the Masters Handbook: About the MA Program (pdf format). MA students are admitted twice a year, once for the Fall and once for the Spring/Summer. The deadlines are June 1st for Fall and February 1st for Spring/Summer. Students must ensure that all materials in the correct office(s) by the deadline date.
*Note on personal statement*. Students must submit a personal statement with their MA application. The statement should be 1-2 pages and outline the student's background in Communication and their interests in the MA program. Students should also indicate to which area of emphasis (major) they are choosing to apply. These are listed in the MA handbook.
Students who have already been admitted to another Wayne State University graduate program who are interested in changing from their current major to the Master of Arts in Communication MUST apply for admission to the program, meeting all admissions requirements and deadlines. However, an official Graduate Admissions application form is not necessary. In lieu of an application processed through the Office of Graduate Admissions, current WSU graduate students may submit a Change of Graduate Status Request Form. The student should complete the top portion of the form and submit it to the Department of Communication with other supplemental requirements (i.e. statement of intent and writing sample). See the Masters Handbook for more details.
MA - Download Forms
Master's Plan of Work Notice: Students must prepare and present the Master's Plan of Work form (found above) to their advisor for approval. The plan of work form must be typewritten, not handwritten. Before preparing the Plan, the student should review all general degree requirements for their major, located in the Master's Handbook (above). In addition, students must print out a Checksheet for their major area (also known as the student's emphasis) and present the checksheet to the Advisor and Director of Graduate Studies with the completed Plan of Work form. PLAN OF WORK FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT THE ATTACHED CHECKSHEET.
Checksheets for Master's Program Requirements: