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

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jenn Anderson, Assistant Professor/Graduate Program Coordinator
School of Communication and Journalism
Pugsley Continuing Education Center 115
605-688-6131

Program Information

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies and Journalism - Communication Studies Specialization 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 specialization in Communication Studies 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 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.