Graduate Courses

We offer many course topics throughout the academic year and will rotate in special topics courses as faculty are available to teach them.  Below is a listing of the offered courses with brief descriptions.  

Please maintain contact with your advisor when planning your coursework, as course schedules may fluctuate throughout the year.

Course Descriptions

CMST 503 (3) Gender and Communication
This course is designed to develop an understanding of how gender and communication interact. Students learn the basic theories and principles of communication as it applies to gender and develop skills to enhance communication between and among gender groups.

CMST 505 (3) Methods:  Speech and Forensics
This course fulfills secondary licensure requirements for Communication Arts and Literature. The course covers teaching methods and materials needed to develop units for speech communication courses; and methods and techniques in the development of competitive speech programs in grades 5-12.

CMST 509 (3) Performance Studies
This course is an overview of key performance studies concepts, including cultural performance, performance of everyday life, theories of play, social influence, and identity performance. Students will develop and present performances as a means to understand theoretical concepts.

CMST 512 (3) Organizational Communication
This course is designed to develop an understanding of Communication Studies in the organizational context. The course will aid each individual in working more effectively within any type of organization through exposure to major theories and works in the area of organizational communication.

CMST 515 (3) Topics in Rhetoric and Culture
Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within the intersecting fields of rhetoric and culture. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

CMST 516 (3) Topics in American Public Address
Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within the field of American Public Address. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

CMST 535 (3) Forensics Pedagogy
Course is designed to give students a theoretical understanding of competitive speech and debate.

CMST 540 (1-3) Special Topics
A course designed for students who have a general interest in Communication Studies. Content of each special topics course will be different. May be retaken for credit.

CMST 545 (3) Conflict Management
This theory and research-oriented course examines the relationship between communication and conflict, and is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in dealing with conflict situations.

CMST 550 (3) (1-3) NFL- Pedagogy
Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

CMST 551 (1-3) NFL-Introduction to Debate
Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

CMST 552 (1-3) NFL-Advanced Debate
Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

CMST 553 (1-3) NFL-Basics in Forensics
Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

CMST 554 (1-3) NFL-Introduction to Interpretation
Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

CMST 555 (1-3) NFL-Advanced Interpretation
Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

CMST 556 (1-3) NFL-Introduction to Argumentation
Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

CMST 557 (1-3) NFL-Advanced Argumentation
Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

CMST 600 (3) Seminar in Communication Theory
An introduction to the communication field focusing on theory construction and the function of communication theory/models in the human experience. Contemporary theories of communication will be reviewed.

CMST 601 (3) Communication Research Methods
Graduate students will gain a basic understanding of the Social Science research process as it applies to the field of communication. Quantitative and qualitative research designs, methods, and data analysis procedures will be reviewed. Students will research and prepare a research proposal document.

CMST 602 (3) Communication Pedagogy
Required of all graduate students in the Department of Communication Studies. Surveys traditional pedagogical theories as well as critical pedagogical theories as they pertain to teaching communication courses.

CMST 603 (0) Stategies: Basic
Open only to teaching assistants of basic course in Communication Studies. Covers course design, course evaluation, methodologies for skill development, and related topics.

CMST 604 (3) Communication Training and Development
This course focuses on preparing professional trainers and developers in communication teaching, training and development.

CMST 605 (3) Teaching Communication Studies Online
Course is designed to prepare students to teach communication courses online.  The course is not intended to teach communication pedagogy, but rather to teach how to prepare units, modules, and courses for an online environment.  

CMST 613 (3) Advanced Intercultural Communication
This course explores the reasons we have difficulty communicating with people from other cultures, why misunderstandings occur, and how to build clearer and more productive cross-cultural relationships.

CMST 620 (3) Modern Rhetorical Criticism
This course includes the skills in the analysis, application, and evaluation of argumentative communication.

CMST 621 (3) Advanced Interpersonal Communication
This course explores and critically examines interpersonal communication theory development, current research and leading theoretical perspectives, and potential applications in contemporary interpersonal communication contexts and relationships.

CMST 630 (3) Forensics Practicum
This course is designed to help prepare students for their professional roles as directors or assistant directors of collegiate or high school forensics programs.

CMST 633 (3) Communication for Professionals
This course is designed to enhance the communication skills of professionals. Students will learn theory and techniques of presentation for academic conferences, professional meetings, business and industry presentations, interviews, and group meetings. The use of technology in professional communication will be highlighted.

CMST 640 (1-3) Special Topics
This course provides both graduate students and faculty the opportunity to work together with a specific theme that is timely and relevant to the field. May be repeated for credit.

CMST 650 (0) Capstone Prospectus
Capstone Prospectus requires a student seeking an MA, MS, or MFA to complete a research proposal. The student defends the prospectus before their committee. See advisor for specifics.

CMST 651 (0) Comprehensive Exams
The course requires a graduate student seeking an MFA to successfully pass comprehensive exams. The student is required to enroll and take the exams at least one semester before graduation. See advisor for specifics on the comprehensive exam.

CMST 677 (1-6) Individual Study
Advanced independent study.

CMST 690 (1-4) Workshop
Topics vary as announced in class schedules.

CMST 694 (1-2) Alternate Plan Paper
Review and interpretation of a body of research.

CMST 697 (1-12) Internship
Provides first-hand experience in applying communication theories in the workplace under the direction of an on-site supervisor.

CMST 699 (3-6) Thesis
Original research which meets accepted research standards.