Communication Studies - Master of Arts
The department offers thesis, comprehensive exam, and applied project options in its Masters of Arts program. All options require a minimum of 36 credits, which includes not only Communication Studies courses but at least one course from outside the department. The thesis option requires at least 30 credits of coursework, 6 credits of thesis hours (COMM 599 Master's Thesis), and an oral defense of the thesis and coursework. The comprehensive exam option requires 36 credits of coursework, plus six hours of written examination, followed by an oral defense. The applied project option requires at least 30 credits of coursework, 6 credits of project hours (COMM 598 MA PROJECT) and an oral defense of the project and coursework. All options require a minimum of 30 credit hours of Communication Studies courses.
Select 15 credits from Communication Studies electives for the thesis option. Take 15 credits plus at least 3 credits from related disciplines for the comprehensive exam option. Two courses (6 credits) for courses that have numbers 450+ can be counted. For all options, a total of 36 credits is required.
An M.A. Tracking Form for thesis, comprehensive exam, and applied project options is found on the department website:
Graduate course rotation:
Fall
COMM 540 Seminar in Political communication
COMM 570 Seminar in Organizational Communication
COMM 583 Seminar in Theories of Communication
Spring
COMM 505 Research Methods/COMM 506 Qualitative Research Methods in Communication
COMM 576 Seminar on Communication and Culture
COMM 584 Seminar in Interpersonal Communication
Thesis Option:
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Requirements | ||
| COMM 505 | Research Methods | 3 |
| or COMM 506 | Qualitative Research Methods in Communication | |
| COMM 583 | Seminar in Theories of Communication | 3 |
| Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Seminar in Political communication | 3 | |
| Seminar in Organizational Communication | 3 | |
| Seminar on Communication and Culture | 3 | |
| Seminar in Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| Electives 1 | ||
| Select 9-12 credits of COMM Electives | 9-12 | |
| Select 3-6 credits must be from courses in Related Fields (outside of COMM courses and must be numbered 450+) | 3-6 | |
| Thesis | ||
| COMM 599 | Master's Thesis | 6 |
| Total Credits | 33-39 | |
| 1 | In order to graduate, students will need a total of 36 credits, of which 30 credits must be from COMM coursework. Please consult your advisor about your specific requirements and how to complete them in order to graduate. |
Comprehensive Exam Option:
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Requirements | ||
| COMM 505 | Research Methods | 3 |
| or COMM 506 | Qualitative Research Methods in Communication | |
| COMM 583 | Seminar in Theories of Communication | 3 |
| Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Seminar in Political communication | 3 | |
| Seminar in Organizational Communication | 3 | |
| Seminar on Communication and Culture | 3 | |
| Seminar in Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| Electives 1 | ||
| Select 15-18 credits from COMM Electives | 15-18 | |
| Select 3-6 credits must be from courses in Related Fields (outside of COMM courses and must be numbered 450+) | 3-6 | |
| Non-Thesis | ||
Select 3-6 credits from Additional Graduate COMM Electives. | ||
| Total Credits | 33-39 | |
| 1 | In order to graduate, students will need a total of 36 credits, of which 30 credits must be from COMM coursework. Please consult your advisor about your specific requirements and how to complete them in order to graduate. |
Applied Project Option:
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Requirements | ||
| COMM 505 | Research Methods | 3 |
| or COMM 506 | Qualitative Research Methods in Communication | |
| COMM 583 | Seminar in Theories of Communication | 3 |
| Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Seminar in Political communication | 3 | |
| Seminar in Organizational Communication | 3 | |
| Seminar on Communication and Culture | 3 | |
| Seminar in Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 9-12 credits from Electives in Related Fields, 3-6 credits from (graduate levels; numbered 450+). | 9-12 | |
| Select 3-6 credits must be from courses in Related Fields (outside of COMM courses and must be numbered 450+) | 3-6 | |
| Project Option | ||
| COMM 598 | MA PROJECT | 6 |
| Total Credits | 33-39 | |
| 1 | In order to graduate, students will need a total of 36 credits, of which 30 credits must be from COMM coursework. Please consult your advisor about your specific requirements and how to complete them in order to graduate. |
A GPA of 3.0 or better must be maintained overall and grades in each course must be a B or better.
Entrance Requirements for Graduate Study in Communication Studies
Students wishing to enroll in the Master program in Communication Studies must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a BA or BS degree, from an accredited institution of higher learning; Social Science disciplines are preferred
- Hold a minimum grade point average of 3.00
*The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test is not required for admission; however, existing GRE scores that are high will strengthen a candidate's application and are highly regarded in the awarding of Graduate Assistantships.
To apply for graduate study in our department, students must first apply to the NMSU Graduate School and must be prepared to include the following application materials:
- Official Transcripts
- A Letter of Intent, please include if you intend to apply for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship
- Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be academic in nature
- Current Vitae/Resume
- A sample of scholarly writing