COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies requires a total of 30 units, combining core courses, electives, and a culminating experience. All required courses must be completed with a grade of "B-" or higher. The program begins with four core courses totaling 12 units: Introduction to Graduate Study, Theoretical Perspectives in Communication Studies, Quantitative Research Methods, and Qualitative Research Methods. These courses establish a foundation in communication theory, research methodology, and graduate-level scholarly skills.Electives make up 12 to 15 units of the program, depending on the chosen culminating experience. Students completing a thesis or graduate project select 12 elective units, while those opting for a comprehensive examination select 15. Elective courses cover a wide range of topics, including social media management, strategic communication, crisis communication, digital production, media studies, intercultural communication, organizational communication, and conflict resolution. Students may also take up to six units of graduate-level courses outside Communication Studies with approval. Selection of electives is guided by the advisory committee and graduate coordinator to ensure alignment with the student’s academic and professional goals.Before the culminating experience, students complete a 3-unit preparation or proposal course, either Comprehensive Examination Preparation or Thesis/Project Proposal. The culminating experience itself can be 0–3 units, depending on the option selected, allowing students to complete either a comprehensive exam, thesis, or project. The program emphasizes both applied and research skills, enabling students to demonstrate mastery of communication theory, research methodologies, and practical application. By combining rigorous core coursework with a flexible elective structure and a culminating experience, the program prepares graduates for advanced professional roles, teaching opportunities, or further graduate study in communication. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, scholarly research, and practical communication skills applicable across organizational, media, and academic contexts.