Communication Studies

Nature of the Program. The MA degree in Communication Studies provides students with advanced analytical, oral, and written communication skills applicable in today’s technological and information-based society.

Career Outlook. In today’s technological and information-based society, advanced degrees that educate and train individuals in analytical, oral, and written communication skills make graduates suitable for a variety of occupations.

Graduate degrees in Communication Studies are among the few degrees that blend the best attributes of a professional degree (training in specific areas and skills for particular vocations) with the best attributes of a liberal arts degree (ability to think critically, conceptualize new theories, and apply skills across a variety of occupational situations and challenges). This blend of intellectual skills is of great social and community consequence with respect to advocacy and social justice.

Admission. Admission to the program is competitive, based on an applicant’s undergraduate scholarly activities, research abilities, and professional experience. All applicants must submit the following:

Application. The application, application fee, transcripts, and official GRE scores (sent by ETS) should be sent to

Letters of recommendation, a résumé, personal statement, and writing sample must be sent to

The completed application and all supporting materials must be received before applicants are considered for admission. The suggested application deadline is the second Tuesday in April for fall semester.

Program Requirements. The degree consists of 36 semester hours of course work at the 500 level or above, including

Additional Requirements. COM 502, 505, and 506 must be completed with a grade of 3.00 or higher. In addition, the student must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher in all courses numbered 500 or above that appear on the transcript and all courses that appear on the program of study.

The determination of requirements for each student’s program of study is the mutual responsibility of the student and his or her advisor. Students are permitted to take comprehensive examinations only concurrent with, or subsequent to, completion of their 36th semester hour of course work. Students who choose to complete the thesis or applied project option are permitted to register for thesis or applied project semester hours only concurrent with, or subsequent to, completion of their 24th semester hour of course work.

Thesis or Applied Project. The thesis or applied professional project must demonstrate intellectual, academic, and/or professional growth and ability. The prospectus and thesis or applied project are supervised and approved by the student’s advisor and committee. An oral defense is required for the thesis or applied project.

Descriptions of current program options and requirements are available from the Department of Communication Studies office in the FAB S116-1.

Research Activity. Faculty in the Department of Communication Studies investigate the various ways in which communication shapes social contexts, constructs people’s realities, and constitutes human relationships. Collectively, the work explores the connection between communication and advocacy in diverse social settings. To achieve this aim, departmental scholars call upon rhetorical, philosophical, critical, cultural, postcolonial, feminist, and social scientific approaches to address issues related to justice and community. For more information, access the department’s Web site at www.west.asu.edu/chs/comm.