Focus of Study

All students pursuing the MA in communication follow the same general program structure whether completing the degree with a concentration or specialization. Students complete three program core courses, two theory courses, one practicum course, two specialization or concentration courses, and three elective courses (or 9 credits), of which 3 credits may be thesis.

Students must choose from one area of specialization (strategic communication/public relations, health communication, or individualized communication studies) or the Concentration in Science Communication. Specific requirements are described below. Because it is a narrow specialized area, science communication is subject to the stricter requirements of a concentration.

Course Description

Students who wish to focus their graduate study in science communication complete the following requirements.

Three core courses (9 credits)

COMM 600 – Introduction to Graduate Studies

COMM 650 – Research Methodologies in Communication

COMM 798 – Communication Studies Project

Two theory courses (6 credits)

COMM 639 – Science Communication

COMM 642 – Science and the Public

One practicum course (3 credits)

COMM 641 – Advanced Communication Skills for STEM

One required course (3 credits)

COMM 640 – Controversies in Science Communication

or

COMM 644 – Analysis and Criticism of Science Journalism

Optional thesis (3 credits)

COMM 799 – Master’s Thesis

Students who do not choose to complete a thesis will take additional credits of elective courses.

Electives (9-12 credits)

– At least one science-related course (3 credits) outside the department. Course(s) must be chosen from graduate courses in science, social science or science policy for which students are qualified and which have been approved by the program director.

– The remaining courses in the concentration must be other graduate-level COMM courses, to include the optional thesis.

Total: 33 credits