Program Overview

Master of Arts in Communication Studies

The Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies is designed to foster an intellectually robust, empirically grounded, and socially engaged master's degree that will enrich students' knowledge and skills for the unique challenges of our day.

Overview

The Department of Communication Studies is committed to teaching the communicative arts, from interpersonal relationship development to public persuasion, applying them in a vibrant, unique, and exciting urban setting. In the MA program, students engage a wide spectrum of communities across a wide range of communicative themes, concluding their experience with a scholarly thesis or a professional paper/project.

Tracks/Options

The program is a 32-credit degree. Students may complete either a thesis or a professional project for their culminating experience.

Advanced Communication Research

This track emphasizes the histories, theories, and methodologies of communication scholarship. It is designed as a pre-Ph.D. academic track that also prepares students for community college teaching, the legal profession, and careers in politics and public policy. Required courses focus on theory, history, and methodology, and students complete the track by producing either a thesis or a professional paper/project. The skills students refine in this track include advanced scholarly research, advanced writing and analytic thinking skills, historical contextualization, and ethical attunement.

Community Engagement

This track is designed for individuals aspiring to work closely with local constituencies by applying language and interaction-based competencies to address community-related issues. Required courses focus on translating communication theories into practical wisdom rooted in humanitarian values. Students complete the track by producing either a thesis or a professional paper/project. The skills students hone in this track include empirical and contextual analysis, problem-solving and analytical thinking, conducting topical research, and mapping networks of influence.

Testimonies

Students who have obtained their undergraduate degree in Communication Studies have gone on to many great jobs. Recent graduates have also gone on to join the M.A. program, a great opportunity to extend their education.

• People should pursue an MA in Communication Studies because they are flexible and versatile. As a practical discipline, Communication Studies teaches skills that can be useful in the business world and the American academy.
• Since obtaining a degree in Communication Studies, graduates have had the opportunity to not only grow in their career field but utilize their skillset as a competent communicator in other ventures of their life.
• Getting an M.A. in Communication Studies opens up many doors, providing a set of critical thinking skills, and the experience of teaching a college course.

Financial Assistance and Other Opportunities

• Department financial support for conference travel, paid assistantships, and professional development.
  • Opportunities for summer teaching
  • Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and waiver of most service fees.
• Opportunities to work directly in the community through the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs.
• Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) offers a wide range of resources for graduate students, including funding for conferences and research activities.
• Participate in other's research projects.
• Join a professional organization and network with peers.