College of Arts and Humanities
Department of Speech Communication
230 Armstrong Hall
507-389-2213
Speech Communication offers programs leading to the Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, and the Master of Science degrees. Programs are available for all students who have a bachelor's degree. Students must complete graduate courses in communication theory and research methods and may design the remainder of their program with the approval of the Graduate Coordinator in Speech Communication.
In addition to completing the minimum requirements for the College of Graduate Studies and Research, students must also have a GPA of 2.75 or better in overall undergraduate studies and a 3.0 for the last two years of undergraduate work. In one packet, students should submit the following items: three letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to judge competence in speech communication scholarship (e.g., a writing sample demonstrating research, sound analysis, organization and evidence such as a term paper, convention paper, professional report): and a statement of personal, educational and professional goals.
The Graduate Coordinator examines applications and determines if requirements have been met. If an applicant does not meet the requirements, admission may be provisional. Probationary status will be provided for applicants with an undergraduate degree whose GPA is below admission standards under the following conditions: Acceptable performance on the GRE of 1200 OR acceptance of a student petition and contingency of adherence to contract terms formulated by graduate faculty. Completion of the contract requirements will result in a change to a regular admission status.
Students with a major in Speech Communication may repeat any course in the department in an effort to improve grades. A student may repeat a specific course only once. In exceptional circumstances, a student may appeal to the department chair for a second repeat of a course. The official grade for the course, listings on a student's transcript, and other matters related to course repeats will adhere to appropriate university policies.
(Thesis Plan 33 credits)
(Alternate Paper Plan 35 credits)
*required only of Graduate Teaching Assistants
Choose 5/600 level electives in consultation with an advisor
Choose any 5/600 level related elective in consultation with an advisor
Appropriate research tools such as ethnography, critical analysis, language, statistics or others may be required by the department. No P/N credit is acceptable in fulfilling major requirements except in the case of theses, practicums, internships, in-service courses and individual study, and then only by special permission of the department. Fifty percent (50 percent) of all coursework must be at the 600 level, not including thesis or alternate plan.
(Thesis Option - 48 credits)
The Master of Fine Arts Forensics degree is a terminal degree for forensic professionals. Students who wish to teach and direct forensics programs a the college level will find the MFA is appropriate, tenurable degree at many four-year institutions around the country. The degree additionally certifies intense study of the theory and practice of communicative public performance for those students whose career aspirations are outside of collegiate forensics and teaching. Those students will find the degree as appropriate training for careers as a communication consultant, a motivational speaker and a communication trainer.
* required only of Graduate Teaching Assistants
Choose 5/600 level electives in consultation with an advisor.
Choose any 5/600 level related electives in consultation with an advisor.
Appropriate research tools such as ethnography, critical analysis, language, statistics or others may be required by the department. No P/N credit is acceptable in fulfilling major requirements except in the case of thesis, practicums, internships, in-service courses and individual study, and then only by special permission of the department. Fifty percent (50 %) of all coursework must be at the 600 level, not including thesis or alternate plan.
(Project Option - 36 credits)
*required only of Teaching Assistants
Choose 5/600 level electives in consultation with an advisor
Choose any 5/600 level related elective courses
This program is designed to serve a number of functions. First, it will provide professional skills and knowledge (and certification) for professionals seeking to enhance their communication abilities. Second, it will serve as an entry-point for students who may at some later point seek a full graduate degree in Speech Communication. Third, community and technical college faculty seeking credentialing as communication faculty could use this program. Board policy 3.29 (and procedure 3.29.1) note that a minimum of 16 semester graduate credits is required in the field in which a faculty member seeks credentialing. This certificate program would provide faculty with 12 of the 16 required minimum credits in the communication field. This program will be designed to be offered online and face-to-face in the MSP metro area.
Required courses:
SPEE 601 Communication Research Methods (3)
SPEE 633 Communication for Professionals (3)
Plus 6 additional credits from the following:
SPEE 512 Organizational Communication (3)
SPEE 515 Topics in Rhetoric and Culture (3)
SPEE 545 Conflict Management (3)
SPEE 604 Communication Training and Development (3)
SPEE 503 (3) Gender and Communication
SPEE 504 (3) Teaching of Speech Communication
This course is designed to fulfill the Secondary Licensure requirement. The course covers teaching methods and materials needed to develop speech communication units for the secondary speech communication courses.
SPEE 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.
SPEE 512 (3) Organizational Communication
This course is designed to develop an understanding of speech communication 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.
SPEE 513 (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.
SPEE 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.
SPEE 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.
SPEE 530 (3) Directing Forensic Activity
Methods and techniques in the development of competitive speech programs.
SPEE 540 (1-3) Special Topics
A course designed for students who have a general interest in speech communication. Content of each special topics course will be different. May be retaken for credit.
SPEE 545 (3) Conflict Management
SPEE 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.
SPEE 601 (3) Communication Research Methods
Graduate students will gain a basic understanding of the research process as it applies to the field of communication. Research designs, methods, and data analysis procedures will be explored. Students will research, prepare, and write a research document.
SPEE 602 (3) Communication Pedagogy
Required of all graduate students in the Department of Speech Communication. Surveys traditional pedagogical theories as well as critical pedagogical theories as they pertain to teaching communication courses.
SPEE 603 (0) Strategies: Basic
Open only to teaching assistants of basic course in Speech Communication. Covers course design, course evaluation, methodologies for skill development, and related topics.
SPEE 604 (3) Communication Training and Development
This course focuses on preparing professional trainers and developers in communication teaching, training and development.
SPEE 620 (3) Modern Rhetorical Criticism
This course includes the skills in the analysis, application, and evaluation of argumentative communication.
SPEE 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.
SPEE 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.
SPEE 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.
SPEE 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.
SPEE 677 (1-6) Individual Study
Advanced independent study.
SPEE 690 (1-4) Workshop
Topics vary as announced in class schedules.
SPEE 694 (1-2) Alternate Plan Paper
Review and interpretation of a body of research.
SPEE 697 (1-12) Internship
Provides first-hand experience in applying communication theories in the workplace under the direction of an on-site supervisor.
SPEE 699 (3-6) Thesis
Original research which meets accepted research standards.
