Dec 12, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Communication (M.A.)


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Admissions Information  

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


 

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


 

Major Area Coursework


 

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 hours
  6 credit hours 
  6 credit hours

 

12 credit hours
18 credit hours
  N.A.
  6 credit hours

 

Thesis
Project
Comprehensive Written Exam

Oral Defense

 

  Yes
  No
  No

  Yes

 

  No
  No
  Yes

  Yes

 

Student Learning Outcomes


  1. Students will identify, explain and critique the major paradigms and theories that have shaped the field of communication, including their historical development and current trends.
  2. Students will articulate the ethical and social responsibilities in communicating with others in different social contexts (i.e., interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, mediated, and public).
  3. Students will interpret and critique research methods used in published communication research studies. Students will also design, and thesis-track students will also conduct, scholarly research using one or more methods of inquiry.  Lastly, students will articulate an in-depth understanding of conceptual foundations and research methods through advanced scholarly writing.
  4. Students will demonstrate proficiency in applied communication activities (presentations, workshops, forums, trainings, group discussions, etc.) in professional contexts.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live


If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

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