Master of Arts in Communication (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in Communication with a focus on social change and leadership (33- credit hour degree program) empowers students to collaborate with, serve, advocate for, and lead people through community-engaged scholarship and academic coursework focused on the role of communication in social change

By providing a historical and foundational grounding in theoretical and methodological approaches within the field of Communication, this program prepares students for further study and scholarship at the graduate level, as well as careers in academic, business- oriented, non-profit, and/or community contexts. Throughout their academic coursework and research, students co-create specific knowledge paths for themselves in areas such as leadership communication, advocacy, activism, social messaging, media campaigns, and collaborative change. Together with faculty and the community, these student-scholars study theoretical and practical applications of social change and leadership in a variety of contexts to help inform their understanding of the world and their role in it.

The degree culminates in a capstone (six credit hours) requiring students to demonstrate applied and theoretical communication understanding and acquired knowledge/skills. The nature of this capstone is designed collaboratively between each student and the student’s advisor.

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

Goal 1 – Graduates will be able to understand and critique issues and theoretical approaches in the field of communication.

1.1 Demonstrate mastery of historical and current perspectives in the field of communication.

1.2 Critically apply knowledge of communication and media theories.

1.3 Evaluate issues in the field of communication from a theoretically informed perspective.

Goal 2 – Graduates will be able to conduct and interpret communication research in the context of social change and leadership.

2.1   Interpret and evaluate critical, qualitative, and/or quantitative communication literature

2.2 Utilize critical, qualitative and/or quantitative communication research methods.

2.3 Conduct applied research that involves the strategic application of communication theories in practice.

Goal 3 – Graduates will be able to demonstrate communication competencies that are essential to successful communication practice in the context of social change and leadership.

3.1 Design media and messaging campaigns to address specific challenges, audiences, and contexts.

3.2 Formulate planned communication strategies, approaches, methods, and tactics to foment, impact, or lead through social change.

3.3 Engage with their communities, society, disciplines, and/or professions in critically informed and ethically responsible ways.

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. A sample of scholarly or professional writing
4. (Optional) Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores that indicate potential for success in the program (exceptions and waivers may be considered; reach out to graduate program coordinator for details).
5. Students interested in applying for graduate assistantships should additionally include a resume or CV with their application.