Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 University Catalog 
    
2023-2024 University Catalog

Communications, Professional Communications Concentration, M.A.


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(30 UNITS)

Master of Arts in Communications


The Master of Arts in Communications provides students with advanced study in communications theory and research and offers an opportunity to integrate all aspects of the profession into a single degree. The program prepares graduates to apply advanced communications concepts, research development skills and theories relevant to the use of communications media for a wide variety of purposes. Such study may serve those whose careers involve the use of print, electronic and online media to inform, instruct and persuade. Communications skills are highly applicable to a wide range of careers in business, industry, government, education and mass media.

Admission Requirements


Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions  section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, each applicant must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and minimum GRE score of 153 on the verbal portion. If the preparatory work was in a language other than English, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 80 (Internet) is also required. The following courses or their equivalents must be completed before undertaking graduate courses:

Note: Undergraduate prerequisite courses must be completed and do not count toward the graduate degree.

Graduate Standing - Classified


A student admitted in conditionally classified standing may be granted classified standing upon the development of an approved study plan and satisfactory completion of prerequisite coursework. Satisfactory coursework or its equivalent in the following may be taken concurrently with degree requirements if not completed prior to classification:

Core Requirements


Students are required to complete their approved studies with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Candidates must develop a program of study in consultation with a Department of Communications graduate adviser.

Professional Communications Concentration (12 units)


The Professional Communications concentration is for individuals currently working in the communications profession, as well as for students interested in pursuing careers in the industry.

Electives (9 units)


  • 500-level COMM courses (may include courses not taken from the core electives)
  • 400-level COMM courses approved for graduate study
  • Adviser-approved graduate-level courses outside Communications (maximum 6 units)

Culminating Experience (3 units)


Note:


Up to 9 units of 400-level courses approved for graduate study may be applied toward degree.

Total (30 units)


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