2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

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Communication Studies, M.A.

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies links the process of human communication with organizational behavior, interpersonal relationships, leadership, culture, and management practices within a diverse and changing society. Students are provided the opportunity to engage in a multifaceted course of study that integrates both theoretical frameworks and practical approaches. Our program not only prepares students for advanced doctoral education, but also equips them with competent communication skills needed in a workplace.

In addition to the master’s degree, we also offer four certificate programs in conflict resolution, leadership, public speaking, and public relations/journalism. Further, our mediation course is a state-certified training course for mediators.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete 33 credit hours culminating in either a thesis option or a non-thesis option.

Required Coursework

COMM 5002QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMM

3
OR
COMM 5005INTERPRETIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMMUN

3
 
COMM 5004ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION THEORY

3
COMM 5006ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

3

Take Either COMM 5002 or COMM 5005

Non-Thesis vs. Thesis Option

Thesis Option – 33 credits

  • Nine (9) credits required core courses
  • Eighteen (18) credits elective courses
  • Six (6) thesis credits

Non-Thesis Option – 33 credits

  • Nine (9) credits required core courses
  • Twenty-four (24) credits elective courses
  • Comprehensive Examination (no credit received)

Elective Coursework:

COMM 5001Adv Theories/Interpersonal Communication

3
COMM 5003STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION CONSULTING

3
COMM 5007CURRENT ISSUES IN ORGANIZATIONAL COMM

3
COMM 5009PUBLIC RELATIONS THEORY, STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT

3
COMM 5010CURRENT ISSUES /COMMUNICATION & CULTURE

3
COMM5011CORP COMM MNGT

3
COMM 5012SMALL GROUP DECISION MAKING AND LEADERSHIP

3
COMM 5013MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING PRACTICES

3
COMM 5014SPEECH WRITING AND PRESENTATION COACHING

3
COMM 5016CURRENT ISSUES IN APPLIED COMMUNICATION

3
COMM 5020COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP

3
COMM 5021COMM TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

3
COMM 5216INTL BUSINESS COMM

3
COMM 5225CORPORATE AD PRINCIPLES

3
COMM 5280NEWS LITERACY

3
COMM 5425NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

3
COMM5510COMMUNICATION & POPULAR CULTURE

3
COMM5525COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

3
COMM 5535CRISIS COMMUNICATION

3
COMM 5540COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

3
COMM 5550MEDIA MANAGEMENT

3
COMM 5590BUS AND PROFESSIONAL COMM

3
COMM5610COMMUNICATION AND LAW

3
COMM 5620CONVERGENT JOURNALISM

3
COMM 5615COMMUNICATION AND MEDIATION

3
COMM 5625COMMUNICATION AND NEGOTIATION

3
COMM 5626MULTICULTURAL COMM/CONFLICT RESOLUTION TIONAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION

3
COMM 5630GENDER LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION

3
COMM 5635PERSUASION

3
COMM 5640PUBLIC RELATIONS CASES

3
COMM5660PUBLIC RELATIONS

3
COMM 5665PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING

3
COMM 5675MEDIA ADVERTISING

3
COMM 5900DIGITAL COMMUNICATION

3
ID 5800THESIS OPTION

3

ID 5800: Required for Thesis Option

Total Credit Hours: 33