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Apr 25, 2024
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2009-2010 Downtown Campus Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Communication MA
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► Graduate School rules apply to this program
The master of arts in communication is a generalist degree designed to enhance students’ intellectual and professional growth through the understanding and practice of effective communication.
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Degree Requirements
Students have two options for completing the MA degree in communication: the professional track and the academic track. Professional Track
The professional track requires the completion of 36 hours of graduate course work (5000 level or above). As explained below, students have the option of taking 6 hours of 4000-level courses. In this situation, a student will take 30 hours of graduate credit and 6 hours of 4000-level (undergraduate) course work. The requirements for course work are as follows: Methods Courses
Most methods courses are offered every other year. The second methods course may be taken outside of the communication department with the approval of the student’s advisor. Graduate Seminars
In addition to the above core requirements, students must take four graduate seminars from the Department of Communication. Graduate seminars are 5000- or 6000-level courses. Electives
Students must complete five electives. A minimum of three of these electives must be at the 5000 or 6000 level; the remaining two may be at the 4000 level. At least three of the five electives must be communication courses; the remaining two electives may be taken from outside of the Department of Communication.
[Students whose bachelor’s degrees are not in communication are required to take one additional course (CMMU 4031). This course does not count toward the semester hours required for the degree; it is taken in addition to those 36 hours.] Total: 15 Hours
Students must receive a grade of B or higher in all courses that are applied to the MA degree. Track Total: 36 Hours
^Top Academic Track
The academic track is distinguished from the professional track in that it requires the completion of a substantial academic writing project or projects. The academic track requires the completion of 36-37 hours of graduate course work. At least 30 of these hours must be at the 5000 or 6000 level; 6 hours (two courses) may be at the 4000 level. The requirements for course work are as follows: Methods Courses
Most methods courses are offered every other year. Graduate Seminars
In addition to the above core requirements, students must take four graduate seminars from the communication department. Graduate seminars are 5000- or 6000-level courses. The four courses must be approved by the student’s advisor. Electives
Students must complete five electives. A minimum of two of these electives must be at the 5000 or 6000 level; the remaining two may be at the 4000 level. At least two of the electives must be communication courses; the remaining two may be taken from outside of the communication department. If a thesis is presented, the thesis credits will substitute for one elective course requirement.
[Students whose bachelor’s degrees are not in communication are required to take one additional course (CMMU 4031). This course does not count toward the semester hours required for the degree; it is taken in addition to those 36-37 hours.] Total: 12-15 Hours
(12 hours for thesis students; 15 for non-thesis) Thesis
Students either must present a major paper for publication (no additional course credit) or complete a thesis for 4 semester hours. Credit for a thesis may substitute for one elective course requirement. Total: 4 Hours
Students must receive a grade of B or higher in all courses that are applied to the MA degree. Track Total: 36-37 Hours
^Top Options for Specialization
The communication department has developed three options for students who wish to create an area of focus or specialization within the MA degree—communication management, technical communication and doctoral preparation. Students may choose to develop one of these options as they select their electives, or they may earn a general degree by selecting electives across the three areas of specialization. Any of the options may be pursued by students in the professional track; the doctoral preparation specialization is recommended for students in the academic track. Communication Management
Communication management is an area of knowledge and skills concerned with the processes involved in managing communication— creating, accessing and delivering communication services within organizational contexts. The area of communication management provides opportunities for the development of communication skills and knowledge by professionals in public, corporate and not-for-profit organizations. Anyone who must manage communication resources for an organization—including account executives, multimedia professionals, human resource specialists and trainers—can advance their career through a specialty in communication management. Technical Communication
Technical communication is the field concerned with creating documents (electronic as well as paper) that integrate words and images in ways that help individuals achieve their specific goals for using documents at work, school and home. Technical communication is the act of bringing together prose, graphics (including illustration, photography, video and quantitative displays), typography and page design for purposes of instruction, explanation, persuasion and decision making. A specialty in technical communication is available for students who want to develop their skills in technical communication but who also want the breadth available from course work in many areas of communication.
Students who develop a specialty in technical communication also may choose to receive a graduate certificate in technical and professional communication (9 hours). Doctoral Preparation
The specialty in doctoral preparation is for students who plan to pursue a PhD after completion of their MA degree. Individuals who earn a PhD typically engage in teaching and research as university professors, but the degree also may be pursued to increase marketability in the corporate world in areas such as consulting and training.
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