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 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 5205 - Empirical Research Methods for Communication gtPATHWAYS:
COMM 5221 - Research Methods: Qualitative gtPATHWAYS:
COMM 5710 - Topics in 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

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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