Communication Arts

Communication Arts Graduate
Program of Study

Requirements for a Master of Arts in Communication Arts: The Master of Communication Arts degree requires a minimum of 36 hours of graduate study, which includes 18-21 hours of Communication Arts core courses.

Core Requirements (18-21 semester hours)

Core requirements should be taken in sequential order with the COMM 63CS1 or the COMM 63TR requirement taken at the completion of course work.  This sequence ensures students will master the theoretical skills necessary for a progression of knowledge in the field. 

Course Descriptions (COMM)

(COMM 6311, 6312, 6315, 6318 and 6319 may be repeated for credit as topics vary)

630l—Communication Theory: Introduction to the theories of mass communication. Should be taken in the first semester offered. Pre-requisite: COMM 6308

6302—Media Ethics:This course focuses on media accountability, media problems and changing roles of the media. The relationship between the media and various societal groups, i.e., family, government, community, women, and minorities will be examined. Pre-requisite: COMM 6308

6303—Principles of Writing for the Media: Examination of writing principles, approach, and practice for print and broadcast media. Survey of techniques and samples.

6304—Aesthetics of Visual Perception: Class will explore the fundamentals of sensory perception of sight and sound as they relate to the arts of media communication.  Principles of motion, color, light, space, and sound. Focuses on successful integration and application of these elements.

6308—Research and Writing Techniques: Course is writing-intensive, focusing on both informative and persuasive writing modes. It will emphasize essay composition and revision, the philosophy of scholarship, and qualitative and quantitative research methods.

6309—Communication Research Methods: This class is an introduction to the techniques and principles of communication research. Prerequisite COMM 6301, COMM 6302, COMM 6308.

6311—Media Production: Various topics examining principles and techniques of media production. Topics include video production, radio production, multimedia, producing and directing, audio production, digital imaging, graphic design and layout. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

6312—Applied Media Writing: Various topics in theory and practice of writing for the media. To include topics such as script writing, news writing, literary journalism. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

6315—Seminar in Film Studies: Various topics examining film and its role in society. To include topics such as film genres, film history, American cinematographers, images of women in film. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

6317—Communications, Technology, and Culture: Class will investigate new technologies and explore the ramification of the use of these technologies and their impact on current culture. It will help students to reflectively and critically explore the new forms of communication; their effects on the media, business, education, and government industries; and the corresponding societal issues. The class will encourage students to reinterpret these issues within a scholarly framework by examining current new media research. Prerequisite COMM 6301.

6318—Seminar in Mass Communication: Examination of contemporary issues in mass communication. Topics include public opinion, media sociology, journalism, media law, media framing, and critical analysis of advertising, public relations and public address. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

6319—Seminar in International Communication: Various topics examining international issues in communication.  Topics include international journalism, development communication, and world cinema. May also include study abroad.

6345—Practicum in Specialized Area of Study: Course provides experience and training in the communications field with a designated company or an accomplished professional. Practicum requires a minimum of set hours on-the-job experience per week and a comprehensive report evaluating the practicum experience at the end of the semester.  Prequisite: eighteen hours of graduate credit and permission of graduate advisor and internship advisor.

6398—Directed Studies in Communication Arts: Opportunity for advanced graduate students to engage in specialized tutorial study with specific faculty. Prerequisite: permission of graduate advisor and specified faculty.

63CS1 - Communication Capstone: Final class, which culminates with a choice of a project or written thesis that integrates various skills and theories of the Communication Arts degree into one final capstone product. .  Must have 27 hours of graduate work completed in Communication Arts. Prerequisite COMM 6301, COMM 6302, COMM 6308, and COMM 6309.

63TP - Thesis Proposal: Written thesis proposal to be completed at the end of program.  Must have 27 hours of graduate work completed in Communication Arts.  Taken as an independent study. Prerequisite COMM 6301, COMM 6302 , COMM 6308, and COMM 6309.

63TR -  Thesis Research:  Completion of thesis in final semester.  Pre-requisite COMM 63TP.