MA in Communication
Admission
In addition to the general Graduate School admission requirements, applicants for full-standing status must have a 3.000 GPA overall and must write a statement of purpose for pursuing the Master of Arts in communication. International students must score at least 600 paper-based, or 100 internet-based on the TOEFL, or a minimum overall band score of 7.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum score of 73 on the PTE-Academic and, if applying for a graduate teaching assistantship, must score a 28 or higher on the speaking portion of the internet-based TOEFL, or 55 on the SPEAK test.
Program Requirements
Student may follow one of two tracks for a graduate degree in communication: an academic track or a professional track.
Academic Track
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Core (Required) Courses | ||
| COMM 801 | Introduction to Communication Research | 3 |
| COMM 803 | Empirical/Quantitative Research Methodology in Communication | 3 |
| COMM 812 | Contemporary Theories of Communication | 3 |
| COMM 875 | Thesis | 3 |
| COMM 876 | Thesis | 3 |
| Research Methods: select two courses from the following: COMM 802, COMM 832, or other courses chosen in consultation with your advisor. | 6 | |
| Other Courses | ||
| Select 15 credit hours of COMM electives at the 500-level or above | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
Professional Track
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Core (Required) Courses | ||
| COMM 801 | Introduction to Communication Research | 3 |
| Take ONE 800-level research methods course from the following: COMM 802, COMM 803, COMM 832, or another course chosen in consultation with your advisor. | 3 | |
| Take ONE of the following applied learning courses: | 3 | |
| Communication Practicum | ||
| Communication Internship | ||
| Shocker Ad Lab | ||
| Other Courses | ||
| Complete 21 credit hours of communication electives numbered 500 and above | 21 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Applied Learning
Students in the MA in communication program are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met by completing a thesis for the academic track or an applied learning course ( COMM 581, COMM 690 or COMM 562) for the professional track.