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 with the selected matriculation track. The degree program consists of 4 mandatory graduate core courses (16 units) and the fulfillment of one of the following two matriculation tracks:
1) the Master of Arts in Communication requires the completion of one concentration (3 courses), beyond the graduate core, and the successful defense of a research thesis (6 units).
2) the Master of Science in Communication requires the completion of two concentrations (6 courses) beyond the graduate core, and the successful completion of written and oral comprehensive examinations.
Core courses
These 4 courses are required in all Master's in Communication programs:
COM 610 - Proseminar and Communication Theory (4)
This course is an introduction to the discipline of communication, the nature of graduate studies, communication theory development, critique and uses, the creation of scholarly and scientific knowledge, and the relationship between scholarly and social-scientific research and theories of human communication. Designed for first-semester graduate students, it is the first course in the graduate program.
COM 620 - Quantitative Communication Research Methods (4)
An advanced study of the nature, assumptions, forms, procedure, and strategies for conducting research utilizing social/scientific approaches. Experimental and non-experimental designs are studied. Data gathering procedures involve the use of questionnaires and physiological and behavioral measures. Prerequisite: a course in statistics or instructor approval.
COM 630 - Qualitative Communication Research Methods (4)
An advanced study of qualitative research methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus groups, life histories, and textual methods such as textual analysis, discourse analysis, and narrative analysis. Provides perspective in these diverse methods and examines the philosophical and theoretical assumptions underlying them. Examines research issues such as the self as a research instrument, research design, and sampling methods.
COM 640 - Communication Ethics and Values (4)
An examination of current issues in communication ethics and values. Philosophical and theoretical approaches to understanding and analyzing such issues are examined.
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, to include COM 513)
|
COM 506
|
(4)
|
Media Worldwide
|
|
COM 512
|
(4)
|
Media Impact US Minorities
|
|
COM 513
|
(4)
|
Intercultural Communication
|
|
COM 514
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(4)
|
International Communication and Negotiation
|
|
COM 515
|
(3)
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Intercultural Communication: Case Studies
|
| COM 590 |
(3-4) |
Appropriate course topic only; requires approval of Communication Graduate Chairperson
|
| COM 692 |
(4) |
Appropriate course topic only; requires approval of Communication Graduate Chairperson
|
B. Organizational Communication (select at least 3 courses from the following, to include COM 518)
| COM 518 |
(4) |
Advanced Organizational Communication
|
|
COM 519
|
(3)
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Communication and Conflict
|
|
COM 521
|
(3)
|
Organizational Communication Analysis
|
| COM 530 |
(3) |
Interpersonal Communication Theory
|
| COM 590 |
(3-4) |
Appropriate course topic only; requires approval of Communication Graduate Chairperson |
| COM 599 |
(4) |
Organizational Development and Training (Student will attend COM 422 meetings and complete extra graduate requirements assigned by the professor.) |
| COM 599 |
(4) |
Communication and Leadership (Student will attend COM 450 meetings and complete extra graduate requirements assigned by the professor.) |
| COM 599 |
(4) |
Small Group Communication (Student will attend COM 483 meetings and complete extra graduate requirements assigned by the professor.) |
| COM 692 |
(4) |
Appropriate course topic only; requires approval of Communication Graduate Chairperson
|
C. Mediated & Mass Communication (select at least 3 courses from the following, to include COM 506 or MSCO 560)
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ADV 561
|
(4)
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Advanced Account Planning & Research
|
|
COM 506
|
(4)
|
Media Worldwide
|
|
COM 512
|
(4)
|
Media Impact US Minorities
|
|
COM 590
|
(4)
|
Appropriate course topic only; requires approval of Communication Graduate Chairperson
|
| COM 692 |
(4) |
Appropriate course topic only; requires approval of Communication Graduate Chairperson
|
| JOUR 561 |
(3) |
Public Affairs Reporting
|
| JOUR 592 |
(3-4) |
Appropriate course topic only; requires approval of the Communication Graduate Chairperson.
|
|
MSCO 560
|
(4)
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Philosophy & Effects of Mass Communication
|
|
MSCO 570
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(4)
|
Mass Communication Law
|
|
PR 505
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(4)
|
Public Relations Management
|
|
PR 555
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(3)
|
Advanced Case Studies in Public Relations - consent of instructor
|
|
TC 550
|
(3)
|
Programs & Funding
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The following courses may be taken in this concentration when the courses are offered:
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MSCO 580
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(4)
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Mass Media Management
|
|
JOUR 565
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(4)
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News Communication Techniques Seminar
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D. Persuasion and Social Change (select at least 3 courses from the following, to include COM 587 or COM 588)
| COM 507 |
(4) |
Public Opinion, Propaganda, and Attitude Change
|
| COM 514 |
(4) |
International Communication and Negotiation
|
| COM 519 |
(3) |
Communication and Conflict
|
| COM 530 |
(3) |
Interpersonal Communication Theory
|
| COM 581 |
(4) |
Contemporary Voices of Leadership
|
|
COM 587
|
(3)
|
Rhetorical Theory
|
|
COM 588
|
(3)
|
Rhetorical Criticism
|
|
COM 590
|
(4)
|
Appropriate course topic only; requires approval of Communication Graduate Chairperson
|
| COM 599 |
(4) |
Communication and Leadership (Student will attend COM 450 meetings and complete additional graduate requirements assigned by the professor.) |
| COM 599 |
(4) |
Small Group Communication ( Student will attend COM 483 meetings and complete additional graduate requirements assigned by the professor.) |
| COM 692 |
(4) |
Appropriate course topic only; requires approval of Communication Graduate Chairperson |
Directed Studies 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.
