Master of Arts in Communication - Media and Public Relations

The Department of Communication offers graduate-level instruction leading toward the Master of Arts degree. This program combines training in communication theory, methodology and practice. It is intended for students who want to develop the knowledge and skills to solve work-related communication problems and for those who intend to enter doctoral programs.ConcentrationsThe Master of Arts program includes three concentrations of study:Communication EducationCommunication StudiesMedia and Public RelationsYour MA degree in Communication requires 32 units. At least 28 units must be 200 level graduate courses, and not more than 4 units can be from a 100 level course.International students may be required to take additional courses as part of their program of study, especially if their preparation for starting or completing the MA degree requires extra coursework. Additional coursework can be stipulated at any time given an international student’s progress in the program.Thesis, Non-Traditional Thesis and No-Thesis OptionsM.A. candidates in Communication with thesis and non-traditional thesis options must enroll in 4 units of thesis or non-traditional thesis option. The grade for a thesis or non-traditional is given on a PassNo Credit basis.M.A. candidates in Communication with No-Thesis option must take one additional career oriented seminar.The thesis or non-traditional thesis proposal must be approved by a student-selected committee of three faculty members before the student can begin work for the thesis or non-traditional thesis project. Students also ask one committee member to serve as chair of their thesis or non-traditional thesis director. (The department has prepared a document for helping graduate students prepare their thesis or non-traditional thesis proposal.)