Master of Arts in Communication
The Master’s program in the Department of Communication is a graduate researched based program that focuses on theory research, research methods and communication principles. In order to qualify for the Master’s program, a student must complete a bachelor's degree in communication or a related field. A student must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before entering the Master’s program.
The Master’s program concentrates on several areas of study: Intercultural and International Communication, Cultural Studies, Rhetoric, Environmental Communication, Organizational Communication, and Mass (Media) Communication.
According to , Chair of the Department of Communication, the thesis research project is constructed by the student under the direction of a faculty member and approved by a graduate faculty committee. Both the thesis and non-thesis option require the completion of 36 credit hours (six of which are thesis hours, if choosing the thesis option).
According to Dr. Witherspoon, the former Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and the Graduate School, a Master’s degree can increase salaries at jobs or careers. A Master’s degree can also be a path to getting a Doctoral degree.
For any questions or additional information a prospective student can contact the director or graduate studies/graduate advisor, Dr. Yannick Atouba by emailing (preferred) him at yatouba@utep.edu. He can also be reached by phone at 915-747-8046
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Graduation Degree Requirements
Thesis Option:
A minimum of 36 semester hours in communication is required. 30 hours of course work numbered 5300-5390 and 6 hours of thesis (5398,5399) credit, and the submission of a thesis approved by the graduate faculty.
Non-thesis Option:
A minimum of 36 semester hours in communication is required, in courses numbered 5300-5390. In addition, a project approved by the graduate faculty is required.
Research Core Courses:
The core research courses are required for both the thesis and non-thesis options: 5300, 5310 and 5311.
Oral Examination:
An oral examination by the graduate faculty will be required for both the thesis and non-thesis options.
Other Departmental Courses for Graduate Credit:
With the approval of the graduate advisor, up to 6 hours of credit may be selected from other departments who have designated graduate coursework.The Department does not offer undergraduate courses for graduate credit.
MA Courses Offered
COMM 5300: Introduction to Graduate Studies
An introduction to theories, methods and styles of research in the communication discipline. Required of all graduate student pursuing advanced degree.
COMM 5310: Quantitative Research Methods
Introduction to methods used in conceptualizing, planning, and designing measurement of communication research problems.
COMM 5311: Qualitative Research Methods
Introduction to methods used in conceptualizing, planning, and designing critical or interpretive methods for communication research problems.
COMM 5334: Seminar in Media and Society
Explores and reviews theory and research regarding media issues and effects in various societal contexts. Various print and electronic media are explored. May be taken for credit more than once as topic vary.
COMM 5335: Seminar in Intercultural/International Communication
Explores and reviews theory and research regarding intercultural or international issues when individual members, groups or institutions interact, individually or collectively, from different cultures or national perspectives. May be taken for credit more than once as topic vary.
COMM 5336: Seminar in New Communication Technologies
Explores and reviews theory and research regarding the introduction and use of new communication technologies in various areas of society. May be taken for credit more than once as topic vary.
COMM 5337: Seminar in Organizational Communication
Explores and reviews theory and research regarding communication processes used in organizing in various contexts of complex human organizations. May be taken for credit more than once as topic vary.
COMM 5343: Seminar in Communication Theory
Study of recent non-traditional contributions to theories of human communication. Investigates the application of models, the implications of recent developments in social psychology, and the results of experimental research. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
COMM 5350: Directed Study
Investigation of a significant area in rhetoric, communication, or media-based communication practices by individual students or small groups. May include individual research projects or field study. May be taken more than once with a change in area of emphasis.
COMM 5362: Organizational Communication
Philosophy, methods, and designs for studying the communication systems and practices in a complex organization.
COMM 5398: Thesis: Initial work on thesis.
COMM 5399: Thesis
Continuous enrollment required while work on the thesis continues. Prerequisite: COMM 5398.