Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts and Master of Science programs require completion of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. The student can elect to complete a research-based thesis, for which six credits are awarded, or a paper/project, for which three credits are awarded. Oral defense of the thesis/paper is required.

Core

COMM 700 - Research Methods in Communication
COMM 711 - Communication Theory

Teaching assistants are also required to take COMM 702 - Introduction to College Teaching in their first or second semester.

Research Tools

Two of the following, one of which must be SOC 700 or COMM 767:

COMM 767 - Rhetorical Criticism
SOC 700 - Qualitative Research Methods
SOC 701 - Quantitative Research Methods
STAT 725 - Applied Statistics

Students pursuing the M.S. degree must complete either SOC 701 or STAT 725. Students pursuing the M.A. degree must complete either COMM 767 or SOC 700.

Elective Specialization

12-15 credits of additional coursework, depending on whether the thesis or non-thesis option is selected. The non-thesis option requires 3 credits of COMM 797. The thesis requires 6 credits of COMM 798.

Students can select from a wide range of specializations, pending approval from their advisor.

Students may also choose graduate-level electives from other departments that may enhance specialized communication study goals.