Student Learning Outcomes - The graduate with a Master of Arts degree in Communication, Communication Studies Option will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:
- Analyze and conduct research that contributes to the application, creation, and expansion of knowledge in the field of communication.
- Understand communication theories and their application across a variety of academic and professional contexts.
- Advance communicative skills across Media, Interpersonal, and/or Organizational contexts.
- Produce original scholarly or creative materials that demonstrates expertise within a focused area of communication.
The School of Communication, History, and Interdisciplinary Studies embraces the traditions, study, and practice of symbolic interaction through a variety of communication genres. The graduate program is designed to advance student’s preparation for scholarly or professional endeavors.
Mission Statement: The MA in Communication is an advanced degree that builds upon prior study and experience in communication (or a closely related field) preparing students for advanced work in communication professions or continued academic study in pursuit of a terminal degree.
Mode of Delivery: This option is designed to be completed primarily face-to-face. However, enrollment in select online courses is an option.
Target Audience: This program is intended to prepare individuals for continued academic studies (e.g. PhD or terminal degree), for careers in academia, or for professional advancement in non-academic careers.
Acceptance Requirements: To be accepted into the Communication Studies option of this MA program, a student must have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.50 and a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in at least 15 hours of undergraduate communication courses. Students with less than 15 hours of course work in communication may be accepted, but before any courses are taken for graduate credit, they must have a minimum of 15 semester hours of approved undergraduate courses in communication with a minimum grade point average of 3.00. A student who is required to complete background courses must fulfill this requirement by taking specified courses in an undergraduate area - Digital Media Production, Public Relations, or Communication Studies - to ensure a specialized skill sequence in communication. In addition, international students scoring below 550 paper based or 79 on the IBT TOEFL. Students must also complete a research component.
As part of the admissions process, each student seeking admission to the school as a degreeseeking candidate must complete the following:
- Submit a Statement of Purpose for Graduate Studies -The statement should be 1-2 pages, typed and double-spaced. Please address the following areas in your statement:
- The relationship (if any) between previous training/experience, graduate studies, and your professional goals.
- Professional position and career activities you wish to pursue after completing the program.
- Specific goals you wish to achieve in graduate studies.
- Planned area(s) of interest in graduate studies.
- Additional Information you feel is relevant.
- Submit two Recommendation forms from professional or academic sources.
- Submit a writing sample (e.g. a paper from an undergraduate course, professional report); if neither of these samples are available, please contact the graduate coordinator for a writing prompt.
A student may be required to demonstrate proficiency in one modern language or statistics, or other approved research tool, depending upon the student’s area of interest or completion of the program.
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