The 36-credit program is distributed over two groups of courses:
Prescribed Courses – 21-24 Credits
Take a minimum of 9-12 credits from the following:
COMMS 500 Seminar in Communications and Cultural Theory (3 cr.)
COMMS 503 Research Methods in Communications (3 cr.)
COMMS 580 Master’s Project in Communications (3-6 cr.)
COMMS 600 or 610 Thesis Research (6 cr.)
[COMMS 500 and COMMS 503 to be taken within the first 12 credits after enrollment in the program. Students elect EITHER COMMS 580 or COMMS 600. A minimum of 12 credits in prescribed courses are required if selecting the thesis option, COMMS 600]
Choose 6 credits from ONE of the following:
COMMS 525 Advanced Writers’ Seminar (3-9 cr.)
COMMS 568 Media Production Workshop (3-9 cr.)
Choose 6 credits from the following:
COMMS 519 Communications Technology and Culture in History (3 cr.)
COMMS 555 Media Discourse Analysis (3 cr.)
COMMS 560 Seminar in Global Culture and Communications (3 cr.)
Additional Courses – 15 Credits
Take 15 credits in additional courses at the 400- and 500-levels, which can come from either Communications or other fields, including:
American Studies, Business Administration, Community Psychology and Social Change, Criminal Justice, Education, Health Administration, Health Education, Humanities, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Public Administration, Training and Development.
The following 400- and 500-level Communications courses are approved selections:
COMM 414 MEDIA MANAGEMENT (3) Theoretical bases and practical approaches for management and administration of communications projects, organizations, and resources.
COMM 415 ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY (3) Advanced applications in documentary photography emphasizing the narrative qualities of imagery, and utilizing digital technologies.
COMM 421W ADVERTISING CREATIVE STRATEGIES (3) Planning, designing, writing advertisements; introduction to graphics and production techniques and processes; layout and copywriting practice and critiques.
COMM 430 MASS MEDIA AND POLITICS (3) Study of mass media as institutions and the effects of the mass media on politics, public policy, and citizens.
COMM 441 ADVANCED GRAPHIC DESIGN ( 3) Theory and practice designing graphic visual communication in commercial, non- commercial, and fine art formats for print and on-line media.
COMM 456 MEDIA CRITICISM AND THEORY (3) Critical and theoretical approaches to the analysis of media and communication.
COMM 457 MEDIA AUDIENCES AND CONTEXTS (3) Survey of the ways media attempt to influence audience reception and how audiences hold sway over media content.
COMM 458 MEDIA LAW AND ETHICS ( 3) The study and practice of key issues in media law and ethics, including libel law, conflict of interest, truth in advertising.
COMM 459 CULTURAL EFFECTS OF INTERACTIVE AND ONLINE MEDIA (3) Study of the global social impact and rhetorical limitations of converging media, emphasizing cross-cultural media influences.
COMM 462 FEATURE WRITING (3) Reporting and writing the human interest article for newspapers and magazines.
COMM 471 PUBLIC RELATIONS MEDIA AND METHODS ( 3) Analyzing media and audiences for public relations purposes; planning, designing, and writing public relations communications; press relations and publicity methods.
COMM 474 DEPTH REPORTING (3) Exploration of strategies for developing indepth newspaper or magazine articles, with an emphasis on gathering information and long-form writing.
COMM 482 ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOP (4) Conceptualization, planning, and execution of a visual product on a selected topic utilizing an intensive group project-oriented laboratory approach.
COMM 488 WRITERS' SEMINAR (3 per semester, maximum of 9) Workshop designed for advanced students interested in professional writing, involving extensive mutual and self-criticism.
COMM 594 RESEARCH TOPICS (1 -15) Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.
COMM 595 INTERNSHIP (1 -18) Supervised off-campus, non-group instruction, including field experiences, practicums, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required.
COMM 596 INDIVIDUAL STUDIES (1 - 9) Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
COMM 597 SPECIAL TOPICS (1 - 9)
NOTE: The following 400-level Communications courses may not be taken to fulfill the requirements of this degree: COMM 495, COMM 495A, COMM 496 and COMM 497.
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