University General Course Catalog 2020-2021 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2020-2021 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Communication Studies, M.A.


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The M.A. Program in Communication Studies focuses on communication and social justice, and prepares students to create responsible communication to achieve greater equity and inclusion in interpersonal relationships, workplaces, and society. 

The curriculum prepares students for careers in academia or for careers as socially conscious workers in non- or for-profit organizations. Students will leave with expertise in Communication Studies, and also with expertise in social justice theories and techniques for effective advocacy, just policy development, and ethical interpersonal interactions.

Contact Information


Amy Pason, Graduate Program Director
apason@unr.edu
(775) 682-8349
 
Department of Communication Studies 
(775) 784-3689

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes


  1. Students will be able to identify theories, concepts, and figures in the communication studies discipline and how the study of communication is applied to academic and non-academic settings with emphasis on social justice.
  2. Students will be able to explain different communication contexts and situations as well as appropriate communication strategies to understand difference and analyze power.
  3. Students will be able to integrate and synthesize theory and research from across disciplines in order to make ethical social justice interventions.
  4. Students will be able to apply systematic inquiry and research methods specific to communication studies in developing and answering questions related to social justice and related communication topics.
  5. Students will be able to examine their own communication preferences and biases and demonstrate reflexivity in order to engage in ethically-based communication.

Admission Requirements


Students wishing to apply to the Master of Arts degree program should submit the following required materials:

  • GRE Scores
  • Letter of application/Statement of Purpose
  • Contact information for three references (references may be contacted for additional information)
  • Additional documents as required by the Graduate School
Application deadlines:

For Fall, apply by January 15th.

I. Program Requirements


Students pursuing the Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies can opt for Plan A (thesis plan) or Plan B (non-thesis plan).

A. Required Courses


C. Outside Electives


Please see Department of Communication Studies Graduate Director for approved outside electives.

Note(s):


  • Students with teaching assistantships need to take COM 705 .
  • 18 units must be COM courses.
  • A maximum of 12 units can be transferred into the degree program through Graduate Special Status or transfer credit.
  • At least 18 of the 32 units must be at the 700-level.
  • All graduate courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better in order to satisfy graduate program requirements. Grades of a “C-” or below are considered failing grades in graduate school and will not count in a student’s program of study.

II. Total Units (32 units)


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