Communication

Graduate Programs

Description

Communication Studies (CMST) prepares students with skills and competencies of ethical and effective communicators to excel in personal, professional, and public lives. Our curriculum cultivates career-ready practices and strengths, including critical thinking and problem solving, research and presentational skills, leadership and teamwork, digital literacy, and global and intercultural awareness. 

Mass Communication (MASS) fosters the public good by advancing socially responsible communication through education, research and service. The focus is on preparing students for careers as ethical and responsible public communicators, innovative creators of media texts, and competent professionals in the fields of news, public relations, and other media-related occupations. 

Majors

Program Locations Total Credits
Communication and Composition MS MS - Master of Science
  • Online
37
Communication Studies MA MA - Master of Arts
  • Mankato
33
Communication Studies MS MS - Master of Science
  • Mankato
  • Online
36
Cross Disciplinary Studies MS MS - Master of Science
  • Online
37
Forensics Communication MFA MFA - Master of Fine Arts
  • Mankato
  • Online
48

Certificates

Program Locations Total Credits
Communication Education GC
  • Online
18
Professional Communication GC
  • Online
18

Policies & Faculty

Policies

Admission

The complete admission process is detailed at www.mnsu.edu/cmst/programs/gradapplication.html

In addition to completing the minimum requirements for the College of Graduate Studies and Research, students must have a GPA of 3.0 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 in Communication Studies examines applications and determines if requirements have been met. If an applicant does not meet the requirements, admission may be provisional. Probationary status may be provided for applicants with an undergraduate degree whose GPA is below admission standards under the following conditions: Acceptable performance on the GRE and/or acceptance of a student petition and contingency of adherence to contract terms formulated by graduate faculty.

Credit Limits

A maximum of six (6) graduate credits from "Speech-Debate" courses may be applied toward satisfactory completion of the Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Fine Arts-Forensics in Communication Studies. The limit may be waived with consent of a student’s graduate advisor.

A maximum of three (3) credits from CMST 677-Individual Study may be applied toward completion of the Master of Science in Communication Studies. The limit may be waived with consent of the graduate advisor.

A maximum of six (6) combined credits from CMST 677-Individual Study and/or CMST 697-Internship (i.e., 3 cr. 677 + 3 cr. 697; 6 cr. 677; 6 cr. 697) may be applied toward completion of the Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts in Communication Studies. The limit may be waived with consent of the graduate advisor.

Internship Credit Requirements (CMST 697)

In compliance with federal curricular policy, standard expectations are 45 hours of on-site internship experience for each credit hour earned.

Cross-Disciplinary Studies Capstone Options

Students who plan to complete a Cross-Disciplinary Studies capstone in Communication Studies will be limited to either an Alternate Plan Paper (APP), Internship, or Portfolio.

Admission to Cross-Disciplinary Studies

Admission to the Cross-Disciplinary Studies MS is based on successful admission to the two 18-credit graduate certificates which form the primary content for the degree. When one has been admitted to both graduate certificates, admission to the MS is approved upon formal application.

Capstone Course: A 1-credit capstone course is required to complete the degree. The capstone options and composition of a student's capstone committee is determine by the policy and procedures of the discipline in which the capstone is selected. 

Contact Information

Communication Studies: 230 Armstrong Hall

Mass Communication: 136 Nelson Hall

Communication Studies (507) 389-2213
Mass Communication (507) 389-6417
http://www.mnsu.edu/cmst/
http://www.mnsu.edu/masscom

Faculty

Chair Communication Studies
  • Sachi Sekimoto, Ph.D.
Chair Mass Media
  • Amy Lauters, Ph.D.
Faculty

500 Level

Credits: 3

.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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 performance as a means to understand theoretical concepts.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within relationship communication. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

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.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This is a special interest course devoted to the development of students¿ understanding of the strategies and practices of communication in cultural contexts. The course is an experiential course involving travel, typically outside the United States.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

The course fulfills secondary licensure requirements for Communication Arts and Literature. First, the course covers teaching methods and materials needed to develop units for communication courses in grades 5-12. Second, the course covers methods and techniques in the development of competitive speech programs in grades 5-12.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Course is designed to give students a theoretical understanding of competitive speech and debate.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

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.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Course reserved for graduate students taking online NFL modules.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This course is designed to provide graduate students in Communication Studies with the theoretical foundations necessary to both participate in and critique arguments. Students will engage contemporary theories of argumentation and apply those theories in discussion and debate.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within health communication. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Prerequisites: none

600 Level

Credits: 3

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.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Required for all graduate students in the Department of Communication Studies. Surveys traditional pedagogoical theories as well as critical pedagagical theories as they pertain to teaching communication courses.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 0

Open only to teaching assistants of basic course in Communication Studies. Covers course design, course evaluation, methodologies for skill development, and related topics.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This course will focus on preparing professional trainers and developers in communication teaching, training and development.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Course is designed to prepare students for online communication best practices. The course focuses on the unique components and qualities to prepare for communication studies courses in an online environment including discussions and chats, online public presentations, online small groups, and other online forms of communication.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This course explores theories, concepts, and issues relevant to understanding communication in culturally diverse contexts. Course instructors will use specific topics and case studies to examine and understand the intersections of culture and communication. The emphasis will be placed on developing critical literacy to engage complex issues in an increasingly global world.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This course introduces graduate study in the varied fields of mediated communication. It uses a theory-driven, case-study approach to introduce common theoretical approaches to media study and professional practice.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This course is designed to provide graduate students in Communication Studies with knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate qualitative research as it appears in scholarly writing and to perform qualitative research in the academic or organizational context with the rigor appropriate to that context.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

his course is designed to provide graduate students in Communication Studies with knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate quantitative research as it appears in scholarly writing and to perform quantitative research in the academic or organizational context with the rigor appropriate to that context.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This course includes the skills in the analysis, application, and evaluation of argumentative communication.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This course is designed to help prepare students for their professional roles as directors or assistant directors of collegiate or high school forensics programs.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

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.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 0

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.

Prerequisites: CMST 611 or 612

Credits: 0

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.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Theory and practice of social media in professional settings. Includes strategies for content development, network analysis, and analytics.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-6

Advanced independent study.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-4

.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within mass media theory and practice. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Review and interpretation of a body of research.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-6

Provides first-hand experience in applying communication theories in the workplace under the direction of an on-site supervisor.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-6

Original research which meets accepted research standards.

Prerequisites: none