Program: Communication (M.A.) - University of South Dakota

Apr 11, 2025

2015-2016 Graduate catalog

There are two tracks available for this program. Plan A (thesis) requires the 12 hour core plus 18 hours of elective credit and 6 hours of thesis credit. Plan B (non-thesis) requires the 12-hour core plus 24 hours of elective credit, and a comprehensive exam during or after the final semester of coursework.

Master of Arts in Communication, Plan A (Thesis): Total 36 credit hours

Major Area Coursework

SPCM 701 - INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDY (C) 3 cr hrs
SPCM 705 - QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS 3 cr hrs
SPCM 706 - QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES 3 cr hrs
SPCM 798 - THESIS RESEARCH IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES (C) 1 to 6 cr hrs (6 credit hours required)
Communication Elective Courses 12 credit hours from SPCM or MCOM courses numbered 500 - 700
Supporting courses outside of communication (not SPCM or MCOM) 6 credit hours
Select one of the following (3 cr):
MCOM 701 - MASS COMMUNICATION ETHICS 3 cr hrs
SPCM 716 - RHETORICAL THEORY AND CRITICISM 3 cr hrs

Master of Arts in Communication, Plan B (non–thesis): Total 36 credit hours

Major Area Coursework

SPCM 701 - INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDY (C) 3 cr hrs
SPCM 705 - QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS 3 cr hrs
SPCM 706 - QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES 3 cr hrs
Communication Elective Courses 18 credit hours from SPCM or MCOM courses numbered 500 - 700
Supporting courses outside of communication (not SPCM or MCOM) 6 credit hours
Select one of the following (3 cr):
MCOM 701 - MASS COMMUNICATION ETHICS 3 cr hrs
SPCM 716 - RHETORICAL THEORY AND CRITICISM 3 cr hrs

Degree requirements for areas of study:

Communication MA	Plan A (Thesis)	Plan B (Coursework)
Core courses Communication Elective Courses Thesis or Project Research Supporting courses(outside communication)	12 credit hours 12 credit hours¹ 6 credit hours 6 credit hours	12 credit hours 18 credit hours² N.A. 6 credit hours
Thesis Project Comprehensive Written Exam Oral Defense	Yes No No Yes	No No Yes Yes

¹ at least 3 elective credit hours must be taken in each academic department
² at least 6 elective credit hours must be taken in each academic department