DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES
The graduate program in Communication Studies focuses on family communication. This area of study is increasingly in the forefront of scholarly activity in communication studies, with the creation of new journals devoted to family issues and the relatively new Family Communication Division within the National Communication Association. Private and governmental agencies increasingly look for help through workshops and seminars in parenting, remediation of family violence, and other related issues. We offer a concentration in both interpersonal and family communication at the graduate level. This program is designed for aspiring doctoral students in communication studies as well as professionals wishing to advance their career. It is also an attractive option for graduate students in Psychology, Education, Sociology, and Criminal Justice who are searching for a complementary minor. For those who aspire to a Ph.D. in one of these fields, an MA emphasizing interpersonal and family communication could be a useful stepping stone. With the concentration in interpersonal and family communication, the graduate program is also a great opportunity for elementary and secondary school teachers, community and small college instructors, and marriage and family counseling professionals.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission to the graduate program in Communication Studies must meet the following requirements:
1. Submit a Graduate Studies Application for Admission with the application fee to Graduate Studies.
2 Submit official transcripts of all college-level work, including the transcript that shows the date the undergraduate degree was conferred.
3. Submit GRE scores.
4. Submit three letters of recommendation that discuss the applicant’s suitability for graduate study.
5. Complete an undergraduate degree from an accredited four year institution.
6. Submit a scholarly writing sample of at least 2000 words.
A holistic review of each student’s application file will be completed on a competitive basis.
Degree Requirements
Students enrolled in the Master’s Program in Communication Studies may choose either the thesis or the non-thesis option. Students who plan to pursue the Ph.D. are strongly encouraged to select the thesis option.
Thesis Option: Students selecting the thesis option must complete 36 hours of coursework, including three hours each of COM 698 and 699. Of these hours, 24 must be at the 500-level or above and include the specific courses listed below as required. Graduate students may enroll for graduate credit in a maximum of two foundation courses, if their undergraduate training did not include such courses.
Foundation Required Elective Thesis
Courses Courses Courses Requirements
COM 465 COM 531 COM 561 COM 698
COM 481 COM 560 COM 570 COM 699
COM 486 COM 580 COM 571
COM 590 *COM 532
COM 591
Non-Thesis Option: Students selecting the non-thesis option must complete 36 hours of coursework, not including COM 698 and 699, of which 24 must be at the 500-level.
All graduate students are required to take a comprehensive examination over all coursework taken for the M.A. degree, which includes both written and oral sections. Those who select the thesis option also must defend their thesis orally. Students must be enrolled in the University the semester or summer session in which the comprehensive exam is administered.