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 specialize in one of two areas:

The Professional Track – Communication Management
The Academic Track – Doctoral Preparation

Both areas blend research, theory and practice to prepare students to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

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 33 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 gtPATHWAYS:
(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. The second methods course may be taken outside of the communication department with the approval of the student’s advisor.

Choose two:

COMM 5011 - Research Methods: Quantitative gtPATHWAYS:
COMM 5022 - Critical Analysis of Communication gtPATHWAYS:
COMM 5221 - Research Methods: Qualitative gtPATHWAYS:
COMM 5205 - Empirical Research Methods for Communication gtPATHWAYS:

Total: 6 Hours

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.

Total: 12 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

Students must receive a grade of B or higher in all courses that are applied to the MA degree.

Track Total: 33 Hours

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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 33-34 hours of graduate course work. At least 27 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:

COMM 6013 - Introduction to Graduate Work in Communication gtPATHWAYS:
(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.

Choose two:

COMM 5011 - Research Methods: Quantitative gtPATHWAYS:
COMM 5022 - Critical Analysis of Communication gtPATHWAYS:
COMM 5221 - Research Methods: Qualitative gtPATHWAYS:
COMM 5205 - Empirical Research Methods for Communication gtPATHWAYS:

Total: 6 Hours

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.

Total: 12 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 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.

Total: 9-12 Hours

(9 hours for thesis students; 12 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: 33-34 Hours

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