Overview

The goals of the Master of Arts program in Communication Studies are to provide students with a rigorous educational experience, to develop an advanced understanding of the human communication process, to increase awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of the communication field, and to develop oral, written, critical thinking, and research skills. Students complete coursework in persuasion, interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and health communication together with research methods applicable to these areas.

Two programs are offered. The thesis program emphasizes the student's development of research skills under faculty supervision (30 credits). The non-thesis program focuses on a theoretical foundation with emphasis on applied communication (36 credits). Students will be prepared for leadership positions in public or private organizations at the national or international level, or pursue advance degrees.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Communication Studies program includes a thesis. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at the graduate level. Of the 30 credit hours, 15 credit hours must be at or above the 600 level. No more than six hours will be allowed for advanced projects and directed research (COS 599). Six credit hours will be earned for thesis work.

Required Communication Core (Thesis/Non-Thesis Programs) { 9 Credits}
COM 601 Theories of Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COM 602 Methods of Communication Research. . . . . . . 3
COM 603 Qualitative Research Methodologies . . . . . . . . 3

ELECTIVES:                                        (Thesis Program)                       15 Credits
                                                           (Non-Thesis Program)               27 Credits

Students may select elective courses within the School of Communication or the University; no more than six (6) credits may come from outside theSchool of Communication.

COM 615 Social Effects of Mass Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COM 672 Seminar in Persuasive Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COS 545 Intercultural Communication: International Perspective. . . 3
COS 546 Intercultural Communication: Domestic Perspective. . . . . . 3
COS 560 The Executive Communicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COS 591 Special Topics in Communication Studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COS 599 Advanced Projects and Directed Research. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COS 674 Seminar in Interpersonal Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COS 682 Seminar in Organizational Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COS 684 Organizational Communication audit Procedures. . . . . . . . 3
THESIS COM 710 Master's Thesis (Thesis Program). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

TOTAL CREDITS                               (Thesis Program)                  = 30 Credits
TOTAL CREDITS                               (Non-Thesis Program)          = 36 Credits