COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s degree in Communication Studies is a flexible graduate program designed to allow students to tailor their academic experience according to their interests and career goals. It offers three distinct completion pathways, including a thesis option for those focused on original academic research, a written or creative project option for applied or practice-based work, and an internship option that emphasizes professional experience in real-world settings. Students can further customize their studies by selecting an area of emphasis such as Interpersonal, Digital, and Organizational Communication, Performance Studies, or Communication, Culture, and Public Discourse, enabling them to specialize in the aspect of communication most aligned with their academic or career direction. The program is supported by highly accomplished faculty members who are recognized scholars with diverse research interests and have received awards and grants from major institutions including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the North Texas chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Faculty are also actively engaged in professional practice, including coaching intercollegiate debate teams, consulting with organizations at local, regional, and national levels, directing performances, and holding leadership roles in professional associations. The program has earned national recognition, being named a “Top Master’s Degree Program” by the National Communication Association’s Master’s Education Division in 2022, highlighting its academic quality and reputation. Students also benefit from opportunities to participate in conferences, festivals, and internships that enhance both scholarly and professional development. Career outcomes for graduates are broad and include roles in corporate communication, journalism, mass media, politics, higher education, and other related fields, while also supporting advancement for those already employed or transition into new career paths. It also serves as strong preparation for doctoral study and academic careers in teaching and research. Coursework may include subjects such as crisis and disaster communication, interpersonal communication, health communication, feminist criticism, race and public culture, and group processes, providing both theoretical depth and practical insight.