Contents
Catalog Links
Share

Communication, M.A.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete all requirements for a master’s degree in the Department of Communication Studies should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate skilled analysis of communication theory and praxis within the dimensions (ethical, social, legal, technological, relational, and/or cultural) most key to the student’s chosen primary program focus.
  2. Demonstrate appropriate and effective professional writing.
  3. Demonstrate skilled independent decision-making relative to communication research and analysis, including abilities to conduct, interpret, and evaluate the quality of research and analytic designs.
  4. Demonstrate understanding of ethical values central to the communication discipline.

The M.A. program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of communication courses, including nine credit hours in core courses and six hours in each of two areas of emphasis. A thesis (with related oral defense) is optional. Students must complete core course requirements with a minimum B average.

Communication M.A. Requirements — 36 credit hours

Required Courses — 9 credit hours

CST 500Research and Writing

3
CST 510Communication Theory

3
CST 520Rhetorical Theory and Criticism

3

Communication Electives — 27 credit hours

In consultation with the graduate program director, students select 12 credit hours (6 credit hours each) in two areas (rhetorical studies, journalism, organizational communication) to emphasize.
Students also select 15 additional credit hours of elective courses in any area of communication.
Program electives include the following:
CST 502Social Media and Cultures

3
CST 503Communication Law

3
CST 511Communication Across Barriers

3
CST 516Negotiation and Conflict Management

3
CST 525Radical Relationships: Love, Care, Grief

3
CST 531Intercultural Communication and Identity

3
CST 532Gender and International Development

3
CST 535Advanced Visual Persuasion

3
CST 545Cinema Storytelling and Cultural Persuasion

3
CST 552Public Affairs Reporting

3
CST 553/CST 453Multimedia Journalism

3
CST 593Advanced Research

Variable
CST 599Thesis

Variable
One time course offerings, designated CST 591, may fulfill the elective requirements. Please confirm eligible yearly course offerings with the program director.

Thesis Option

If a student chooses to write a thesis, 3-6 credit hours of CST electives may be used for the thesis, CST 599.

Total Credit Hours: 36