Program Overview
Communication Studies Master's
Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Studies is a 36-credit hour program that can be completed in approximately 2 years. The program is designed to facilitate mastery of theory and research, develop research capabilities, and enhance preparation for a variety of careers or further graduate study.
Program Details
- Format: On Campus
- Est. time to complete: 2 years
- Credit Hours: 36
Why Earn a Communication Studies Master's?
The master's degree in Communication Studies offers the opportunity to learn about theory and research in Communication Studies by examining communication in human affairs and the symbolic processes through which humans interact. The curriculum is designed to facilitate mastery of theory and research, to develop research capabilities, and to enhance preparation for a variety of careers or further graduate study.
Marketable Skills
- Advanced writing and documentation capabilities
- Critically analyze and evaluate messages
- Inclusive communication competencies
- Conduct theory-driven research projects
- Collaborative project management
Communication Studies Master's Highlights
This flexible master’s degree includes three pathways toward completion, including a thesis option, a written or creative project option, or an internship option. You'll also get to customize your degree by choosing an area of emphasis like Interpersonal/Digital/Organizational Communication, Performance Studies or Communication, Culture and Public Discourse.
Faculty and Research
Our faculty members are outstanding scholars with diverse approaches to studying communication who have won awards and research grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and the North Texas chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Faculty members also coach intercollegiate debate; consult for organizations in the community, region and various parts of the nation; direct performances; and hold professional leadership positions.
Career Opportunities
Earning a master’s degree in communication can help prepare graduates for jobs in corporate communication, journalism, mass media, politics, higher education, or a wide range of other fields. Students who are already employed can use the skills they acquire to advance in their current careers, with some leadership positions even requiring a master’s in communication. Those interested in changing careers can pursue their master’s in a communication specialization that aligns with their particular professional goals. A master’s in communication can also prepare graduates for doctoral studies and a career in higher education, where they will spend their time conducting research and educating students.
Sample Courses
- Crisis and Disaster Communication (3 hrs)
- Interpersonal Communication (3 hrs)
- Seminar in Health Communication (3 hrs)
- Feminist Criticism (3 hrs)
- Race and Public Culture (3 hrs)
- Group Processes (3 hrs)
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.
