Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

The degree requires 33 credit hours; 27 hours of coursework with an average grade of B or above plus 6 hours of thesis research. At least 18 of the 27 hours must be in courses numbered 700 or above. The remaining 9 hours may be in either 600 or 700 level courses of which 6 hours may be in electives outside the department. All work must be completed within six years of the date of initial enrollment in the graduate program.

The program requires a core of courses in research methodology and then allows students to take courses in content areas such as health communication, intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, mass communication, organizational communication, public communication, and rhetorical communication. In addition, the department provides work in communication ethics, communication technologies, and argumentation.

All students must demonstrate competence in a research skill relevant to their thesis and/or professional goals. Most students demonstrate their competency in empirical methodology or critical methodology; however, a foreign language also may be elected.

For additional degree requirements, see Requirements for Degrees.

Comprehensive Examination Option

Students are required to indicate their desire to take a comprehensive examination by the end of the first year. The degree requires 33 credit hours with an average grade of B or above. At least 24 of the 33 hours must be in courses numbered 700 or above. The remaining 9 hours may be in either 600 or 700 level courses of which 6 hours may be in electives outside the department. All work must be completed within six years of the date of initial enrollment in the graduate program. Students will be required to successfully complete a comprehensive examination at the end of completing the 33 hours of coursework.

For additional degree requirements, see Requirements for Degrees.