Communication Studies

The Master of Arts in Communication with a Concentration in Communication Studies program is designed for students with a general interest in the study of human communication. It is intended primarily for students preparing for doctoral study in communication, or desiring in-depth study of research and analytical skills (a highly desired skill set by employers). The degree requires minimum 30 credits.

If you need to print out the requirements for this concentration, here is a pdf version (current as of 2018).

Two required courses: (6 cr)

• COM 7000: Introduction to M.A. Studies in Communication (3 cr)
• COM 7410: Communication Theory (3 cr)

Three research methods courses (9 cr):

Two required methods courses:

• COM 7260: Quantitative Research Methods for Communication (3 cr)
• COM 7360: Qualitative Research Methods for Communication (3 cr)

One additional methods course:

• COM 6530: Audience Measurement and Survey Techniques (3 cr)
• COM 7250: Rhetorical Criticism (3 cr)
• COM 7340: Interviewing (3 cr)
• COM 7365: Ethnographic Methods for Communication Research (3 cr)
• COM 7580: Content Analysis (3 cr)

One of the following capstone plan options:

Plan A: Thesis

• COM 8999: Master's Thesis Research and Direction (6 cr)
  • Thesis credits are distributed across two or three semesters.
• Any three courses from the department as electives. (9 cr)

Plan B: Essay

• COM 7999: Master's Essay Direction (3 cr)
  • Thesis credits are distributed across two or three semesters.
• Any four courses from the department as electives (12 cr)

Plan C: Coursework Only

• Any five courses from the department as electives (15 cr)