Program Overview

The Graduate School

The Graduate School at Georgia State University offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies, fostering advanced research study in speech communication and mass communication.

Program Overview

The M.A. in Communication Studies is a multidisciplinary program that prepares communication professionals and academicians for the demands of the 21st century. The program explores public discourse and mass-mediated environments, investigating how persuasive practices are transforming culture at home and abroad.

Career Opportunities

The Communication Studies master's program prepares students for a variety of communication-based careers, including:

• Applied communication settings, such as political communication, health communication, and corporate communication
• Information industries, including journalism, public relations, and quantitative media studies

Program Details

• The program requires a minimum of 36 hours of coursework
• Two options are available: Research Thesis Option and Course-intensive Option

Research Thesis Option

• 9 hours of core courses
• 15 hours minimum of Communication Studies courses
• 6 hours of Experiential Learning courses
• 6 credit hours for research thesis
• A successful research thesis prospectus
• A successful research thesis defense
• Milestone exit surveys

Course-intensive Option

• 9 hours of core courses
• 18 hours minimum of Communication Studies courses
• 9 hours of Experiential Learning courses
• A successful research paper
• Research skill course/language proficiency (does not count in 36 credit total)
• Milestone exit surveys

Admissions Requirements

• Statement of purpose
• Academic writing sample (class research paper) recommended
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume (assistantship applicants only)
• Transcripts (one from each institution attended)
• Official TOEFL/IELTS scores (international applicants only)

Application Deadlines

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: Does not admit

Tuition and Funding

• Check out the cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs
• Graduate assistantships are available for full-time students, providing a tuition waiver and stipend in exchange for work hours

Graduate Program Director

Dr. Carrie L. Whitney

Program Location

Atlanta Campus

Duration

Most full-time students complete the program in 2 years.