Jul 27, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Communication (M.A.)


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 https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Graduate-Programs/Communication.

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, Thesis


Major Area Coursework - 30 Credit Hours


Master of Arts in Communication, Non-Thesis


Major Area Coursework - 30 Credit Hours


Degree requirements for areas of study:


Communication MA

 

(Thesis)

 

(Coursework)

 

Core courses
Communication Elective Courses
Thesis or Project Research

 

12 credit hours
12 credit hours
  6 credit hours

 

12 credit hours
18 credit hours
  N.A.

 

Thesis
Project
Comprehensive Written Exam

Oral Defense

 

  Yes
  No
  No

  Yes

 

  No
  No
  Yes

  Yes

 

General Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Statement of purpose
  6. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs


This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.

Questions?


Department of Communication Studies
605-658-3755 | commstudies@usd.eduusd.edu/commstudies

Department of Media & Journalism;
605-658-6811 | mj@usd.edu | usd.edu/mj 

Graduate Admissions 
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad