Description and Mission
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication at UCCS offers students the opportunity to engage in advanced study and develop graduate-level expertise for addressing complex communication problems in modern organizations and social systems. This program prepares graduates for careers in the profit and non-profit sectors, as well as in academia. Given the extent to which communication is ubiquitous, the mission of our graduate program is to help students develop an array of scholarly, personal, and professional communication skills suitable to a variety of contexts. Students are encouraged to develop expertise in Professional (Organizational) Communication, Media Studies, or advanced studies with an emphasis on their own area of interest. With any of these three foci, students learn to connect communication knowledge, theory, and research capacities to real-world situations. In addition, our program seeks to instill in students a passion for intellectual and theoretical discovery that transcends career objectives and course expectations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, all of our students will demonstrate these competencies:
- Broad-based and advanced knowledge and understanding of Communication Processes and Theories related to Professional (Organizational) Communication, Media Studies, and/or the student’s personal area of interest.
- Well-developed communication skills, including critical thinking and analysis, speaking, and writing, which prepare for success in the workplace or further graduate studies, including a doctoral program.
- An awareness and motivation to use communication knowledge and skills with sensitivity to critical issues such as ethics and inclusiveness in a diverse and technologically-mediated global environment and society.
- Proficiency in designing and conducting an original communication research study or a research-based training in their chosen area of interest.
Overview of MA in Communication, Dr. Morreale
A Personalized Program of Graduate Study
In consultation with graduate faculty, graduate students develop a personalized program of study to foster their own learning objectives and career goals. They are required to complete a set of core courses; and electives are recommended for the Professional (Organizational) Communication or Media Studies foci. Thesis and Non-Thesis options are available.
- Plan I (Thesis). This plan requires a minimum of 33 hours of course work, of which 12 hours are four of the core courses (does not include COMM 6050 - Communication Graduate Capstone Experience) and six hours are Thesis credit.
- Plan II (Non-thesis). This plan requires a minimum of 33 hours of course work, of which 15 hours are the core courses. With both plans, no more than six hours of graduate course work may be transferred from other universities to fulfill the degree requirements for the M.A. in Communication. With both plans, only three credits of COMM 9500 - Independent Study in Communication - Graduate and three credits of COMM 6020 Communication Research Practicum may be applied to the degree requirements as electives
With both plans, no more than six hours of graduate course work may be transferred from other universities to fulfill the degree requirements for the M.A. in Communication. With both plans, only three credits of COMM 9500 - Independent Study in Communication - Graduate and three credits of COMM 6020 Communication Research Practicum may be applied to the degree requirements as electives.
Coursework Requirements
Plan I (THESIS - minimum of 33 hours credit)
Note: Students accepted by graduate faculty for Plan I are not required to complete a Comprehensive Examination.
- Four Core Required Courses (12 Credits)
- Minimum of Four Graduate Elective Courses in Communication (12 Credits)
- One Graduate Level Course From Outside the Department (3 Credits)
- Six Hours of Thesis Credit (6 Credits)
Plan II (NON-THESIS - minimum of 33 hours credit)
Note: Students in Plan II complete a Comprehensive Examination in COMM 6050 - Communication Graduate Capstone Experience course on three content areas chosen by the student.
- Five Core Required Courses (15 Credits)
- Five Graduate Elective Courses in Communication (15 Credits)
- One Graduate Level Course From Outside the Department (3 Credits)
Core Course Requirements (Offered once each year as indicated)
- COMM 5010: Introduction to Graduate Studies: the Communication Discipline and Theories (Fall)
- COMM 5020: Quantitative Research Methods (Fall)
- COMM 6030: Statistical Data Analysis (Fall)
- COMM 6040: Qualitative Research Methods (Spring, Online)
- COMM 6050: Communication Graduate Capstone Experience (Spring)
- NOTE: COMM 6050 is not required with Plan I Thesis Option
General Elective Course Offerings
- COMM 5050: Public Relations and Social Media
- COMM 5100: Advanced Public Speaking
- COMM 5150: Communication, Teaching, and Learning
- COMM 5240: Seminar in Organizational Communication
- COMM 5290: Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
- COMM 5330: Gender and Leadership
- COMM 5690: Problems in Radio-TV and Film
- COMM 5950: Seminar in Leadership and Organizational Change
- COMM 5990: Diversity and Global Issues in Contemporary Organizations
- COMM 6010: Privilege and Oppression in Popular Culture
- COMM 6020: Communication Research Practicum (Instructor approval required)
- COMM 6090: Emerging Communication Technologies
- COMM 6100: Communication Competency: Theory, Assessment and Pedagogy
- COMM 6140: Media Effects
- COMM 6160: Communication, Training and Development
- COMM 6250: Problems in Communication (Topics vary by semester)
- COMM 6350: Critical Analysis of Popular Culture
- COMM 9500: Independent Study in Communication - Graduate Level (Instructor approval required)
Recommended Electives for Media Studies
- COMM 6350: Critical Analysis of Popular Culture (Recommended In First Year of Program)
- COMM 6010: Privilege and Oppression in Popular Culture
- COMM 6090: Emerging Communication Technologies
- COMM 6140: Media Effects
- COMM 6250: Problems in Communication (Creative Media Focus)
Recommended Electives for Professional (Organizational) Communication
- COMM 5100: Advanced Public Speaking
- COMM 5240: Seminar in Organizational Communication
- COMM 5950: Seminar in Leadership and Organizational Change
- COMM 5990: Multicultural Diversity and Workplace Communication
- COMM 6090: Emerging Communication Technologies
Recommended Two Year Schedule of Courses - Non-Thesis Option
Fall
- COMM 5010: Introduction to Graduate Studies: the Communication Discipline and Theories
- COMM 5020: Quantitative Research Methods
Spring
- COMM 6040: Qualitative Research Methods (Online)
- (1) Elective
Interim
- (1) Elective
Summer
- Out of Department Course
- (1) Elective
Fall
- COMM 6030: Statistical Data Analysis
- (1) Elective
Spring
- COMM 6050: Communication Graduate Capstone Experience
- (1) Elective