Communication Studies

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 72.1 k / Year(s) Deadline: Dec 1, 2024
201–250 place StudyQA ranking:4165 Duration:

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COMMUNICATION STUDIES (M.A.) is a program designed to provide students with a rigorous educational experience, to develop an advanced understanding of the human communication process, to increase awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of the communication field, and to develop oral, written, critical thinking, and research skills. The 30 credit hour thesis track program emphasizes the student’s development of research skills. The 36 credit hour non-thesis track program focuses on a theoretical foundation with emphasis on applied communication. Students have the option to concentrate in Communication Studies, Health Communication, Intercultural Communication, or Organizational Communication.

Two programs are offered in Communication Studies.

  • The thesis program emphasizes the student’s development of research skills under faculty supervision (30 credit hours).
  • The non-thesis program focuses on a theoretical foundation with emphasis on applied communication (36 credit hours).

Students will be prepared for leadership positions in public or private organizations at the national or international level, or pursue advanced degrees.

Thesis students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at the graduate level with the approval of a faculty advisor or department chair. Of the 30 credit hours, 15 credit hours must be at or above the 600-level. Non-thesis students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours at the graduate level with the approval of a faculty advisor or department chair. Of the 36 credit hours, 18 credit hours must be at or above the 600-level. Communication Studies students must maintain an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 for all courses. Core courses must be completed during the first year of study, or by completion of 18 credit hours. No more than 6 credit hours will be allowed for advanced projects and directed research. Only one intersession course (3 credit hours) can be counted towards the degree. Electives credits must be chosen with prior approval of a Communication Studies advisor.

Thesis Program

Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Required Communication Core  
COM 601 Theories of Communication 3
COM 602 Methods of Communication Research 3
COM 603 Qualitative Research Methodologies 3
Communication Electives  
Select 3 - 5 of the following: 9-15

COM 604

Advanced Communication Research Methods and Statistics  

COM 609

Special Topics in Communication  

COM 672

Seminar in Persuasive Communication  

COS 616

Small Group Processes  

COS 620

Gender Issues in Leadership  

COS 630

Conflict Management  

COS 645

Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives  

COS 646

Intercultural Communication: Domestic Perspectives  

COS 647

Culture and Organizations  

COS 651

Survey Of Health Communication  

COS 652

Culture And Health  

COS 653

Organizations, Communication Health  

COS 654

Risk Communication  

COS 655

Health Communication Interventions  

COS 660

The Executive Communicator  

COS 674

Seminar in Interpersonal Communication  

COS 682

Seminar in Organizational Communication  

COS 690

Communication Studies Practicum  

COS 691

Advanced Special Topics in Communication Studies  

COS 699

Advanced Projects and Directed Research  
Outside Electives 1 0-6
   
Thesis  
COM 810 Master's Thesis 1-6
Total Credit Hours 30
 

1 A maximum of 6 credit hours thesis track may come from outside the Department of Communication Studies (COS or COM courses). Elective credits must be chosen with prior approval from a Communication Studies advisor.

Non-Thesis Program

Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Required Communication Core  
COM 601 Theories of Communication 3
COM 602 Methods of Communication Research 3
COM 603 Qualitative Research Methodologies 3
Communication Electives  
Select 6 - 9 of the following: 18 - 27

COM 604

Advanced Communication Research Methods and Statistics  

COM 609

Special Topics in Communication  

COM 672

Seminar in Persuasive Communication  

COS 616

Small Group Processes  

COS 620

Gender Issues in Leadership  

COS 630

Conflict Management  

COS 645

Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives  

COS 646

Intercultural Communication: Domestic Perspectives  

COS 647

Culture and Organizations  

COS 651

Survey Of Health Communication  

COS 652

Culture And Health  

COS 653

Organizations, Communication Health  

COS 654

Risk Communication  

COS 655

Health Communication Interventions  

COS 660

The Executive Communicator  

COS 674

Seminar in Interpersonal Communication  

COS 682

Seminar in Organizational Communication  

COS 690

Communication Studies Practicum  

COS 691

Advanced Special Topics in Communication Studies  

COS 699

Advanced Projects and Directed Research  
Outside Electives 1 0 - 6
Total Credit Hours 36
 

1 A maximum of 9 credit hours non-thesis track may come from outside the Department of Communication Studies (COS or COM courses). Elective credits must be chosen with prior approval from a Communication Studies advisor.

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • The School’s official application
  • A $65.00 non-refundable application fee
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • 500 word typed statement of academic and professional goals.
    • Note: for the Interactive Media M.F.A., please visit this web site for specific instructions about the statement
  • Official transcripts of all college work, both undergraduate and graduate
    • Note: In addition, international applicants must send an official copy of their diploma for all degrees earned, and all documentation that confers your degree, with English translation for all degrees earned.
    • Note: All transcripts must be the original document, forwarded directly from the university; Xerox copies, true copies, notarized copies and other types of copies are not acceptable.
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores
    • Note: Only for international applicants
  • Copy of current passport
    • Note: Only for international applicants. The name entered on the graduate application must exactly match your name as it appears on your passport.
  • Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
    • Note: Required for M.A. applicants in Communication Studies and Public Relations. 
    • Note: Journalism M.A. and Interactive Media M.F.A. applicants may send GRE scores or a portfolio
    • Note: Not required for Motion Pictures M.F.A. applicants
  • Portfolio
    • Note: Required for Motion Pictures M.F.A. applicants
    • Note: Interactive Media M.F.A. applicants may send a portfolio or GRE scores

Scholarships

  • UM Fellowships
  • GAFAC Funding
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