As a graduate student pursuing an M. A. in Communication, you can choose one of two specializations that you can tailor to your interests and goals.  Program requirements and course work overviews are available below.

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Communication Professions and Society

Courses in this specialization are structured as non-lecture proseminars.  These intensive, focused seminars allow you to interact at a deep level with faculty and colleagues in your program.  The discussion format allows you to simultaneously explore an area of research in-depth and discover your interests.

After completing this specialization, you will have the theoretical and methodological foundation you鈥檒l need for a position of intellectual leadership in your chosen communication profession or for doctoral studies.  You鈥檒l be able to discover your interests within a broad spectrum of communication concepts, theories, and research methods.

Proseminars are organized under six important contemporary topics.  Their exact content and title will vary, depending upon the term and instructor.  To complete your specialization, you will choose four proseminars program requirements and course work overview below.  You may repeat one proseminar under a different title, but you must complete courses in at least three areas to fulfill your requirement.  

 

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Digital Communication Strategies

This specialization provides you with the conceptual foundation and practical training you鈥檒l need to help organizations plan and execute effective digital communication strategies.  In addition to learning how to plan effective strategies and create digital content, your coursework will also explore how to measure the effectiveness of communication messaging in advertising, public relations, and journalism.

The digital communication strategies specialization offers topic-based courses, and you can tailor your course selections to meet your professional goals and interests.  Specific titles will vary upon term and instructor.  After completing this specialization, you will know how to develop an effective communication strategy using a variety of digital communication technologies.

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What Does the Program Course Work Look Like? 

For a complete list of courses, please visit the .

Students are required to take foundational core courses, select their specialization option and choose between either a thesis or non-thesis project during their master's program.

30 total credits including the following:

• Foundational Core Courses- 9 credits
• Choice of Specialization- 12 credits
• Choice of Thesis or Professional Project- 9 credits

Program Requirements and Course Work Overview

Visit the  for a complete list of course descriptions.

1. FOUNDATIONAL / CORE COURSES - 9 credits

The following courses are required of all students:

COMM 6001 Communication Theory in Context

COMM 6002 Communication Research in Action

COMM 6250 Communication as Ethical Practice

                                                                      

2. CHOOSE A SPECIALIZATION - 12 credits

Student must take 3 courses from one of the following options, plus one additional COMM class at the 6000 level. Each course has variable topics and may be repeated once.

                                                         

3. CHOOSE A THESIS OR PROFESSIONAL PROJECT - 9 Credits

Students are required to choose a specialization and have the option of completing a thesis program or a non-thesis program. All students are admitted to the thesis program (Option 1) but may transfer to the non-thesis program (Option 2) with the approval of the program director. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.000 with no grades below a C.

Option	Course Work Details
THESIS PROGRAM	Students must complete 24 hours of course work plus 6 credit hours of thesis work (a total of 30 credit hours). Students must also submit an approved thesis and are required to give an oral defense of their thesis. Course Work - 9 credits COMM 6999 Thesis (6 credits) COMM Elective (3 credits)
NON-THESIS/ PROFESSIONAL PROJECT	Non-thesis program students must complete 24 credit hours of course work, three credit hours of practicum and three credit hours of an approved professional project (a total of 30 credit hours). Course Work - 9 credits COMM 6998 Professional Project (3 credits) COMM 6964 Communication Practicum (3 credits) COMM Electives (3 credits)