Communication M.A.

The Master of Arts in Communication degree is a course of study for persons in or preparing for, further graduate study or mid-level and upper-level professional positions in public and nonprofit organizations. The program emphasizes the theoretical, practical, and analytical abilities required of persons holding responsible communication positions. Centered in the Department of Communication, it also permits the incorporation of specialized fields of interest such as general communication, journalism, mass communication, speech communication and emerging fields of public relations.

The course of study is designed to prepare students for matriculation to doctoral programs in communication, 2) train degree recipients for teaching responsibilities at the junior college level, and/or 3) provide professionals for private and public sector employment in the emerging fields of public relations.

The program has two tracks/concentrations: the generalist MA and Executive program in the emerging fields of public relations.

Master of Arts in Communication--Total Semester Hours=36

Admission Requirements

The requirements for admission to the communication MA program are as follows:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4 point scale on all upper-division course work.
3. For applicants to the generalist track:
   1. A satisfactory score on the General Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE should be completed prior to the conclusion of the first long semester of enrollment.
   2. Two favorable letters of recommendation.
4. Additional consideration for admission will be based upon the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study, involvement and level of responsibility in non-academic matters including extracurricular activities, employment, community service, and socioeconomic background.
5. Students who do not have a journalism or speech communication major or minor in their undergraduate studies may be required to take leveling courses as determined by the communication graduate faculty.
6. In addition to requirements 1 and 2, applicants to the Executive Program in Emerging Fields in Public Relations must have at least three years of full-time employment in the communication field. They must also submit a current resume and obtain the approval of the program director.