Master of Arts-Communication

Communication is the transmission of impressions, ideas, and information from one human to another. It may take place directly through live interaction, or indirectly through writing, telecommunications, or computer-mediated technology.  It remains the skill set most in demand by employers in business and industry nationwide.

While many graduate programs focus narrowly on a single approach to communication or media studies, graduate and professional students today need integrated programs of study offering multiple frameworks of analysis and a comprehensive range of critical, research, experiential, and practical skills. 21st Century workplaces require generalists to adapt rapidly to new environments and technologies.

Texas has the fifth-highest employment level of media and communication workers in the country, contains the sixth most concentrated metropolitan area by employment level in this field, and pays these professionals the seventh-highest annual mean wage of all states nationwide.

As far as possible without diluting the quality and rigor of a graduate communication program, course delivery will vary among face-to-face, Web-based, and hybrid seminars, along with internships or service learning. 

Communication Jobs and Careers

  • Advertising
  • Consulting
  • Community Affairs
  • Communication Education
  • Corporate Communications
  • Events Management
  • Journalism
  • Lobbying
  • Marketing Research
  • Media Relations
  • Public Affairs
  • Public Relations
  • Publishing
  • Social Marketing

(and many more)

Interested?

Please contact the Communication program faculty: Dr. Kevin Ells at (903) 223-3040 or kevin.ells@tamut.edu or the Graduate Studies Office at graduate.studies@tamut.edu.

Degree Requirements

The M.A. in Communication at A&M-Texarkana focuses on the social science research tradition in Communication Studies, including the  theory and practice of Emerging Media (social networking and computer-mediated communication). The program will offer graduate students a comprehensive conceptual framework and skill set for proficient work in a wide range of rapidly-changing communication professions.

All graduates will earn six semester credit hours (SCH) of foundation course work in theory and research methods and at least 18 SCH in Communication overall. The M.A. in Communication will offer a completion option of either a thesis or a comprehensive examination. Thesis students will complete 24 SCH in coursework and 6 SCH for the Thesis.   Non-thesis students will complete 30 SCH in coursework followed by a set of comprehensive exams.

CORE REQUIREMENTS
COMM 500Theories of Communication3
COMM 501Communication Research Methods3
Prescribed Communication Electives12-18
COMM 512
Interpersonal Communication
COMM 520
Organizational Communication
COMM 525
Intercultural Communication
COMM 530
Instructional Communication
COMM 535
Strategic Communication
COMM 540
Conflict Management
COMM 545
Computer-Mediated Communication
COMM 547
Environmental Communication
COMM 548
Semiotics and Society
COMM 550
Emerging Media Theory
COMM 555
Media and Cultural Criticism
COMM 560
Legal and Ethical Issues in Emerging Media
COMM 565
Digital Applications in Emerging Media
COMM 570
Emerging Media Production
COMM 597
Special Topics in Communication
Option: Thesis OR Extra Communication courses plus comprehensive exam6
Approved Electives 0-6
Total Hours30

This curriculum was designed to support mastery of the program learning outcomes. Faculty have determined the following four Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) will address job expectations and reflect anticipated workforce needs for the proposed degree.

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Evaluate theoretical approaches to producing effective communication to meet specific professional requirements.
  2. Conduct relevant research according to professional standards.
  3. Apply effective communication strategies to the resolution of interpersonal communication challenges in organizational settings.
  4. Demonstrate effective strategies to meet professional requirements using mediated communication.

Note: The university will not count grades lower than “C” toward a graduate degree, but the university will use those grades to calculate the GPA. The university considers a course with a grade of “D” or “F” completed, and the GPA will reflect those grades.