Communication, M.A.

The Master’s in Communication at Governors State University through the College of Arts and Sciences  provides students with an applied theoretical education focusing on critical thinking, advanced writing, interpersonal skills and problem solving. Students gain an understanding of communication research and theory specifically in the areas of: critical cultural, interpersonal, organizational, strategic communication, and controversies and emerging fields.

Program Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of a MA in Communication students will:

1. Employ communication theories and concepts for constructing effective messages across multiple forms of media.
2. Cultivate techniques of effective message design as appropriate to audience, context, and purpose.Identify and exemplify ethical and professional communication practices that promote human relations.
3. Utilize communication to influence public discourse to respond to issues at the local, national, and/or global level.

Recommended Preparation

An undergraduate major in one of the following fields is recommended: communication, media studies, theatre, advertising and public relations, English, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, linguistics, business, education, or liberal arts. In addition, students are expected to have demonstrable competence in written, verbal, and visual forms of communication.

Special Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the university admissions requirements, applicants must:

1. Have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirements or who have graduated from non-grade baccalaureate programs may be conditionally admitted, and a GPA of 3.0 must be maintained for the first nine credit hours of work completed. If a 3.0 GPA is not maintained, the student must petition the Communication, Media, and Performance program for continued enrollment.
2. Submit a Cover Letter. In no more than two pages, students should discuss their reasons for enrolling in a communication, media and performance program, what they intend to study, faculty members they hope to study with, and how they see pursuing the degree as beneficial to their personal and/or professional life.
3. Provide an academic writing sample. In most cases, this will be a paper from an upper division undergraduate course in a related discipline.

Admission to the program happens twice a year. Applications for the program should be completed by August 1 for the fall term, or by December 1 for the spring term.

Admission to Candidacy

After enrollment as a degree-seeking student, a student also must earn candidacy prior to embarking on the Capstone requirement. Assessment of candidacy status is conducted annually in May. To qualify for degree candidacy, a student must complete 12 hours of course work in the program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, including earning a B or higher in COMM-6100.

More detailed candidacy information is available through the student’s advisor or the division office. 

Capstone Requirement: Internship, Thesis, or Project Options

As part of this degree program, students select between an exam, project or thesis option to fulfill their capstone requirement, depending on personal and professional goals. Before enrolling in any capstone option, students must be admitted to candidacy (see above), seek willingness from three faculty members to serve on their graduate committee, and receive committee approval on their capstone proposal. More detailed capstone information is available through the student’s advisor or the division office.  

In the comprehensive exam option (COMM 8950), students prepare by developing a comprehensive reading list based on completed coursework with the advice of their committee. The comprehensive exam then covers theory, method, and application of scholarship.

The project option (COMM 8980) is most appropriate for graduate students who plan to conclude their academic studies with the Master’s degree. Applied projects are endeavors applying academic research and/or creative activity to address a problem in the world.

In the thesis option (COMM 8990), students develop a thesis proposal, carry out a formal research study under the supervision of the graduate committee, and prepare a final manuscript. The thesis option is strongly encouraged for students who have focused research interests or who intend to pursue doctoral studies.