School of Communication & Journalism
MA Program Overview

The MA in Communication starts with a foundation of theory and research that enables students to build a curriculum that meets their interests and goals. Once their coursework is complete, students work with their committees to either write a thesis or complete an internship and take a comprehensive exam.

First, all students are required to complete three foundational courses (9 hours). These courses are offered regularly in the fall and spring:

• COMM 7000 Communication Theory
• COMM 7010 Qualitative Research Methods
• COMM 7020 Quantitative Research Methods.

After completing the three foundational courses students are required to take qualifying exams over the material covered in those three required courses. You can read more about qualifying exams in the Graduate Student Policy Manual.

Second, beyond completing the required foundational courses, students are required to take six courses of electives (18 hours). You are able to choose from a variety of courses in communication, public relations, media studies and journalism. You can read more about our course offerings here.

Third, in your third semester you will work with a committee to decide which plan of study best fits your academic and professional interests and goals. There are two plans of study available for the Master of Arts degree:

• Students may write a thesis (4 hours). You can find more about writing a thesis in the Graduate Student Policy Manual.
• Students may complete an internship and take comprehensive exams (3 hours). You can find more about internships here and read more about comprehensive exams in the Graduate Student Policy Manual.

Graduate Degree Quick Reference Guide

Below is a suggested plan for completing the degree in two years for the thesis and non-thesis options.

• Both tracks have the same requisites for the first year.
• Students must pass the required courses are COMM 7000, 7010, 7020; these are offered each year on a rotating schedule.
• Students must also pass qualifying exams on those three courses.
• Qualifying exams are scheduled for the first Monday after finals.
• After the first-year, students must choose between a thesis or a non-thesis track.

See the Graduate Student Policy Manual for more information on these topics.

Thesis

Non-thesis