Communication Studies (MA)

Summary

The MA offers students the flexibility to advance into a professional career or a Ph.D. program. 

Catalog Year

2022-2023

Degree

Master of Arts

Major Credits

33

Total Credits

33

Locations

Mankato

Program Requirements

Common Core

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

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

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

Research/Methods Course(s)

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

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

Restricted Electives

Specialization in Communication - Choose 6 Credit(s).

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

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

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

Prerequisites: none

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

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

Cross-Disciplinary Connections - A total of 9 credits must be completed in Cross-Disciplinary Connections.

Communication Connections - Choose 3 - 6 Credit(s).

Prerequisites: none

Companion Connections - Choose 3 - 6 Credit(s). Courses outside Communication Studies

Capstone Course

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

Original research which meets accepted research standards.

Prerequisites: none

Degree Plan

The Degree Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual degree plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 9 Credits

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

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Research/Methods Course * 3 credits

Spring - 9 Credits

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

Research/Methods Course * 3 credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Second Year

Fall - 9 Credits

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

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Spring - 6 Credits

Original research which meets accepted research standards.

Prerequisites: none