COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication Studies at Texas State University is a flexible and academically rigorous graduate program designed to strengthen students’ understanding of communication theory, research methods, and applied practice in both professional and academic contexts. The program emphasizes a combination of empirical and rhetorical approaches to communication research, allowing students to develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills while exploring topics such as interpersonal communication, organizational communication, persuasion, advocacy, and civic engagement. Students can tailor their academic experience to align with personal interests and career goals through elective coursework and specialized study areas, supported by small seminar-style classes that typically limit enrollment to 18 students. This structure promotes close interaction with faculty, individualized feedback, and opportunities to pursue independent research projects in a focused learning environment. The program offers two completion pathways: a non-thesis option requiring 36 credit hours, which concludes with comprehensive examinations, and a thesis option requiring 30 credit hours plus the completion of an original research thesis. Both pathways begin with required communication research methods courses that provide a foundation in research design, data analysis, and scholarly inquiry. Students may then build customized academic plans based on areas such as relationship management and well-being, persuasion and civic engagement, or professional and organizational advancement. Many courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals, making the program accessible to a diverse student population. Overall, the M.A. in Communication Studies prepares graduates for careers in communication-related fields, leadership roles, or continued doctoral study at top institutions, with a strong emphasis on research competence, applied communication skills, and intellectual flexibility.