M.A. in Theory and Research

The M.A. program in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Theory and Research is intended to qualify students to assume a variety of professional roles in educational, industrial, and government institutions; teach the subject matter at the college level; or undertake advanced training toward a doctorate in Communication Studies. Students who are accepted into the M.A. program in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Theory and Research are awarded an assistantship.

Students who are admitted into the M.A. in Theory and Research program are expected to have a laptop computer that they can use in their courses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a M.A. in Communication Studies should be able to:

1. acquire a general understanding of Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts;

2. identify, analyze, and critique Communication-related problems using Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts, and prescribe Communication-based solutions to these problems;

3. design, conduct, and interpret original Communication-based research;

4. propose ways in which Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts can enhance personal, social, and professional relationships; and

5. develop the ability to encode and decode messages effectively across communication contexts

Program Timeline

The M.A. degree program in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Theory and Research is a 36-hour program designed to take one year of full-time study (i.e., Fall semester, Spring semester, Summer term). Students typically complete 15 hours of coursework during the Fall semester, 15 hours of coursework during the Spring semester, and 6 hours of coursework during the Summer term. Students are not permitted to extend their enrollment in the program past one academic year unless extenuating circumstances prohibit the student from finishing within the allotted year. In this program, student elect to either write a thesis that is orally defended during the Summer term or take a comprehensive exam that is taken during the Summer term.

Program Courses

Students in the M.A. program in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Theory and Research enroll in courses at the 500-level or above. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.

Learn more about M.A. Theory and Research Courses

M.A. Theses

Students who elect to write a thesis work closely with a faculty member on a research study that ultimately is intended to make a meaningful contribution to the Communication Studies discipline. The completion of a thesis is not a graduation requirement.