The M.S. in management communication degree requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of communication and business courses. A thesis (with related oral defense) is optional. Students must complete the core course requirements with a minimum B average.
Students who successfully complete all requirements for a master’s degree in the Department of Communication Studies should be able to:
Management Communication M.S. Requirements — 36 credit hours
Core Courses — 12 credit hours
| CST 500 | Research and Writing | 3 |
| CST 510 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| CST 533 | Critical Perspectives on Work, Labor, and Organizing | 3 |
| CST 534 | Researching Organizational Life: Identity, Culture, Voice | 3 |
Program Electives: Communication Courses — 12 credit hours
Select from the following:
CST 581, Advanced Business Communication must be completed unless the student can demonstrate professional level competence in business communication. With the approval of the advisor, other courses in communication and business may be substituted for those listed.
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.
Program Electives: Business Courses — 12 credit hours
In consultation with their graduate program advisor, students select twelve credit hours of business electives from the following:
One time course offerings, designated BUS 591, may fulfill the business elective requirements. Please confirm eligible yearly course offerings with the program director. BUS 591 electives taught in the past include: Strategy and Competition in the Experiential Economy, Creativity, Innovation and Human Centered Design, Designing Innovative Brands that Resonate with Customers, Gaining Customer Insights: Qualitative and Ethnographic Research Methods.
Human Resources Track
Select four courses from the following:
| BUS 511 | Cross-Cultural Management and Ethics | 3 |
| BUS 512 | Leadership and Higher Level Management | 3 |
| BUS 513 | Social Responsibility in Organizations | 3 |
| BUS 515 | Social Venture Management | 3 |
| BUS 523 | Negotiation and Persuasion Strategies | 3 |
| BUS 541 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| BUS 544 | Managing Innovation and Technology | 3 |
One time course offerings, designated
BUS 591, may fulfill the elective requirements. Please confirm eligible yearly course offerings with the program director.
Public Relations/Advertising Track
Select four courses from the following:
| BUS 517 | Marketing for the Nonprofit Organization | 3 |
| BUS 520 | Applied Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| BUS 521 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| BUS 522 | Marketing Research | 3 |
| BUS 523 | Negotiation and Persuasion Strategies | 3 |
| BUS 524 | Brand Promotions Management | 3 |
| BUS 526 | Marketing for Sustainability | 3 |
| BUS 544 | Managing Innovation and Technology | 3 |
| BUS 571 | New Venture Creation | 3 |