The master of arts in communication examines the powerful role played by communication practices in contemporary society. The program has three major areas of emphasis: strategic communication/public relations, health communication, and science communication.
Our strategic communication faculty teach courses on planning, developing, and executing public communication campaigns based on their expertise in public relations theory and research. Our health communication faculty explore the relationship between communication practices and the health and well-being of individuals and communities - including everything from how to improve relationships between doctors and patients to how non-profits can develop more effective health information campaigns (for example, HIV prevention campaigns). The faculty in science communication offer courses designed to improve students’ knowledge of the particular challenges involved in making science and technology understandable to a variety of audiences, as well as exploring solutions to those challenges. Science communicators work in media and in other organizations and agencies involved in promoting and disseminating science, as well as facilitating public engagement in considering science-related issues.
In the end, all of our faculty - strategic, health, and science communication faculty alike - are committed to providing our students with a strong foundation in communication theory and research while at the same time encouraging them to apply their skills in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Degree Requirements (Catalog Year 2012-2013)
In addition to meeting the following requirements for this degree, students must meet the university requirements for all master's degrees.
All students follow the same general program structure. All students must take the three program core courses, two theory courses, one practicum course, and five specialization courses, which may include a thesis. Students must select a specialization (Strategic Communication/Public Relations, Health Communication, or Individualized Communication Studies) from the list below or a concentration in Science Communication from the box on the right above. Because it is a narrow specialized area, science communication is subject to the stricter requirements of a concentration.
In addition to meeting the following requirements for this degree, students must meet the university requirements for all master's degrees.
General Program Requirements (18-21 credits)
- Three core courses (9 credits): COMM 600, 650, 798
- Two theory courses (6 credits) chosen from: COMM 602, 605, 620, 630, 634, 635, 639 (required for Science Communication concentration), 642 (required for Science Communication concentration), 706
- One practicum course (3 credits) chosen from: COMM 604, 636, 653, 655, 660, 670, 694, 697, 721, 820
Other courses including special topics (590 or 690) and independent study can be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior approval of the director of graduate studies. - Optional Thesis (3 credits)
Students who choose to write a thesis should be aware of the policies governing theses as stated in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. If a thesis is chosen, students must follow the thesis enrollment policy of the university and once enrolled in COMM 799, maintain continuous enrollment. Students who do not choose to complete a thesis will take additional credits of concentration or specialization courses.
Specializations (12 or 15 credits)
- Strategic Communication/Public Relations specialization
Students must complete an additional 12-15 credits toward the degree. The specialization in strategic communication/public relations requires a minimum of two courses from the list below. A course taken as a part of the general program cannot be duplicated, but it can count as a course required for the specialization. Additional credit may be met by any graduate COMM coursework.
Courses:
COMM 590 (when topic is strategic communication as approved by program director), 602, 615, 630, 636, 637, 660, 670, 690 (when topic is strategic communication as approved by program director), 706, 735, 806, 820, 890 (when topic is strategic communication as approved by program director)
- Health Communication specialization
Students must complete an additional 12-15 credits toward the degree. The specialization in health communication requires a minimum of two courses from the list below. A course taken as a part of the general program cannot be duplicated, but it can count as a course required for the specialization. Additional credit may be met by any graduate COMM coursework.
Courses:
COMM 590 (when topic is health communication as approved by program director), 620, 690 (when topic is health communication as approved by program director), 705, 720, 820, 890 (when topic is health communication as approved by program director) - Individualized Communication Studies specialization
Students design a program of courses to reflect their interests in consultation with their advisor. Students may select special topics courses (590, 690, or 890) as approved by program director.
Total: 33 Credits
Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.