Communication (MA)
The MA in Communication is a 30-credit program offering thesis and non-thesis options. Core courses cover research design, communication theory and ethical practice. Students customize their studies with electives in areas such as health, organizational, science and intercultural communication, preparing them for professional or academic careers, including graduate study or leadership roles in media and communication fields.
Master of Arts in Communication
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (GA)
Department: Communication
Academic Plan Code(s): COMMMA
Program Information
The Master of Arts in Communication is a 30 credit hour program. It includes 15 credit hours of foundation and core courses, twelve (12) credit hours of electives, and three (3) credit hours of thesis or non-thesis option. The non-thesis option includes a three (3) credit hour practicum and an additional three (3) credit hour elective course.
Degree Summary
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Coursework | 15 | |
| Electives | 12 | |
| Thesis/Non-thesis Option | 3 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 30 | |
At least 15 of the 30 credit hours must be in courses at the 600 level.
Upon admission to the program, the student will work with the Director of Graduate Studies to establish a plan of study. After the second semester, students choosing the thesis option will select a mentor who will provide guidance for the thesis and selecting two additional faculty to serve on the thesis committee, one of whom must be outside the Department of Communication. Students choosing the non-thesis option will select a mentor who will provide guidance concerning the practicum and course selection. Students choosing the non-thesis option will take a written comprehensive exam administered by the Communication Department faculty.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking general admission to the program (accelerated or otherwise) will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Demonstrated competency in quantitative and qualitative-based courses.
- Applicants who have completed, or are in the process of completing, a BA or BS in Communication at the University of Louisville must have taken Communication Research Methods or Communication Statistics and earned a grade of B or better.
- Applicants applying for admission from outside of the department and/or UofL must have earned a B or better in a course related to quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
2. Demonstrated competency in quantitative and qualitative reasoning via an interview with the graduate committee.
3. Two positive letters of recommendation, preferably from relevant faculty who can comment on the applicant's research potential, especially the applicant's qualitative and quantitative reasoning.
- Applicants who have completed, or are in the process of completing, a BA or BS in Communication at the University of Louisville must include a letter of recommendation from a professor who has taught Communication Research Methods or Communication Statistics. This letter should focus on the applicant's quantitative and/or qualitative abilities.
- Applicants applying for admission from outside of our department must include a letter of recommendation from a professor who taught the applicant in a course commensurate to Communication Research Methods that emphasizes quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
4. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Students applying to the accelerated master's degree program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 after earning 45 credit hours.
5. At least two writing samples that demonstrate competency in the formulation and execution of communication-related research using quantitative, qualitative, and/or rhetorical reasoning. Writing samples should show English language proficiency, meaningful research question (process), theoretical and methodological awareness, thoroughness in research (evidence, data collection), and craft.
Students seeking a teaching or research assistantship will be required to submit official GRE scores. GRE scores will be used exclusively as a metric for determining whether applicants should receive departmental funding and will not necessarily be use as an admission condition.
Applicants need an undergraduate degree in Communication or a related discipline. Conditional admission is possible for students with lower undergraduate GPA.
Application materials include:
- Official transcripts showing all degrees awarded and all undergraduate and graduate work (all courses) completed from each accredited college/university previously attended.
- Two required writing samples
- Two letters of recommendation
- A graduate admissions application
- Application fee
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations | 15 | |
| COMM 506 | Ethical Problems in Communication - CUE, WR | 3 |
| COMM 605 | Communication Theory & Practice | 3 |
| COMM 615 | Foundations of Communication Research Design | 3 |
| COMM 616 | Qualitative Communication Research | 3 |
| COMM 617 | Quantitative Methods in Communication | 3 |
| Electives (4 Courses) | 12 | |
| COMM 505 | Perspectives on Religion and Media - CUE, WR | 3 |
| COMM 510 | Special Topics in Communication Studies | 3 |
| COMM 520 | Computer-Mediated Communication - WR | 3 |
| COMM 530 | Science Communication | 3 |
| COMM 532 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| COMM 538 | Intimate Communication - WR | 3 |
| COMM 540 | Public Communication Campaigns | 3 |
| COMM 555 | Persuasive Movements | 3 |
| COMM 565 | Special Topics in Communication Service Learning - CUE | 3 |
| COMM 580 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 590 | Health Communication | 3 |
| COMM 603 | Communication Pedagogy | 3 |
| COMM 610 | Problems of Public Discourse | 3 |
| COMM 620 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| COMM 625 | Personality and Communication | 3 |
| COMM 640 | Communication in Social Service | 3 |
| COMM 650 | Corporate Communication | 3 |
| COMM 651 | Conflict Management | 3 |
| COMM 652 | Health Communication: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| COMM 653 | Integrated Marketing Communication Campaigns | 3 |
| COMM 654 | Strategic Communication and Crisis Management | 3 |
| COMM 660 | Selected Topics in Mass Media | 3 |
| COMM 670 | Directed Readings in Communication | 3 |
| COMM 675 | Risk Communication | 3 |
| COMM 690 | Special Topics | 3 |
| COMM 698 | Thesis | 3 |
| Thesis or Non-Thesis Option | 3 | |
| Select thesis or non-thesis option | ||
| Thesis | ||
| COMM 698 | Thesis | 3 |
| Non-Thesis Option | ||
| COMM 600 | Practicum | 3 |
Pending approval of the department program coordinator, and approval by the Graduate School, a student may transfer up to six (6) credit hours of graduate credit from another institution.
Non-thesis option: Students electing a non-thesis option will complete the 30 credit hours specified above, with two differences. Students who select the non-thesis option will substitute one 600-level practicum and one elective for the six (6) credit hours of thesis. The non-thesis option also will include a Comprehensive Examination administered by Department Faculty.
Thesis option: Students electing a thesis option will complete the 30 credit hours specified above, with one difference. Students who select the thesis option will complete a total six (6) credit hours of COMM 698 Thesis course in two semesters (three (3) credit hours of COMM 698 in each semester). The thesis option also will include an oral defense administered by thesis committee and Department Faculty in attendance.
Experiential Component
The Master of Arts does not require an experiential component. However, students may choose to do a practicum in a private business, community organization, or government agency that deals with communication. Students may complete the practicum in two ways. A student may turn current work or volunteer experience into a research project, or a student not previously affiliated with the practicum site may develop a project useful to the organization. In both cases, the student will work with a Communication Department faculty member to shape the project and will write a formal paper dealing with the project. Students who choose the practicum will be applying knowledge acquired in Communication coursework directly to area needs, thus serving the community and helping to build stronger university/community ties.