M.A. in Communication Studies

Overview

The goals of the Master of Arts program in Communication Studies are to provide students with a rigorous educational experience, to develop an advanced understanding of the human communication process, to increase awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of the communication field, and to develop oral, written, critical thinking, and research skills. Students may complete coursework in persuasion, interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and health communication together with research methods applicable to these areas. Two programs are offered. The thesis track emphasizes student development of research skills under faculty supervision (30 credit hours). The non-thesis track emphasizes a theoretical foundation based on application of communication courses (36 credit hours).

Students select a track from four options: Communication Studies, Health Communication, Intercultural Communication, and Organizational Communication.

Communication Studies Track

The Communication Studies track is a general track that allows students greater flexibility to design their course of study.

Health Communication Track

Health Communication is an emerging specialty in the field of communication. This track is designed to provide a broad introduction to human communication in a health-care context. Career opportunities in this area include public health leaders, practitioners, and researchers who design, evaluate, and disseminate health communication messages for private and governmental organizations, advertising, public relations and marketing agencies, and journalists. Students will explore the roles of patients and caregivers, social and cultural issues, communication in health organizations, and the role of mass media. 

Intercultural Communication Track

The Intercultural Communication Track is designed to provide students with an understanding of the way communication functions in intercultural settings, how culture affects the communication process, and the reciprocal effects of intercultural perceptions on policy in the history of Eastern-Western relations. Career opportunities in this field include corporate diversity trainer, communication director, human resource manager, international service representative, negotiator, and foreign correspondent with government and business organizations. 

Organizational Communication Track

Organizational Communication is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and advanced understanding of communication in the organizational environment. Courses are designed to extend oral, written, and critical thinking skills through application of concepts using practical challenges in organizations. Students have the opportunity to explore essential areas of organizational communication, presentational skills, leadership styles, interpersonal and small group interaction, decision making, persuasion, conflict management, and diversity training. 

Admission Requirements

The following is a list of the required conditions as well as the required documents/fees for your application for admission to the Master of Arts degree program in the School of Communication. 

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
• The School's official application
• An $85.00 non-refundable application fee
• Three letters of recommendation
• 500-word typed statement of academic and professional goals
• Official transcripts of all college work, both undergraduate and graduate. 
  • Note: In addition, international applicants must send an official copy of their diploma for all degrees earned, and all documentation that confers their degree, with English translation for all degrees earned. 
  • Note: All transcripts must be the original document, forwarded directly from the university: Xerox copies, true copies, notarized copies and other types of copies are not acceptable.
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores
  • Note: Only for international applicants.
• Copy of current passport
  • Note: Only for international applicants. The name entered on the graduate application must exactly match your name as it appears on your passport.
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores

Contact the Office of Graduate Studies, call 305-284-5236 or email (socgrad@miami.edu), for information. 

Curriculum Requirements

Communication Studies Track

 

¹ A maximum of 6 credit hours thesis track may come from outside the Department of Communication Studies (COS or COM courses). Elective credits must be chosen with prior approval from a Communication Studies advisor.

Curriculum Requirements

Health Communication Track

Curriculum Requirements

Intercultural Communication Track

Curriculum Requirements

Organizational Communication Track

Sample Plan of Study - Thesis

Sample Plan of Study - Non-Thesis

Goals

The goals of the Master of Arts Program in Communication Studies are to provide students with a rigorous graduate level academic experience, comprehensive understanding of theoretical communication concepts, and development of advanced oral, written, critical thinking, and research skills.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Graduate students will demonstrate application of appropriate communication and professional skills.
• Graduate students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of communication concepts and critical analysis of research.
• Graduate students will demonstrate appropriate writing and presentational skills.