Communication (M.A.)

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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)
SPCM and MCOM Electives 12 credit hours
General Electives-with department approval 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
SPCM and MCOM Electives 18 credit hours
General Electives-with department approval 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 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

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.
Students will articulate the ethical and social responsibilities in communicating with others in different social contexts (i.e., interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, mediated, and public).
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.
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