Communication, M.A.

Minimum Totals for Graduation: 33 hours

The graduate program in the study of Communication provides a strong background in communication research and theory. Graduates from the program pursue a variety of careers. Many continue graduate work in Ph.D. programs, become secondary or community college teachers, or find positions in business and media (marketing, management, training, consulting) or as coordinators of social service and volunteer organizations.

Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards

Admission Requirement Snapshot

GPA: 2.7 (and 3.0 in last 15 hours in Communication)

Entrance Exam: N/A

Application Deadline: February 15 (Fall)

International Students not from English Proficiency Exempted Countries: TOEFL required – minimum score of 100 (some exceptions may apply)
See Admission Requirement Details Below

In addition to the general university requirements, for regular admission to this program, the student must have an overall grade point average of 2.7 or higher. A student who does not meet the above requirements may be granted admission with stipulations to graduate study. Acceptance of transfer credit will be dependent upon the decision of the academic advisor. A maximum of 15 semester hours of approved graduate-level courses appropriate to a student's degree program from an accredited college or university may be transferred. Students must receive approval from the department's director of graduate studies or their academic advisor and apply to Graduate Studies for permission to transfer credit. Please email [e-mail] to inquire about assistantship information

See below for Accelerated Admissions to this program for Undergraduate level students.

English Language Competency Requirements for International Students

International students who have a score of 250 CBT² (600 PBT¹, 100 iBT³) or better on the International TOEFL, or 7.0 or better on the IELTS, are eligible for regular admission to the MA program in Communication if all other requirements are met. Students from an English-speaking country may be exempt from submitting an English Proficiency Test. Students who believe that they can demonstrate proficiency by means other than those listed should contact the Graduate Coordinator for the School of Communication, Journalism, and Media for individual consideration.

¹ PBT = Paper-Based Test
² CBT = Computer-Based Test
³ iBT = internet-Based Test

Program Requirements

Core Courses (6 hours)

COM 600	Introduction to Research and Graduate Study in Communication	3(3-0)
COM 601	Research Design in Communication	3(3-0)

Required Courses I (3 hours)

Select one of the following:

COM 602	Qualitative Research Methods	3(3-0)
COM 750	Seminar in Rhetorical Criticism	3(3-0)

Required Courses II (12 hours)

COM 603	Professional Seminar in Communication	1-3(Spec)
COM 661	Contemporary Communication Theory	3(3-0)
COM 664	Seminar in Organizational Communication	3(3-0)

Additional Requirement (0-6 hours)

Student must complete either a comprehensive examination or a 6-credit hour thesis (research or applied).

COM 798

Thesis

1-6

Electives (6-12 hours)

Courses in Communication selected in consultation with advisor. No more than 3 credits from COM 764 or COM 790.

Total: 33 semester hours

Accelerated Admissions to the Master of Arts in Communication

(Currently enrolled CMU Undergraduate Students only.)

Student must be a signed major in Communication or a related field.

1. Overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7 (and 3.0 in last 15 hours of Communication).
2. Submit an application, writing sample, and cover letter (for more details, contact the School of Communication, Journalism, and Media at 989-774-3177).
3. Obtain written approval from the Graduate Director of the School of Communication, Journalism, and Media.
4. Obtain graduate school approval of courses selected to double count on both the BAA/BA/BS and MA by completing the AGDP Acknowledgement & Approval Form.

Students considering an accelerated MA program should be aware that their financial aid may be affected for courses double counting on the BAA/BA/BS and MA. Contact the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid for information at 989-774-3674 or [e-mail]. Students considering an accelerated MA program should also be aware that only traditional (i.e., two-year M.A. applicants) will be considered for graduate assistantships; other forms of funding may be available.