Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Communication
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.A. in Communication at UB is a two-year, 36-credit hour program that provides a rigorous foundation in communication theory, empirical research methods, and statistical analysis. Rather than following traditional "tracks," the program is structured around contemporary issues aligned with faculty research expertise. This approach allows for personalized academic growth within a supportive environment, focusing on individual academic and career goals. Students choose between completing an original research thesis or a project, providing flexibility for their culminating experience.
Curriculum: The 36-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Communication includes 18 required core credits and 18 communication electives. The core courses provide essential theoretical and methodological grounding, including: "Proseminar in Communication," "Research Methods," "Communication Theories," "Applied Theory-Testing," "Statistics I," and "Statistics II." For electives, students choose from graduate-level Communication (COM) courses, with a minimum of 9 credits required from within the COM department, and a limit of 11 credits from outside the department. The program culminates in either a Master's Thesis or a Project, allowing students to apply their knowledge to an original research endeavor or a real-world communication challenge.
Research Focus: The Department of Communication at UB is dedicated to the scientific study of communication phenomena, with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods. Major areas of research include: social influence and networks, health communication, science and risk communication, new media and technology, interpersonal and organizational communication, entertainment-education and media, and political communication. Faculty are recognized experts in measurement theory, statistics, and research design, employing multivariate statistics, mathematical modeling, computer simulations, experiments, and surveys. The department hosts several research labs and centers, such as the Communication and Emerging Media Lab, Communication Science Center, Media Effects, Misinformation and Extremism (MEME) Lab, Media Psychology & Morality Lab, and Social Well-Being (Swell) Lab, offering students hands-on research opportunities and contributing to groundbreaking studies with real-world impact.
Industry Engagement: UB's M.A. in Communication program is designed to provide students with skills that are highly valued in both academic and industry settings. The program's emphasis on empirical research methods, statistical analysis, and applied theory testing directly prepares graduates for research-oriented roles in various sectors. While formal industry partnerships might not be explicitly detailed as a program component, the department's focus on "real-world impact" in its research areas (e.g., shaping law enforcement practices, public health initiatives, and digital media strategies) inherently connects students to practical applications. Professional development opportunities, including workshops on navigating the job search, using research tools, and building scholarly profiles, further support students in transitioning to careers in industry or continuing to Ph.D. programs.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Communication at UB integrates a global perspective through its scientific and diverse approach to studying communication. The department's faculty comprises a diverse, international group of scholars, enriching the learning environment with varied global viewpoints. Research areas such as "Political Communication" and "International/Intercultural Communication Issues" explicitly engage with global dynamics and cross-cultural interactions. The program aims to prepare students to "model decision-making in negotiation and conflict" and "monitor information flows between nations," indicating a clear focus on understanding communication's role in an interconnected world. The broader university context, with its diverse student body and international collaborations, further reinforces this global outlook.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a deep and data-driven understanding of communication processes, theories, and empirical research methods. This scientific approach to communication, combined with a focus on contemporary issues, equips individuals with versatile skills in analysis, strategy, and effective messaging, making them highly sought after in diverse professional fields.
Market Research Analyst: Graduates are adept at designing and conducting research, analyzing data, and interpreting consumer behavior. They can work for market research firms, advertising agencies, or in-house marketing departments, providing insights that inform product development, marketing strategies, and brand positioning.
Public Relations (PR) Specialist/Manager: With expertise in strategic communication and reputation management, graduates can manage the public image of organizations, individuals, or brands. They handle media relations, craft press releases, manage social media presence, and develop communication strategies for positive public perception.
Digital Marketing Strategist: The program's focus on new media and technology prepares graduates to develop and implement digital marketing campaigns. They can specialize in areas like content strategy, social media marketing, SEO, email marketing, and analytics, optimizing online presence and audience engagement for businesses.
Internal Communications Manager: In large organizations, internal communication is crucial for employee engagement and alignment. Graduates can manage communications between leadership and employees, fostering a positive work environment, disseminating information, and managing change initiatives.
Health Communication Specialist: Leveraging their understanding of communication theory and applied research, graduates can work in public health organizations, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies. They develop and implement health campaigns, disseminate health information, and promote public health behaviors.
Data Analyst (Communication Focus): With strong skills in statistics and empirical research methods, graduates can analyze communication data to identify trends, measure campaign effectiveness, and inform strategic decisions. They can work in various industries where data-driven insights are crucial, from media to corporate communication.
Training and Development Specialist: Graduates can design and deliver training programs on effective communication, leadership, conflict resolution, or cross-cultural communication within corporate or non-profit settings, enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee skills.
Media Planner/Buyer: These professionals work for advertising agencies to determine the most effective media channels (traditional and digital) to reach target audiences for advertising campaigns. They analyze audience demographics, media consumption habits, and budget constraints to optimize ad placement.
User Experience (UX) Researcher: Similar to market research but with a focus on product and service design, UX researchers apply communication and research methodologies to understand how users interact with technology and systems. They conduct user interviews, usability tests, and analyze feedback to improve user experience.
Academic Researcher / Doctoral Student: For those passionate about advancing communication knowledge, the M.A. program provides a strong foundation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication or related fields, leading to careers in university-level teaching and research.
