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)