The Master of Arts Program in Communication is designed to meet the needs of students who will pursue professional employment and those who will continue graduate education upon completion of the degree. In program terms, the former group will be referred to as terminal degree students, and the latter group will be referred to as pre-doctoral students.

Course requirements are identical for all students in the program. Each completion option requires completion of 12 graduate credit hours beyond coursework. Options for completion of the degree vary according to the students' post-degree intentions. Terminal degree students will complete a professional residency experience and produce a final writing product called a residency portfolio.  Pre-doctoral students will complete an M.A. Thesis. The program is designed to be completed in two academic years.

Here is a sample course schedule that includes both required courses and elective options:

SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR YEAR 1

Autumn Quarter                 Organizational Cultures

                                          Empirical Communication Research Methods

                                          Advanced Communication Theory

                                          Intro to Graduate Studies in Communication

Winter Quarter                   Seminar in Mass Communication

                                          Rhetorical Communication Research Methods

                                          Advanced Interpersonal Communication Theory

Spring Quarter                    Persuasion Theory

                                          Advanced Rhetorical Theory

                                          Seminar in Organizational Communication

SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR YEAR 2

                             Terminal                                 Pre-Doctoral

Autumn Quarter    Advanced Communication        Advanced Communication

                             Seminar (rotating topics)          Seminar (rotating topics)

                             2 courses outside department   2 courses outside department

Winter Quarter     Advanced Communication         Seminar (rotating topics) 

                                                                             1 course outside department

                            OR Residency Practicum           Thesis (6 credits)

                            (12 credits)

Spring Quarter     Advanced Communication         Advanced Communication    

                           Seminar (rotating topics)             Seminar (rotating topics)

                                                                             1 course outside department

                           OR Residency Practicum            Thesis (6 credits)

                           (12 credits)