Program Overview
The University of North Texas's Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Studies program provides a comprehensive understanding of human communication. With three pathway options, students can tailor their degree to their interests and career goals. The highly experienced faculty, recognized for their research and awards, guide students in developing their research skills and prepares them for careers in corporate communication, journalism, higher education, and other fields. The program has been recognized as a "Top Master's Degree Program" by the National Communication Association.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Studies at the University of North Texas is a 36-credit hour program designed to elevate your understanding of human communication. The program offers a flexible structure with three pathways to completion: a thesis option, a written or creative project option, or an internship option. You can also customize your degree by choosing an area of emphasis like Interpersonal/Digital/Organizational Communication, Performance Studies or Communication, Culture and Public Discourse. The program's objectives are to:
- Facilitate mastery of theory and research in Communication Studies.
- Develop research capabilities.
- Enhance preparation for a variety of careers or further graduate study. The curriculum examines communication in human affairs and the symbolic processes through which humans interact. It explores communication from applied and theoretical perspectives using analytical, critical, quantitative, and qualitative methodologies. Coursework investigates communication in aesthetic/creative, intercultural, interpersonal, digital, legal, organizational, and political contexts. Opportunities to research topics of diversity and social justice, popular media, health, sports, embodied expression, and other topics are available.
Teaching:
The program boasts outstanding faculty members with diverse approaches to studying communication. These faculty members have won awards and research grants from prestigious organizations like the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the North Texas chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. They also engage in various activities beyond teaching, including coaching intercollegiate debate, consulting for organizations, directing performances, and holding professional leadership positions.
Careers:
Earning a master's degree in communication can prepare graduates for jobs in corporate communication, journalism, mass media, politics, higher education, and a wide range of other fields. The program can help students advance in their current careers, with some leadership positions requiring a master's in communication. It can also prepare graduates for doctoral studies and a career in higher education, where they will conduct research and educate students.
Other:
The graduate program in Communication Studies was named "Top Master's Degree Program" by the National Communication Association's (NCA's) Master's Education Division in 2022. The program offers opportunities to participate in regional and national festivals, professional conferences, and internships.
University of North Texas Summary
Overview:
The University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university located in Denton, Texas. It is a large institution with nearly 47,000 students, making it a top choice for career readiness in Texas. UNT offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, as well as certificates.
Services Offered:
UNT provides a variety of services to its students, including:
MyUNT:
A portal for accessing student information, grades, and other resources.CANVAS:
An online learning platform for accessing course materials and submitting assignments.Student Email:
An email account for communication with faculty, staff, and other students.UNT Directory:
A directory for finding contact information for faculty, staff, and departments.Libraries:
Access to extensive library resources, including books, journals, and databases.Financial Aid:
A variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.Student Life:
A wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities.Campus Map:
An interactive map of the campus, including buildings, parking lots, and other points of interest.Jobs at UNT:
A job board for students seeking on-campus employment.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNT offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved. Students can participate in:
Student organizations:
Over 400 student organizations, including academic, cultural, and social clubs.Athletics:
The Mean Green athletic program, which competes in NCAA Division I.Campus events:
A variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and festivals.Community engagement:
Opportunities to volunteer in the local community.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
UNT offers a wide range of academic programs, with many ranked among the nation's top 100.Affordability:
UNT provides significant financial aid to students, making it a more affordable option for many.Quality of Life:
Located in Denton, a vibrant college town, UNT offers a safe and enjoyable campus environment.Academic Programs:
UNT offers over 100 academic programs across a variety of disciplines, including:
Arts and Design:
Visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and more.Business and Industry:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Communications and Media:
Journalism, public relations, advertising, and more.Data Analytics and Information:
Computer science, information technology, and more.Education:
Elementary education, secondary education, special education, and more.Health and Wellness:
Nursing, health sciences, and more.Humanities and Social Sciences:
History, English, psychology, sociology, and more.Music and Performing Arts:
Music performance, music education, theatre arts, and more.Public Service:
Criminal justice, political science, social work, and more.STEM:
Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and more.Other:
- UNT is a designated Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation.
- UNT has been named one of the safest college campuses in the nation by Alarms.org for four consecutive years.
- UNT is a top college for students graduating with the least debt, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- UNT is a top college for enrolling transfer students, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- UNT has been named one of America's Top Colleges by Forbes for 16 consecutive years.
- UNT is located in Denton, which has been ranked as the 7th best college town in the nation by 247WallSt.com.
