2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Communication Studies and Journalism (M.S.) - Communication Studies Specialization


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Joshua Westwick, Interim Department Head
Rebecca A. Kuehl, Assistant Professor/Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Communication Studies
Pugsley Continuing Education Center 115, Box 2218
605-688-6131
E-mail: rebecca.kuehl@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/communication-studies-theatre/graduate-program

Program Information

The Master of Science specialization in Communication Studies is designed to provide advanced studies in the areas of communication theory, research methods, and instructional methods.  It provides further professional preparation and competencies in multiple topic areas of communication. The program provides a broad-based, graduate degree for students with an undergraduate degree in communication studies and related areas.

Through a generalist curriculum and faculty mentoring of students, the M.S. specialization in Communication Studies program has the following program goals:

  • Enhance students’ written and oral communication skills;
  • Increase students’ understanding of relevant issues and theories in the communication discipline;
  • Augment students’ ability to conceptualize, manage, and complete different stages of an independent research project through working on a thesis;
  • Cultivate students’ skills in collaboration, improving communication for the good of society;
  • Prepare students for entry into doctoral programs and/or communication-related careers;
  • Help students achieve their personal and professional goals toward graduation and beyond; and
  • Develop students’ teaching skills to demonstrate excellence in communication instruction (if graduate teaching assistants).

Student Learning Outcomes

A graduate with a Master of Science specialization in Communication Studies will be able to:

  • Recognize and apply communication theory in a variety of contexts,
  • Understand multiple methodologies for conducting communication research,
  • Conduct independent and original research,
  • Demonstrate advanced competencies in the area of communication.

Course Delivery Format

The on campus program provides a wide range of course formats including seminars, small groups, and interactive and collaborative partnerships; limited courses are offered online.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Master of Science Option A - Thesis 30 Credit Hours

Core Requirements


Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A)


Additional Admission Requirements


GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 600 paper-based, 100 Internet-based
IELTS: Department requirement of 7.0

Prerequisite of a minimum of 20 semester hours of undergraduate credit in Speech, Theatre, Journalism, or Communication. Other undergraduate programs may qualify. 

To be considered for graduate admission, our department requires: a 1-page personal statement, a 5-page academic writing sample (include the References page, which does not count toward the 5-page limit), and three letters of recommendation (through the online application system) written by academic faculty or supervisors that address: 1) the ability and preparation of the student for graduate level work, and 2) the ability to work in the classroom environment, and if interested, to serve as a graduate teaching assistant for SPCM 101: Fundamentals of Speech.

Additional Department Requirements


To be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship in the Department of Communication Studies, the department requires a cover letter and resume. These documents should be uploaded through the online application system.

General Requirements


Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .

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