Master's Programs in Communication

Welcome to the School of Communication master's degree information page. Our 36 credit hour programs offer a variety of classes to accommodate master's student schedules. Both full and part time master's students can complete their programs of study in a timely manner: full-time students can finish in two years (or less with summer sessions), and part-time students can complete a program in under three years. 

Two options for the M.A. in Communication

Do you desire a career as a communication professional? Then the Professional Communication track is for you. Students in this track take classes to increase competencies in writing, production, management, and content aspects of professional communication. Classes are designed to prepare you for today’s competitive work environment. You will develop skills to help you succeed in managerial level positions in journalism, media, and corporate communication where you will join the ranks of UA communication master’s graduates in high level positions in local, regional, national, and international companies.

If you desire a career in the more traditional areas of research and academic communication studies, then the Communication Studies track is for you.  Coursework and training provides strong theoretical foundations and prepares master’s graduates for doctoral programs, law schools, community college teaching, or research careers. UA master’s graduates are found in doctoral programs and teaching positions at universities and colleges across the nation.

Master's Program Admissions Information and Requirements

Our academic program begins each fall. If you are seeking a graduate assistantship, the deadline to apply for admission and assistantship is March 1. For admission only, the deadline for application is May 1. A Master of Arts in Communication requires successful completion of 36 graduate credit hours. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA while enrolled in the graduate program. To view all our course offerings see the Graduate Bulletin. 

APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL: Prospective students must first meet the general University of Akron admission requirements for Graduate School and apply online.

CRITERIA: The School of Communication seeks well-rounded individuals with an interest in advancing their understanding of communication study and communication industries. All applicants must have a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate studies and have some communication background. Candidates coming from other disciplines may be asked to take foundational undergraduate coursework in communication before being accepted for admission into the program. International students must also meet the requirements of the Graduate School for the TOEFL. 

APPLICATION MATERIALS: Every applicant is required to write an essay of no more than 500 words outlining why you want to attend the master's program in the School of Communication, and what areas of interest you would like to pursue. Applicants are asked to have college transcripts and letters of recommendation included in their online Graduate School application. Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to the Graduate School or to the School of Communication.

ADMISSION ACCEPTANCE: An applicant eligible for consideration under the above guidelines is NOT guaranteed an offer of admission. Staff, facilities, and resources are limited. As a result, offers of admission may be limited to only the most qualified of the eligible applicants as determined by the School of Communication Admissions Committee.

In rare cases, applicants who do not meet the above minimums may be considered for admission, and those who have been denied admission may request reconsideration. To apply for either consideration, applicants must petition the School of Communication Admissions Committee in writing, stating those reasons relevant to his or her situation that demonstrate the likelihood of success in the program.

Graduate Assistantships

The School of Communication has a competitive Graduate Assistantship program. A graduate assistant (GA) is a full-time master's student who is hired to teach a class, support the faculty, and aid in labs. GAs receive tuition remission and a small stipend in exchange for 20 hours of time each week in the classroom and/or labs. GAs are not permitted to work outside of the program more than eight (8) additional hours per week. Most of our full-time students are aided by graduate assistantships, scholarships, and financial aid packages. Along with the application for admission, an assistantship application must be completed. 

1. Complete the application for graduate assistantship/tuition scholarship forms. 2. Attach an essay about your qualifications pertaining to this type of financial aid. 3. Submit an essay of no more than 500 words explaining your interest in graduate study in Communication at The University of Akron. 4. Forward three letters of reference. 5. Provide a professional resume. All materials must be submitted directly to the Graduate School along with your graduate school application. For additional information contact the School of Communication at 330-972-7600, or the graduate coordinator.

School of Communication Master’s Degree Course Work Professional Communication track or Communication Studies track Ea track/36 cr hrs
CORE COURSES = 12 cr
7600:600 Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication 3 cr. (all masters students)
7600:602 Qualitative Methods in Communication OR 7600:603 Quantitative Methods in Communication OR 7600:670 Communication Criticism 6 cr. (choose 2 of 3)
7600:624 Survey of Communication Theory OR 7600:625 Theories of Mass Communication 3 cr. (choose 1 of 2)
TRACK OF STUDY COURSE WORK = 12 credits
Professional Communication  3 cr. Writing (choose 1 from 516, 520, or 562) 3 cr. Management (choose 1 from 524, 535, 554, or 559) 6 cr. Applied classes (choose 2 from 500, 506, 508, 517, 525, 536, 536, 537, 538, 546, 557, 571, 575, 581, 608, or 691)	Communication Studies 3 cr. Pedagogy (All students this track) 9 cr. Content area  (choose 3 from 500, 506, 508, 516, 517, 520, 525, 535, 536, 537, 538, 546, 554, 559, 568, 575, or 581)
GRADUATE ELECTIVES = 6 credits
6 cr. of 7600 classes OR grad level classes within other majors that compliment focus
CAPSTONE = 6 credits
6 cr. Portfolio as an extension of the Project/Production		6 cr. Thesis