University General Course Catalog 2020-2021

Nov 25, 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University General Course Catalog 2020-2021 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE.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
a pason@unr.edu
(775) 682-8349

Department of Communication Studies
(775) 784-3689

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

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.
Students will be able to explain different communication contexts and situations as well as appropriate communication strategies to understand difference and analyze power.
Students will be able to integrate and synthesize theory and research from across disciplines in order to make ethical social justice interventions.
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.
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

COM 701 - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication (3 units)
COM 760 - Seminar: Communication Theory (3 units)
One approved Research Methods Course within or external to department (3 units)
Plan A (thesis) students additionally require at least 6 units in:
COM 797 - Thesis (1 to 6 units)
Plan B (non-thesis) students additionally require 3 units in:
COM 795 - Comprehensive Examination (1 to 3 units)

B. COM Electives

COM 604 - Principles of Persuasion (3 units)
COM 607 - Gender and Communication (3 units)
COM 612 - Intercultural Communication (3 units)
COM 622 - Difference and Communication (3 units)
COM 634 - Communication and Conflict Resolution (3 units)
COM 641 - Rhetoric of Dissent (3 units)
COM 654 - Alternate Dispute Resolution (3 units)
COM 664 - Leadership: A Communication Perspective (3 units)
COM 668 - Facilitating Difficult Discussions (3 units)
COM 690 - Special Topics in Communication (3 units)
COM 705 - Critical Communication Pedagogy (3 units)
COM 720 - Seminar: Interpersonal Communication (3 units)
COM 730 - Seminar: Organizational Communication (3 units)
COM 740 - Rhetorical Criticism (3 units)
COM 790 - Seminar: Special Topics in Communication (3 units)
COM 793 - Independent Study (1 to 3 units)

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.