Master of Arts in Communication: Communication Advocacy Concentration (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in Communication is a 33-credit degree program that combines Communication foundation courses with two concentrations: Communication Leadership or Communication Advocacy. Communication Leadership focuses students’ communication and organizational skills and Communication Advocacy teaches best use of public relations/communication theories and practices to advocate for others. Both concentrations benefit students’ current or future careers or will prepare students for further study. The degree culminates in a capstone (six credit hours) requiring students to demonstrate applied communication understanding and acquired skills. The nature of this capstone is designed collaboratively between each student and the student’s adviser.

Objectives of the Program

The proposed program will:

1. Enrich students’ understanding of issues and theoretical approaches in the field of communication.
2. Advance students’ ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative scientific literature.

3. Prepare students to conduct communication research.

4. Challenge students to demonstrate competencies in oral, written, and visual communication that are essential to success in communication practice.

5. Engage students in the design of strategic approaches to a wide range of communication challenges.

6. Explore principles of ethical responsibility and challenge students to apply these principles to their communities, society, disciplines and/or professions.

7. Prepare students for professional work in the fields of communication leadership and/or advocacy.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be expected to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of and current issues in the field of communication.
2. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of communication and media theories.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

4. Evaluate and critique previous research in communication and media, based on application of theory and methods.

5. Utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods for data collection-based research.

6. Demonstrate competencies in oral, written, and visual communication.

7. Plan, design, and utilize strategies for communication in a wide range of contexts.

8. Demonstrate understanding of the ethical responsibilities and challenges faced by communication researchers and practitioners.

9. Apply knowledge, skills, ethical considerations, and principles to lead and/or advocate for others in their communities, society, disciplines, and/or professions.

10. Communicate and present information to a wide range of audiences, based on expectations appropriate in a wide range of contexts.

Graduate Applications

Applications for graduate study should be directed to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Admission Requirements

In addition to general university graduate admission requirements, applicants to the M.A. in Communication program must also submit:

1. Two letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with the applicant’s academic ability and potential for successful completion of Masters studies.
2. A personal statement of no more than 500-words demonstrating the applicant’s interest and compatibility with the program, understanding of the field, and future career goals.
3. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores that indicate potential for success in the program.