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

Apr 04, 2025

2021-2022 Graduate Catalog

Program Overview

Explore interpersonal identities and relationships, culture and organizational life, in addition to traditional and new forms of media at USD. After completing foundational courses in research and theory, you will develop your own academic goals by selecting courses from communication studies, media & journalism or other related departments. Prepare for doctoral study, teaching at the secondary and post-secondary levels, and leadership positions in business, education, law, politics, social and human services, health care management, human resource development, public relations, advertising, marketing, media management, technology, media research, public administration and more. Learn more at usd.edu/commstudies.

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.

DELIVERY: On campus

Master of Arts in Communication, Plan A (Thesis)

Major Area Coursework - 36 Credit Hours

CMST 701 - Introduction to Graduate Study (C) 3 cr
CMST 705 - Quantitative Research Methods 3 cr
CMST 706 - Qualitative Research in Communication Studies 3 cr
CMST 798 - Thesis Research in Communication Studies (C) 1 to 6 cr (6 credit hours required)
CMST 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
CMST 716 - Rhetorical Theory and Criticism 3 cr

Master of Arts in Communication, Plan B (non-thesis)

Major Area Coursework - 36 Credit Hours

CMST 701 - Introduction to Graduate Study (C) 3 cr
CMST 705 - Quantitative Research Methods 3 cr
CMST 706 - Qualitative Research in Communication Studies 3 cr
CMST 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
CMST 716 - Rhetorical Theory and Criticism 3 cr

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

Application Requirements

Completed application
$35 application fee
Official transcripts*
Letters of recommendation*
Admission test scores*
Statement of purpose
Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. For specific program requirements and submission deadline, visit: catalog.usd.edu.

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 USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?

Department of Communication Studies
605-677-5476 | commstudies@usd.edu | usd.edu/commstudies

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6200 | gradadmissions@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad