Communication Division
Comparison of Master of Arts and Master of Science Programs
The presence of two degree programs enables students to choose a more research skills-intensive track for the Master of Arts degree (consistent with preparation for doctoral studies) or a more course-content intensive track for the Master of Science degree (allowing specialization in several key content areas of communication research & theory consistent with one's career focus).
The primary "difference" between these two tracks is that the Master of Arts track requires the proposal, creation, and defense of a MA thesis, while the Master of Science provides content specialization via additional course work and it assesses cumulative matriculation through the written/oral comprehensive exam process. The programs were distinguished with the intention that students seeking advanced scholarship would be best served by learning the process of generating knowledge associated with composing a thesis and that students seeking to master specialized areas of communication in support of career objectives would be best served by completing coursework in a second area of study.
Program Comparison Chart
|
Requirements for Master of Arts Degree in Communication |
Requirements for Master of Science Degree in Communication |
| Purpose |
To serve students seeking advanced scholarship through the mastery of knowledge and theory and to introduce them to the process of generating knowledge. |
To help students master pertinent communication knowledge and theory in ways that support future career objectives. |
| Required Course Work |
· COM 610 Pro-seminar and Communication Theory
· COM 620 Quantitative Research Methods
· COM 630 Qualitative Communication Research Methods
· COM 640 Communication Ethics and Values
|
· COM 610 Pro-seminar and Communication Theory
· COM 620 Quantitative Research Methods
· COM 630 Qualitative Communication Research Methods
· COM 640 Communication Ethics and Values
|
| Concentration Units |
· Completion of one concentration (3 courses, 9-12 units total) at the 500 level or 600 level. |
· Completion of two concentrations (6 courses, 18-24 units total) 500 level or 600 level. |
| Internship |
· None |
· Optional--COM 595 Communication Internship (0-4 units - Available to MS students looking for practical work experience in a variety of fields) |
| Comprehensive Examination |
· None |
· Oral & Written Examinations |
| Thesis/Project Requirement |
· COM 690/COM 698 (Six units) leading to the successful completion and oral defense of a graduate thesis or project. |
· None |
| Total Program Hours |
· 31 - 34 units |
· 34 - 41 units |
