MA Program Description [pdf]
Location: On-campus
Duration: 2 years (attending full-time, taking 9 credits per semester)
Capstone Project: Thesis or Alternate Plan Paper
The MA programs offers students the flexibility to advance into a professional career or into a Ph.D. program. Most graduate students in our department seek this degree.
MS Program Despcription [pdf]
Location: On-campus or Online
Duration: 2 years (attending full-time, taking 9 credits per semester)
Capstone Project: Internship Paper
The MS degree is typically sought by students interested in gaining knowledge that can be directly applied to a specific career path. Usually, these students plan to seek a career in an industry upon graduate and do not want to continue with a Ph.D. program.
MFA Program Description [pdf]
Location: On-campus or Online* (*with special permission...please see below)
Duration: 3 years (attending full-time, taking 9 credits per semester)
Capstone Project: Thesis
The MFA is sought by students interested in the study of forensics. Forensics is an extracurricular program offered at many high schools and universities that specializes in training skills in argumentation, speaking, and debate. Students interested in the MFA typically want to pursue teaching/coaching positions in an academic environment or want to pursue professional careers that involve public speaking, training and development, or public service skills.
*Admission to the online MFA Program is contingent on approval from the Graduate Coordinator, Director of Forensics, and the Assistant Director of Forensics in the Department of Communication Studies.
Criteria used when granting admission:
1) Significant experience as a forensic competitor and/or coach, 2) Documented need to complete program online rather than on-campus,
3) Documentation the student can complete the practicum course (CMST 630) with a forensic program the Director of Forensics approves as providing the necessary experiential components, 4) Documentation of an “on-site supervisor” who can verify required hours for CMST 630, and
5) Number of students currently enrolled in the online MFA program.
GC-CE Program Description [pdf]
Location: Online
Duration: can be completed in 1 year, depending on course availability
Capstone Project: no capstone project is required
The 16-credit graduate certificate in Communication Education (GC-CE) is designed for individuals who hold a masters degree who are seeking to expand their training in order to teach communication courses at the community or techinical college level.
**Gainful Employment Program Information
GC-PC Program Description [pdf]
Location: Online
Duration: can be completed in 1 year, depending on course availability
Capstone Project: no capstone project is required
The 12-credit graduate certificate in Professional Communication (GC-PC) is designed for any professional seeking to improve his or her communication skills with additional graduate coursework.
