Communication Division Graduate Programs

Communication Division Graduate Programs—An Introduction

The Master’s Degree in Communication is a minimum 31- unit and maximum 41-unit degree. The number of required units varies in accordance to the selected matriculation track. The degree program consists of 4 mandatory core courses (16 units) and fulfillment of one of the following two matriculation tracks:

1) Master of Arts in Communication: requires completion of one concentration (3 courses) beyond the core and a research thesis. 

2) Master of Science in Communication: requires fulfillment of two concentrations (6 courses) beyond the core and successful completion of written & oral comprehensive examinations.

Click here to view a comparison of the two programs.

Core Courses Required of All Communication Master Degree Graduate Students (16 units)

Click here to view the core courses course descriptions

Concentrations: Students should select concentrations from among offerings described at 500 & 600 levels. 500 level course offerings are taken for graduate credit pending supplemental work and graduate level activities. There are additional expectations beyond the undergraduate requirements for graduate students taking 500 level courses.

Internship: Students selecting the MS track are offered the opportunity to complete an internship outside the university.  The graduate faculty must approve the internship. The internship should integrate the scholarly theory and research content of one or more of the student's concentrations with a practical communication application for an on- or off-campus constituent client.

Concentration Areas

A "concentration" requires 9 to 12 units consisting of 3 related courses designated by the Graduate Committee. The student should "declare" a concentration in either matriculation track during the advisement process. The Graduate Committee will note the student's concentration in program record keeping and permit students to indicate such on their vitae.

Some courses have mandatory student prerequisites, and students are reminded that graduate credit can only be awarded for 500 and 600 level coursework. No course with a grade less than ‘C’ (2.0) will be counted as meeting a prerequisite for 500 level classes. Students can meet prerequisites from their completed undergraduate coursework or via supplemental work beyond the minimum degree requirements for the graduate degree. Graduate students must identify themselves to the professor, gain permission to continue enrollment, and complete additional requirements in the course.

A. Intercultural Communication (select at least 3 courses from the following)

B. Organizational Communication (select at least 3 courses from the following)

The following course may be taken in this concentration when the course is offered:

C. Mediated & Mass Communication (select at least 3 courses from the following)

The following courses may be taken in this concentration when the courses are offered:

D. Persuasion and Social Change (select at least 3 courses from the following)

The following courses may be taken in this concentration when the courses are offered:

Directed Studies (COM 599; JOUR 599; PR 599; SPE 599; TC 599) may be used for a concentration course when no other option is available. The student and guiding faculty member will create a syllabus of course materials and assignments relating to a specific area of study which is not covered by existing course content.

Additional Concentrations may be arranged with the prior approval of the student’s advisor, the Graduate Chairperson, and the Division Chairperson.