COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies requires the completion of a minimum of thirty credit hours, combining core coursework, electives, and a culminating experience. The program is designed to build a strong foundation in communication theory and research while allowing flexibility for students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.The major requirements include a research methods course, where students choose between quantitative or qualitative approaches, helping them develop essential skills in analyzing communication data. Core courses such as Foundations of Communication and Advocacy and Theories of Communication provide a deep understanding of how communication functions across different social and professional contexts. These courses emphasize critical thinking, message analysis, and the application of theoretical frameworks.A significant portion of the program, fifteen to eighteen credit hours, is dedicated to graduate-level communication electives. This allows students to explore specialized topics such as media studies, organizational communication, interpersonal communication, or strategic communication, depending on their interests. The flexibility of electives ensures that students can align their academic experience with either academic or professional career paths.The program concludes with a culminating requirement, where students can choose between a thesis, a master’s project, or an internship. The thesis option focuses on original research and is ideal for those planning to pursue doctoral studies. The project and internship options provide more applied, hands-on experiences suitable for professional careers. A coursework-only option is also available. Overall, the program integrates theory, research, and practical application to prepare graduates for diverse opportunities in communication-related fields.