Student Learning Outcomes - The graduate with a Master of Arts degree in Communication will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:
- Understand communication theories and their application across a variety of academic and professional contexts.
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading, analyzing, and/or implementing research methodologies in the discipline of Communication.
- Demonstrate the ability to integrate theories and scholarship into a professionally driven culminating project within a focused area of Communication
UCM’s Master of Arts in Communication allows you to specialize in the areas of personal, community, professional, and/or media-based communication contexts. This program 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.
The Master of Arts in Communication has two different areas that can be selected, Area 1 Applied Communication or Area 2 Communication Studies.
Area 1: Applied Communication
Student Learning Outcomes - The graduate with a Master of Arts degree in Communication, Applied Communication Area will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:
- Develop the skills to evaluate research and its applicability within professional settings.
- Demonstrate an understanding of communication theories and their application across personal and professional settings.
- Advance communicative skills across Media, Interpersonal, and/or Organizational contexts.
Mission Statement: The MA in Communication - Applied Communication Area is a credentialing program designed to equip individuals with advanced skills and techniques; preparing them to be more informed and effective advocates, consumers, and communicators within personal, community, professional, and/or media-based contexts.
Mode of Delivery: The Applied Communication Area is designed to be completed entirely online. However, enrollment in select face-to-face courses is an option.
Target Audience: This program is intended for working professionals who are looking to advance their career by attaining a graduate degree.
Acceptance Requirements: To be accepted into the Applied Communication Area 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 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 degree seeking 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.
Area 2: Communication Studies
Student Learning Outcomes - The graduate with a Master of Arts degree in Communication, Communication Studies Area 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.
- 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.
Faculty in Communication 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: The Communication Studies Area 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 Area 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 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 degree seeking 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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