Communication Studies, MA

Program Overview

Arizona State University's MA in Communication Studies program prepares students for careers in communication-driven fields. The program emphasizes advocacy and social technologies, allowing students to tailor their studies to areas such as interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and social media. The hybrid format offers flexibility for working professionals, and graduates are well-equipped for careers in corporate communication, journalism, public relations, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This cutting-edge MA program in Communication Studies from Arizona State University's New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences is designed for individuals seeking to advance in their current careers or pursue new ones as communication professionals. With an emphasis on both advocacy and social technologies, the program allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests, focusing on areas like:

• Interpersonal communication
• Family communication
• Organizational communication
• Sport communication
• Environmental communication
• Global and intercultural communication
• Social media and politics
• Technology-mediated interaction
The program emphasizes how effective communication can enhance workplaces, personal relationships, digital and face-to-face communities, public dialogues, cross-cultural interactions, and relationships between organizations and their stakeholders.

Outline:

This 36-credit hour program can be completed in 12 months of full-time study or 24 months of part-time study. It features a hybrid format with online and on-campus components, offering flexibility for working professionals.

Structure:

• Required Core (9 credit hours):
• CMN 502: Theory and Practice in Communication and Persuasion OR CMN 522: Argumentation and Advocacy (3 credits)
• CMN 505: Methods in Applied Communication Research (3 credits)
• CMN 506: Humanistic Inquiry and Field Research in Communication (3 credits)
• Electives (21-27 credit hours): Students choose electives in consultation with their advisor, focusing on topics like:
• Advocacy
• Communication
• Persuasion
• Social media
• Technology
• Culture
• Identity
• Relationships
• Health communication
• Environmental communication
• Digital media
• Culminating Experience Options (0-6 credit hours):
• CMN 593: Applied Project (3 credits)
• CMN 599: Thesis (6 credits)
• Written Comprehensive Exam

Assessment:

• Coursework assignments
• Midterm and final exams
• Class participation
• Presentations
• Projects
• Applied project or thesis
• Comprehensive exam

Teaching:

The program features experienced and accomplished faculty members who are recognized scholars and practitioners in their fields. They employ diverse teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, group work, presentations, simulations, and field research.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in diverse communication-driven fields such as:

• Corporate communication
• Journalism
• Mass media
• Politics
• Higher education
• Digital audience management
• Public affairs
• Public relations
• Science communication
• Training and employee development
• Strategic communication
• Community relations
• Nonprofit advocacy
They may also find positions in other fields, such as business, healthcare, education, or government.

Other:

• The program is designed to be accessible to students with various backgrounds and interests, allowing for diverse perspectives and enriching learning experiences.
• Students have opportunities to engage in research, internships, and other experiential learning activities.
• The program fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students can connect with faculty and peers.

Contact Information:

• School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• nc.gradstudies@asu.edu
• 602-543-2890
• Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA requirement: 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of the first bachelor's degree program or in an applicable master's degree program.
• Required documents:
• Graduate admission application and application fee
• Official transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• An academic writing sample (preferred) or professional writing sample
• Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)

Application Deadlines:

• Fall semester: July 1
• Spring semester: November 1