Program Overview

Communication Studies - M.A.

Overview

The Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies provides a broad spectrum of knowledge about human communication in various social contexts, and the ways in which information is produced and processed. The program prepares individuals to pursue a doctorate degree, as well as for non-academic careers in which a broad understanding of communication theory and research is desirable.

Admissions

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Sample of scholarly writing
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

Starting with the spring 2025 admission term, minimum English language proficiency scores will be the following:

• Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
• Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
• Minimum 58 PTE score
• Minimum 110 DET score

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester: Application deadline: November 15

Applications submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

• CCI 61000: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION (3)
• or CCI 62000: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION
• COMM 65000: FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY (3)
• COMM 65652: THEORIES OF COMMUNICATION (3)
• Communication Studies (COMM) Graduate Electives (50000 or 60000 level) (15-18)
• Culminating Requirement:
  • Choose from the following: (3-6)
    • COMM 60199: THESIS I
    • COMM 61198: MASTERS PROJECT IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
    • COMM 64092: MASTERS INTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
• Coursework-Only Option:
  • Minimum Total Credit Hours: 30

A minimum 9 credit hours must be at the 60000 level. A maximum 6 credit hours may be taken from courses outside of the School of Communication Studies. A maximum 4 credit hours of workshop coursework may be taken. Some examples of routinely offered electives include COMM 65070, COMM 65662, COMM 65686, COMM 65851, and COMM 66501.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Major GPA: 3.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.000
• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Read, critique, and engage in theory-based research involving a broad spectrum of topics in human communication.
2. Understand and master appropriate methodological skills for the study of human communication and apply them to relevant and shifting real-world contexts that often include newer communication technologies.
3. Utilize theory-based and state-of-the-art knowledge to stimulate and improve communication processes in educational, business, and nonprofit environments.

Dual Degree with Master of Business Administration

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.A. degree in Communication Studies and the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

The dual M.A./M.B.A. degree program is designed for students and professionals whose career goals focus on communication, particularly global communication, and provides direction and leadership in economic and business development processes.

Dual Degree Requirements

• ACCT 63037: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING (2)
• ACCT 63038: MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING (2)
• BA 64005: ANALYTICS FOR DECISION MAKING (2)
• or COMM 65020: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMMUNICATION
• BA 64026: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (2)
• CIS 64042: GLOBALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY (2)
• COMM 65000: FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY (3)
• COMM 65652: THEORIES OF COMMUNICATION (3)
• COMM 65851: ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3)
• ECON 62021: MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS (2)
• ECON 62022: MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS (2)
• FIN 66050: LAW AND ETHICS (2)
• FIN 66060: MANAGERIAL FINANCE (2)
• HRM 64271: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (2)
• MGMT 68051: BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I (1)
• MKTG 65051: MARKETING MANAGEMENT (2)
• Business Electives (6-7)
• Communication Studies (COMM) Electives (12-15)
• Culmininating Requirement:
  • MGMT 64399: BUSINESS STRATEGY (3)
  • Choose from the following: (3-6)
    • COMM 60199: THESIS I
    • COMM 61198: MASTERS PROJECT IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
    • COMM 64092: MASTERS INTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
• Coursework:
  • Minimum Total Credit Hours: 60

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies is intended to provide a broad spectrum of knowledge about human communication in various social contexts, and the ways in which information is produced and processed. Curriculum focus is on the social and behavioral study of communication theory and research. The program prepares individuals to pursue a doctorate degree, as well as for non-academic careers in which a broad understanding of communication theory and research is desirable.

Why Kent State University

It's an Exciting Time in an Evolving Field

Communication is constantly changing the way we work, think, and do business in our ever-evolving information-driven economy.

Graduate Aid and Assistantships

Each year, the College of Communication and Information provides support for our new and continuing graduate students. All applicants are considered when they apply.

Meet Our Faculty

Offered by nationally and internationally recognized faculty with expertise in health, interpersonal, global, mediated, and organizational communication, Communication Studies prepares students that thrive in the rapidly changing dynamic of the modern workplace.