SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION MASTER'S PROGRAM

Courses

Program Requirement

A Master of Arts in Communication requires successful completion of 36 graduate credit hours. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain in the program and to graduate.

Currently, the School of Communication embraces a cohort system in our graduate program. A cohort is defined as a group of students who begin a program of study together, proceed together through a series of developmental experiences in the context of that program of study, and end the program at approximately the same time (Saltiel & Russo, 2001). First year classes are foundational and preparatory for subsequent courses in students' primary area of study. Cohorts offer a stimulating and intellectually challenging environment, while promoting a sense of community. Research shows that students who participate in a cohort-based program have higher graduation rates, a greater understanding of their academic domain, and the ability to better plan their degrees, due to the structured order of courses.

Core Courses: 12 credits

• 7600:600 Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication (3 credits)
• Two Methods Courses (6 credits – select 2)
  • 7600:602 Qualitative Methods in Communication
  • 7600:603 Quantitative Methods in Communication
  • 7600:670 Communication Criticism
• One Theory Course (3 credits – select 1)
  • 7600:624 Survey of Communication Theory
  • 7600:625 Theories of Mass Communication

Elective Courses: 18-24 credits

Graduation Options: 0 or 6 credits

• Thesis (6 credits)
• Comprehensive Exam (0 credit)

Recent Elective Offering

• Communication & Conflict
• Communication Pedagogy
• Contemporary Public Relations
• Intercultural Communication
• Journalism and Media Management
• Organizational Communication
• Social Media Theories and Practice
• Strategic Social Media Marketing
• Training Methods in Communication

Suggested Guideline for Master Program of Study

2-Year Thesis Option

Suggested Guideline for Masters Program of Study
2-Year Plan – Thesis Option (36 Credits)

The First Year

Fall Semester: (9 credits)

• 7600: 600 Introduction to Graduate Study
• 7600: 624 Survey of Communication Theory
• 7600: 625 Theories of Mass Communication

Complete the program of study; select the thesis committee chair; and decide the thesis topic.

 Spring Semester: (9 credits)

• 7600: 602 Qualitative Methods in Communication
• 7600: 603 Quantitative Methods in Communication
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)

Complete and defend the thesis prospectus

The Second Year

Fall Semester: (9 credits)

• 7600: 670 Communication Criticism
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)
• 7600: 699 Thesis (3 credits)

Submit a completed draft to the thesis committee chair

 Spring Semester: (9 credits)

• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)
• 7600: 699 Thesis (3 credits)

Complete and defend the thesis

2-Year Comprehensive Exam Option

Suggested Guideline for Masters Program of Study
2-Year Plan – Comprehensive Exam Option (36 Credits)

The First Year

Fall Semester: (9 Credits)

• 7600: 600 Introduction to Graduate Study
• 7600: 624 Survey of Communication Theory
• 7600: 625 Theories of Mass Communication

Complete the program of study

Spring Semester: (9 Credits)

• 7600: 602 Qualitative Methods in Communication
• 7600: 603 Quantitative Methods in Communication
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)

The Second Year

Fall Semester: (9 Credits)

• 7600: 670 Communication Criticism
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)

Spring Semester: (9 Credits)

• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)

Complete the comprehensive exam

3-Year Part Time Option 

The First Year

Fall Semester: (6 credits)

• 7600: 600 Introduction to Graduate Study
• 7600: 624 Survey of Communication Theory

Complete the program of study

Spring Semester: (6 credits)

• 7600: 602 Qualitative Methods in Communication
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)

The Second Year

Fall Semester: (6 credits)

• 7600: 625 Theories of Mass Communication
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)

 Spring Semester: (6 credits)

• 7600: 603 Quantitative Methods in Communication
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)

The Third Year

Fall Semester: (6 credits)

• 7600: 670 Communication Criticism
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)

Spring Semester: (6 credits)

• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)
• 7600: 6XX Context Course (Comm/Media/PR)

Complete the comprehensive exam

Thesis and comprehensive exam