M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.A. in Communication
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.A. in Communication at Missouri State is a 33-credit-hour program that can typically be completed in two years. It offers flexibility through a choice of culminating research projects: a thesis, a seminar paper, or a professional project, allowing students to tailor their academic experience to their individual goals. An accelerated master's option is also available for qualified MSU undergraduate students, providing a streamlined path to graduate studies. The program aims to develop students' ability to analyze communication processes, conduct research, and apply communication theories to real-world challenges.
Curriculum: The M.A. in Communication curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of communication theory and research. It includes a core of 9 hours in communication theory, with courses such as Introduction to Graduate Studies, Communication Theory and Research, and Rhetorical Theory. Students must also select two courses (6 hours) in the Methodology of Inquiry, choosing from options like Quantitative Research Methods in Communication, Qualitative Research Methods in Communication, Rhetorical Criticism, or Applied Communication Research Methods. An additional 18 hours are comprised of electives chosen by advisement, allowing for specialization in areas such as organizational communication, interpersonal and conflict communication, communication and culture, or political communication and rhetoric. Students must also complete a comprehensive examination and one of the three research project options.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Communication at Missouri State University has a strong research focus, emphasizing both theoretical understanding and empirical inquiry. Students are required to complete a culminating research project (thesis, seminar paper, or professional project) which demonstrates their ability to design, execute, and disseminate original research. The program's learning objectives explicitly state that students will "design, execute, and disseminate original research that builds or extends theories of human communication and contributes to the knowledge base of the communication discipline." Faculty members are active scholars whose work can be found in top communication journals, providing students with mentorship in diverse research areas within the communication discipline.
Industry Engagement: Missouri State University's M.A. in Communication program prepares graduates for a variety of professional settings. While specific formal "industry engagement" programs like mandatory internships are not explicitly detailed for all students, the program's curriculum is designed with professional application in mind. The option to complete a "professional project" as a culminating experience suggests a practical, applied focus. The program also highlights opportunities for "service-learning and internship opportunities," indicating a commitment to real-world experience. Graduates are prepared for careers in areas like public relations, human resources management, consulting, and nonprofit administration, demonstrating the program's alignment with industry needs. The Department also houses the Center for Dispute Resolution, offering immersive student opportunities related to conflict management in organizations and communities.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Communication program inherently addresses communication in a globalized world, particularly through coursework in areas like "Communication and Culture" and "Intercultural Communication." The program's learning outcomes emphasize the ability to communicate complex ideas and research findings to diverse audiences, which implicitly includes cross-cultural communication. The Department of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film welcomes applications from international students, which enriches the classroom environment with diverse perspectives. While not explicitly detailed as a core focus, the general principles of effective communication are universally applicable, and the program's emphasis on critical thinking and understanding human values prepares graduates to navigate and contribute to a globally interconnected society.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
Graduates of Missouri State University's (MSU) Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication program are equipped with advanced theoretical knowledge, strong research capabilities, and practical skills in various facets of human communication. This versatile degree prepares individuals for impactful roles across a wide spectrum of industries, where effective communication is paramount for organizational success and public engagement.
Public Relations Manager/Specialist: Graduates excel in shaping and managing an organization's public image, handling media relations, developing communication strategies, and managing crisis communication. They work in PR agencies, corporations, non-profits, or government entities.
Corporate Communications Specialist/Manager: These professionals manage internal and external communications for a company, including employee communications, investor relations, executive messaging, and corporate branding. They ensure consistent and effective communication across all platforms.
Human Resources Manager/Specialist: With a deep understanding of interpersonal and organizational communication, graduates can thrive in HR roles, focusing on employee relations, training and development, internal communications, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Marketing Communications Manager: Combining marketing principles with communication expertise, these individuals develop and execute integrated marketing campaigns, manage content, oversee social media strategy, and ensure consistent brand messaging across various channels.
Nonprofit Administrator/Development Officer: Graduates can lead communication efforts for non-profit organizations, managing public awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives, volunteer outreach, and stakeholder engagement to advance the organization's mission.
Communication Consultant: M.A. graduates can offer specialized communication advice to businesses, government agencies, or individuals. This might involve strategic planning, crisis management, executive coaching, team building, or public speaking training.
Media Relations Specialist: These professionals serve as the primary point of contact between an organization and the media, crafting press releases, coordinating interviews, and managing media inquiries to ensure positive and accurate representation.
Technical Writer/Editor: Graduates with strong writing and analytical skills can translate complex technical information into clear, concise, and accessible content for manuals, reports, articles, and online documentation across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and engineering.
Higher Education Instructor/Community College Professor: The program's strong research component and emphasis on communication theory prepare graduates to teach communication courses at community colleges, or serve as adjunct faculty at universities, often while pursuing further doctoral studies.
Political Campaign Manager/Communications Director: For those interested in politics, graduates can manage communication strategies for political campaigns, candidates, or elected officials, handling media outreach, public speaking, and message development to influence public opinion and achieve political goals.
