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Communication Studies Master's
Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.)
Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
36
Elevate your understanding of how humans communicate.
As you progress through the program, you'll use analytical, critical, qualitative,
and quantitative methodologies to explore human communication from applied and theoretical
perspectives. The necessary coursework examines narrative and social change, diverse
intercultural contexts, and political and social influence.
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Request More InfoWhy Earn a Communication Studies Master's?
The master's degree in Communication Studies offers you the opportunity to learn about theory and research in Communication Studies by examining communication in human affairs and the symbolic processes through which humans interact. The curriculum is designed to facilitate your mastery of theory and research, to develop your research capabilities, and to enhance your preparation for a variety of careers or further graduate study.
The department offers coursework in rhetorical, performance and social science traditions. You'll have opportunities to explore communication from applied and theoretical perspectives using analytical, critical, quantitative, and qualitative methodologies.
Coursework features the investigation of communication in aesthetic/creative, intercultural, interpersonal, digital, legal, organizational, and political contexts. Opportunities to research topics of diversity and social justice, popular media, health, sports, embodied expression, and other topics are available.
The graduate experience is enhanced by opportunities to conduct research with faculty members, participate in regional and national festivals and professional conferences, and complete internships with corporations, social service organizations, and government agencies.
Marketable Skills
- Advanced writing and documentation capabilities
- Critically analyze and evaluate messages
- Inclusive communication competencies
- Conduct theory-driven research projects
- Collaborative project management
Communication Studies Master's Highlights
This flexible master’s degree includes three pathways toward completion, including a thesis option, a written or creative
project option, or an internship option.
You'll also get to customize your degree by choosing an area of emphasis like Interpersonal/Digital/Organizational
Communication, Performance Studies or Communication, Culture and Public Discourse.
Our faculty members are outstanding scholars with diverse approaches to studying communication
who have won awards and research grants from the National Institutes of Health, National
Science Foundation and the North Texas chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.
Faculty members also coach intercollegiate debate; consult for organizations in the
community, region and various parts of the nation; direct performances; and hold professional
leadership positions.
The graduate program in Communication Studies was named “Top Master’s Degree Program”
by the National Communication Association’s (NCA’s) Master’s Education Division in
2022.
Opportunities to participate in regional and national festivals, professional conferences
and internships may also be available.
What Can You Do With a Communication Studies Master's?
Earning a master’s degree in communication can help prepare graduates for jobs in corporate communication, journalism, mass media, politics, higher education, or a wide range of other fields. Students who are already employed can use the skills they acquire to advance in their current careers, with some leadership positions even requiring a master’s in communication. Those interested in changing careers can pursue their master’s in a communication specialization that aligns with their particular professional goals. A master’s in communication can also prepare graduates for doctoral studies and a career in higher education, where they will spend their time conducting research and educating students.
Communication Studies Master's Courses You Could Take
Crisis and Disaster Communication (3 hrs)
Theoretical and practical examination of communication during crises and/or disasters.
The role of communication in crisis/disaster planning, real-time crisis response,
and post-crisis recovery and sensemaking.
Interpersonal Communication (3 hrs)
Contemporary research and theory in the study of communication patterns found at various
stages of normal interpersonal interactions.
Seminar in Health Communication (3 hrs)
Introduction of communication theories and approaches related to health care in interpersonal,
organizational and mass communication settings.
Feminist Criticism (3 hrs)
Examination of research and theories of feminist criticism in communication studies
focusing on themes, traditions and touchstones of gender communication from a critical
perspective.
Race and Public Culture (3 hrs)
Studies the functionality of race in public culture. Introduction to core theoretical
concepts related to critical race studies. An examination of case studies related
to race, racialization and racism in public discourse in the United States.
Group Processes (3 hrs)
Theoretical and practical examination of task group processes. The role of communication
and technology in group development, maintenance, decision making, leadership and
performance.
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