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. The degree is structured both to build a solid foundation and to allow students to blend research, theory and practice to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

Degree Requirements

The MA degree in communication requires the completion of 33-34 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 27 hours of graduate credit and 6 hours of 4000-level (undergraduate) course work. The requirements for course work are as follows:

Required Course

COMM 6013 - Introduction to Graduate Work in Communication
(recommended to be taken the first semester of graduate course work; offered only in the fall semester)

Total: 3 Hours

Methods Courses

Most methods courses are offered every other year. Students also wish to pursue a PhD may elect to take additional methods classes in or outside the department.

Choose one:

Total: 3 Hours

Graduate Seminars

In addition to the above core requirements, students must take five graduate seminars from the Department of Communication. Graduate seminars are 5000- or 6000-level courses.

Total: 15 Hours

Electives

Students must complete four 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 four electives must be communication courses; the remaining two electives may be taken from outside of the Department of Communication.

Total: 12 Hours

Thesis

Students wishing to complete a thesis must register for at least 4 semester hours of thesis work, and will need at least 34 credits to graduate. 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.

All students must pass a comprehensive examination at the end of course work.

Degree Total: 33-34 Hours

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