Communication Studies, M.A.

The Communication Studies MA offers a course of study centered around the belief that communication is formative and foundational to human identities, relationships, and communities, and that ethical and strategically effective communication can be the means of critiquing, constructing, and transforming identities, relationships, and communities. The MA in Communication Studies requires 30 credit hours of the mandatory core courses, elective course work, and the capstone experience.

PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• Faculty have won numerous awards, including several best book and article awards from the National Communication Association and the Carolinas Communication Association, honors from N.C. Campus Compact, and multiple editorships for major publications.
• The department has been designated the inaugural National Communication Association Center for Communication, Community Collaboration, and Change.
• A BA to MA Accelerated Degree Program is available to complete the degree in a shorter amount of time.
• Accreditations and affiliations include:
  • Carolinas Communication Association
  • International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry
  • National Communication Association
  • Southern States Communication Association
  • National Association of Communication Centers

THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Students in the MA program in Communication Studies have the opportunity to apply for an assistantship. This allows students to help teach an introduction course, as well as assist faculty in journal editing and research projects. Assistantships include a stipend, a contribution toward health insurance coverage, and, usually, a tuition waiver.
• MA students conclude the program with a capstone, or independent research project, that reflects their individual interests and areas of expertise.

AFTER GRADUATION

• The MA program in Communication Studies prepares students for scholarly or applied communication careers in the social, public, and private sectors, community college teaching, or advancement to a doctoral program.
• Career Examples include: 
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Internal Communications Manager 
  • Learning and Development Analyst 
  • Marketing Consultant 
  • Marketing Account Executive
  • Professor

APPLY TO Communication Studies, M.A.

• To be considered for fall admission and for an assistantship, you must apply by February 15.  
• Admission to this graduate program is based on the evaluation of transcripts, letters of recommendation, an academic writing sample, a personal statement, and an interview.  

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