Master of Arts in Professional Communication (M.A.)

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Program Learning Outcomes

Students will develop and demonstrate a knowledge of communication theory applicable to a variety of concentrations within the discipline and the ability to apply this knowledge to professional/personal relationships and career problem-solving situations.
Students will deepen methodological understanding and develop specific research competencies designed to inform, connect with, and influence target audiences.
Students will develop and refine skills to improve writing and speaking ability while learning to create compelling presentations based on research and critical-thinking exercises.
Students will demonstrate a facility with new technologies and systematically explore the limits and impact of their use in professional communication situations.
Students will develop and demonstrate an understanding of the central issues related to message design, dissemination, analysis, and impact related to diverse audiences regardless of size, demographic composition, or geographic location.

Program Information

Graduate students must complete their program within six (6) years of matriculation.
All courses must be passed with a “C+” (2.3) or better to be counted in the degree.
Students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to graduate. Students who fail to maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on probation and may be dropped from the program.

Professional Communication Curriculum (36 Credits)

Core Courses (18 Credits)

COMM 6000 - Communication and Professional Development 3 Credit(s) (must be repeated for a total of 3 credits to meet requirements) 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6010 - Applied Communication Theory 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6020 - Qualitative Communication Research 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6030 - Quantitative Communication Research 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6040 - Professional Writing and Presentations 3 Credit(s)

Select One of the Following (3 Credits)

Select a capstone course:

COMM 6900 - Masters Capstone Thesis 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6910 - Masters Capstone Internship/Project 3 Credit(s)

Elective Courses (18 Credits)

Select from the following COMM courses (12-18 credits) to complete your degree. Up to 6 elective credits may be taken from courses offered in SUU’s other master-level programs.

COMM 6110 - Mediated Communication in Relationships 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6120 - Organizational Communication Strategies 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6140 - Pop Culture Messages 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6150 - Visual Literacy and Application 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6160 - Communication and Digital Culture 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6210 - Advertising and Public Relations Strategies 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6220 - Contemporary Audience Analysis 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6230 - Professional Social Media 3 Credit(s)
COMM 6240 - Current Issues in Communication 3 Credit(s) (repeatable up to 18 credits with different topics)
COMM 6850 - Individual Graduate Research 3 Credit(s) (must be arranged in advance with a specific graduate faculty member)
COMM 6891 - Individual Graduate Internship 3 Credit(s) (must be arranged in advance with a specific graduate faculty member)

Total Credits, M.A. Degree: 36

Note

Please note that some students may ultimately earn more credits than listed above for the master’s degree. If the capstone cannot be completed within one (1) semester, students must be enrolled continuously in COMM 6999 - Capstone Thesis Continuance until completion.