Master's of Arts in Communication Studies

Total Hours Required: 30

Students complete the master’s degree through four required courses, 12 elective hours, and six final-project hours.

Required Courses, 12 hours

Courses may be completed in any order.

• COMM 710 Intro to Communication Research Methods (fall)
• COMM 720 Perspectives on Communication (fall)
• COMM 730 Classical or 732 Contemporary Rhetorical Theory (spring)
• COMM 733 Rhetorical Criticism or COMM822 Field Research in Communication Studies (spring)

Electives, 12 hours

• Any COMM 630 or 820 course, including Critical Intercultural, Political Communication, or other special topics
• COMM 716 Small Group Communication
• COMM 735 Leadership Communication
• COMM 742 Interpersonal Communication
• COMM 756 Practicum in Communication & Conflict
• COMM 780 Education Abroad (summer and winter intersession)
• COMM 780 Intercultural Communication
• COMM 790 DDPE: Theoretical Foundations
• COMM 791 Deliberation & Dialogue Process Models
• COMM 845 Approaches to Public/Community Engagement
• COMM 916 Communication Theories & Engagement
• Other COMM courses 600 and above as offered
• Up to 6 hours 500-level or higher outside COMM, per approval by graduate director

Final Project, 6 hours

Graduate Students of the Communication Studies Master’s Program will have demonstrated:

• A grasp of foundational theory, issues, and history in the discipline
• Advanced-level knowledge in communication including one or more areas of specialization (e.g., persuasive, interpersonal, political, and/or rhetorical communication)
• The ability to synthesize and critically evaluate information pertinent to communication research
• The ability to plan and conduct a program of independent research that makes a useful contribution to the communication research community
• The ability to select and apply the appropriate methodological tools to a research question
• A grasp of the methodologies basic to both quantitative and interpretative studies in communication
• The ability to effectively present and discuss academic research; and
• The ability to write for professional publication

Alignment Matrix for Graduate Students (PDF)

Annual Assessment Summary for Graduate Students (PDF)

Assistantships

The A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication invites applications for assistantships in the M.A. degree program. Assistantships come with a tuition waiver and modest stipend and are awarded competitively.

Graduate assistants (GTAs) serve as the instructor of record for six credit hours of the department’s basic communication course each semester. Students may also apply to serve as speech or debate assistant coaches.

The School takes seriously its mission to prepare graduate students for teaching and coaching success. Assistants serve as the teacher of record for their sections while learning how to teach in a collaborative, intentional, and supportive environment. This opportunity provides valuable experience for those interested in teaching, coaching, or business careers, as well as those continuing to doctoral programs.

GTAs may enroll in up to 10 hours tuition-free in the fall and spring semesters. GTAs must pay for their books, fees, and living expenses.

Estimated Costs, Graduate Students

GTAs are also eligible to participate in the K-State graduate student health plan.

Assistantships begin in the fall. Assistantships may be renewed for a second academic year.

Students wishing to be considered for a graduate teaching assistantship should indicate their interest on the online Graduate School application.

Federal Financial Aid

Students are encouraged to complete the Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). Please refer to the Office of Financial Assistance at K-State.

The A.Q. Miller School takes seriously the call to support graduate students not just as scholars and teachers but also as professional and civic leaders.

We encourage students to take advantage of the many professional development, networking, community engagement, and leadership opportunities in our school and across the university.

Our graduate students learn, serve, and connect through the following and more:

Graduate Student Council

GSC Professional Development Certificate

Honor Council

Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy

• Requirements and checklists for K-State master’s students
• K-State Graduate Handbook
• Graduation and Commencement
• Graduate Student Council
• Professional Development
• Personal Wellness

1) Contact Dr. Sean Eddington, Associate Director of Graduate Programs and Research, to learn more or schedule a campus visit.

2) Ask three references to write letters supporting your application. Letters should speak to your academic record and potential. At least two of the letters should come from academic backgrounds--faculty members, teachers, or instructors with whom you have worked in a scholastic context. You will submit references’ email addresses but not their letters with your application.

3) Gather unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions that you have attended.

4) Choose a writing sample showcasing your best work, such as a report, essay, or class paper. The writing sample should demonstrate your ability to use evidence to support your ideas. Non-academic essays written for your career or avocation, such as a white paper or blog post, are perfectly acceptable if they demonstrate your critical thinking and research skills.

5) Be prepared to include your resume with your application.

6) Write a 1,000-word personal statement, explaining your scholarly interests, reasons for applying to our program, and career goals. Please indicate which faculty members’ research is most relevant to your interests. Ask a mentor to offer suggestions on your essay before applying.

7) International applicants, please refer to the Graduate School website for additional required documents, including financial affidavit and language test scores.

8) With these materials in hand, you are ready to start the online application.

Please note: our program does not require GRE scores with your application.

Application Deadlines