Program Overview

Master of Arts - Communication Studies

The Department of Communication Studies emphasizes two areas of study: Relational Communication and Public Communication. Faculty research and expertise focuses on interpersonal, small group, and organization communication, media studies, political communication, public advocacy, research methods, health communication, and intercultural communication. Courses of study are designed for students with various career aspirations. Students may choose a more applied, professional path, where the M.A. is a terminal degree. Alternatively, students with a stronger research orientation may choose to enter a Ph.D. program upon completing their M.A. degree.

About

The program prepares students for careers in the private sector, government agencies, or further educational opportunities. Our recent graduates are regularly accepted into top doctoral programs throughout the country.

Available Options

• Thesis Track
• Professional Project Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation, please refer to the Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts program, students should be able to:

• Identify, explain, and critique the major paradigms and theories that have shaped the field of communication, including their historical development and current trends.
• Understand ethical values central to the communication discipline and apply those values within a variety of personal and professional contexts.
• Communicate in a clear, persuasive, professional, and ethical manner that synthesizes ideas and information.
• Critically evaluate information pertinent to communication research and apply it across a variety of personal and professional contexts.
• Formulate research questions about communication phenomena/topics, identify relevant methods/processes, and engage in research to answer those question(s).
• Demonstrate advanced-level knowledge in communication, including one or more areas of specialization within the field.
• Formulate a career plan to illustrate skills for obtaining a position within your chosen profession or the pursuit of an advanced degree.

Career Possibilities

The program prepares students for various career paths, including those in the private sector, government agencies, or further educational opportunities.

Requirements

Plan Description

The Master of Arts program in the Department of Communication Studies brings together scholars interested in the various aspects of relational and public communication studies.

Plan Admission Requirements

• Application deadlines: Applications are available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
• Students complete a program of coursework that leads to them completing either a thesis or a professional project.
• Programs of study are designed to meet the student's individual, professional, and/or personal objectives.
• Although an undergraduate degree in communication is not required for admission to the program, a student without a background in communication may be required to complete coursework in addition to the minimum requirements.
• Applicants must also submit:
  • A writing sample
  • A statement of intent
  • Three letters of recommendation
• The Department of Communication Studies accepts applicants only in the fall semester of each year.

Plan Requirements

• See Subplan Requirements below.

Subplan 1: Thesis

Total Credits Required

32 credits

Course Requirements

• All students enrolled in the program are required to complete core courses in their first year.
  • Core Courses Credits: 14
    • COM 700 - Professional Development Seminar I
    • COM 701 - Professional Development Seminar II
    • COM 710 - Survey of Communication Studies
    • COM 711 - Rhetorical-Critical Research Methods
    • COM 712 - Empirical Research Methods
    • COM 730 - Theories of Communication
  • Elective Courses Credits: 12
    • Complete 12 credits of advisor-approved electives. A maximum of 6 credits can be taken outside the Department of Communication Studies.
  • Culminating Experience Credits: 6
    • Complete 6 credits of 797 (repeatable).
    • COM 797 - Thesis

Degree Requirements

• A student must complete a minimum of 26 credits of approved coursework plus 6 credits of thesis credits. The classes may include six credits outside the Department of Communication Studies.
• An oral examination on the thesis is required.
• The Graduate Studies Coordinator will be the advisor for all entering students. Before completing 16 credits, the student should select a permanent advisor.
• Acceptable coursework is defined as any class in which a student receives a grade of B- or higher. Any required course graded C+ or below will not be included in the candidate's degree program.
• In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed.

Graduation Requirements

• The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline.
• The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
• After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check.

Subplan 2: Professional Project

Total Credits Required

32 credits

Course Requirements

• All students enrolled in the program are required to complete core courses in their first year.
  • Core Courses Credits: 14
    • COM 700 - Professional Development Seminar I
    • COM 701 - Professional Development Seminar II
    • COM 710 - Survey of Communication Studies
    • COM 711 - Rhetorical-Critical Research Methods
    • COM 712 - Empirical Research Methods
    • COM 730 - Theories of Communication
  • Elective Courses Credits: 15
    • Complete 15 credits of advisor-approved electives. A maximum of 6 credits can be taken outside the Department of Communication Studies.
  • Culminating Experience Credits: 3
    • Complete one course:
    • COM 798 - Professional Project

Degree Requirements

• The Professional Project subplan entails the completion of 29 credits of coursework and 3 credits toward a culminating experience.
• An oral examination on the professional project is required.
• Students select a four-person committee: three departmental faculty, one of whom serves as chair, and one Graduate College representative.
• Acceptable coursework is defined as any class in which a student receives a grade of B- or higher. Any required course graded C+ or below will not be included in the candidate's degree program.

Graduation Requirements

• The student must successfully complete and defend their professional project.
• Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.