Communication, M.A.
Learning Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete all requirements for a master’s degree in the Department of Communication Studies should be able to:
- Demonstrate skilled analysis of communication theory and praxis within the dimensions (ethical, social, legal, technological, relational, and/or cultural) most key to the student’s chosen primary program focus.
- Demonstrate appropriate and effective professional writing.
- Demonstrate skilled independent decision-making relative to communication research and analysis, including abilities to conduct, interpret, and evaluate the quality of research and analytic designs.
- Demonstrate understanding of ethical values central to the communication discipline.
The M.A. program requires a minimum of 36 hours of communication courses, including nine hours in core courses and six hours in each of two areas of emphasis. A thesis option (with related oral defense) is optional. Students must complete core course requirements with a minimum B average.
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements — 21 hours
| CST 500 | Research and Writing | 3 |
| CST 510 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| CST 520 | Rhetorical Theory and Criticism | 3 |
| Communication Electives | 12 |
| Communication Electives from any area | 15 |
Communications electives: six hours each in two areas of selected emphasis
Thesis Option
If an M.A. or M.S. student chooses to write a thesis, 3-6 CST elective hours may be used for CST 599, the thesis.
Total Credit Hours: 36