Communication M.A.

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Major in Communication

(Major Code: 5205)

M.A. Degree Requirements

(See requirements in the “Graduate Catalog”.)

Admission Requirements

If a student has a 3.0 GPA, the GRE can be waived.

Application Procedure

In addition to University requirements for graduate admission, the applicant must submit the following:

Cover sheet that includes name, telephone number(s), email address, mailing address and overall undergraduate GPA of the applicant.
A one- to two-page, double-spaced, typed essay that includes discussion of:
- What qualities or experiences has the applicant had that make the applicant a good candidate for graduate study?
- Plans of the applicant for using the graduate communication degree.
International students, before applying to the M.A. degree program in communication, must meet all requirements set forth by the International Student Office (see the International Students - Applicants webpage: http://wtamu.edu/student-support/international-applicants.aspx).
Photocopies of the applicant’s transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. NOTE: The program requires 24 hours of undergraduate course work in communication or a closely related field. Students who do not have the 24 hours may be subject to a certain amount of leveling courses or be asked to provide evidence in support of a waiver of these requirements.
At least three letters of recommendation from a faculty member, supervisor. The Recommendation Letter Form is available for download.

Submit applications to:

Director of Graduate Studies in Communication
Department of Communication
West Texas A&M University
WTAMU Box 60754
Canyon, Texas 79016-0001

For more information, contact the department at 806-651-2800.

M.A., Communication (36 hours)

Required Communication courses (12 hours):

Electives (12 hours)

Choose COMM electives or courses external to the Communication Program at the discretion of the graduate adviser.

Thesis or Non-Thesis Options (12 hours)

Plan I Thesis Option:
- 6 hours from COMM electives and
- 6 hours of thesis (COMM 6301 and COMM 6302 or COMM 6303 ) and
- an oral thesis defense
Plan II Non-Thesis Option:
- 9 hours of COMM/MCOM electives and
- COMM 6304 Research Project in Corporate Communication
- 24 hours must be at the 6000-level

Optional Minors

With approval of the graduate director, the student may elect a minor field of study consisting of a maximum of six semester hours.

M.A., Communication - Media Management Track

Applications for students choosing the Media Management Track will be reviewed by the Office of Graduate Business Programs, Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business (806-651-2500).

Application/Admission Procedure

In addition to University requirements for graduate admission, the applicant must meet minimum admission requirements and submit documents to the Office of Graduate Business Programs, Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business (806-651-2500):

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher.
While all applicants are welcome to take the GRE exam, those with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher may request to have this requirement waived by completing a GRE Score Waiver Request Form and emailing it to gradbusprograms@wtamu.edu. Alternately, applicants may submit an Electronic GRE Waiver Request Form.
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
Three letters of recommendation are required. At least one letter must be from a professional colleague. The Master of Arts in Media Management Recommendation Letter Form is available for downloading.
Resume showing career progress and media production/management skills.
Statement of goals for pursuing an M.A., Communication-Media Management degree.
Proficiency in prerequisites prior to some business courses.

Required courses (12 hours):

COMM 6380 - Introduction to Graduate Communication Studies 3
COMM 6315 - Theories of Communication 3
COMM 6370 - Seminar in Communication Policy and Regulation 3 (or cross-listed MCOM 6370 )
BUSI 6360 - Research Methods in Business and Economics 3 (or cross-listed ECON 6360 ) or
CIDM 6355 - Data Mining Methods 3 or
CIDM 6303 - Technical Foundations in Computer Information Systems 3

Approved Electives (21 hours)

12 hours of approved courses from the College of Business from below:

9 hours of approved COMM/MCOM courses from the Department of Communication from below:

Capstone Course (3 hours)

COMM 6304 - Research Project in Corporate Communication 3

Note:

At least 24 of the 36 semester hours must be at the 6300 level.