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Communication Arts (Master of Arts)

See: Master of Arts in Communication Arts

College/School: School of Media and Design

**This section describes the post-baccalaureate Master of Arts in Communication Arts program. See Communication Arts ABM Program for information on the undergraduate-to-graduate degree pathway in Communications Arts.** 

In keeping with both the liberal arts approach and the mission of UIW, the department seeks to:

  • Cultivate the student’s imagination and creativity in the implementation of theory content and technical application of effective communications;
  • Foster exploration of diverse and alternative perspectives including critical interpretation of ideas, images, and symbols; and
  • Encourage students to examine the role of media in our society so they are prepared to participate confidently, ethically and competently as concerned, enlightened citizens.

The Communication Arts Graduate program addresses the guiding principles and objectives for graduate studies in the following ways:

  • Mastery of both theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field of communications.
  • Intellectual imagination and professional creativity demonstrated in individual theses and projects on various issues of communications.
  • Critical analysis of mediated communication in both social and cultural scopes.
  • Articulated presentation of scholarly concepts and professional works.
  • Contribution to both academic and professional sectors in the field of communications through original research and alternative perspectives.

Admissions

All applicants to the Master of Arts in Communication Arts will be fully considered for enrollment if they meet the following requirements:

  • Complete the formal Graduate Application process.
  • Provide a copy of their undergraduate transcripts showing that they have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution.

In addition to the previous requirements, priority consideration will be given to those applicants who:

  • Earned a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher,
  • Have an outstanding portfolio that showcases their professional experience in a communication related field, AND/OR
  • Take a General Record Examination (GRE) and attain minimum scores of 150 on verbal, 150 on quantitative, and 3.5 on the essay section.

Apply to UIW

Application for Master of Arts in Communication Arts program

Program of Study

Requirements for a Master of Arts in Communication Arts: The degree requires a minimum of 36 hours of graduate study, which includes 12 hours of Communication Arts core courses, 21 hours of elective/specialty coursework, and at least 3 hours of mastery level coursework.

Students may elect to pursue the degree either as full-time or part-time students. The course load for a full-time student is no less than six (6) credit hours per semester; anything less than six (6) hours is considered part-time. See Enrollment section. Full-time students complete the traditional program in 2 academic years. Consult with your advisor concerning your individual degree plan.

Core Coursework Requirements

 
COMM 6301Communication Theory

3
COMM 6307Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication Arts

3
COMM 6308Writing and Research Techniques

3
COMM 6309Communication Research Methods

3
Total Credit Hours:12

 

Elective Coursework Requirements

Students must take 21 hours of elective/specialty coursework. Classes related to Communication Arts concentrations in other programs may be taken as electives with the approval of the Graduate Program Director.

Electives may be chosen from the following courses: 

COMM 6302Media Ethics

3
COMM 6315Seminar in Film Studies

3
COMM 6322Seminar in Media Studies

3
COMM 6327Seminar in Bilingual Communication

3
COMM 6332Seminar in Convergent Media

3
COMM 6337Seminar in Communication Studies

3
COMM 6342Seminar in Strategic Communications

3
COMM 6198Directed Studies in Communication Arts

1
COMM 6298Directed Studies in Communication Arts

2
COMM 6398Directed Studies in Communication Arts

3
Total Credit Hours:21

Seminar and Directed Studies courses may be repeated for credit because course topics vary. 

Mastery Coursework Requirements

COMM 63TRThesis Research

3
COMM 61TRThesis Research

1
Or
COMM 63CS1Communication Capstone

3
COMM 61CS1Communication Capstone

1
Total Credit Hours:3

COMM 61TR is continuation of COMM 63TR, if needed.

COMM 61CS is continuation of COMM 63CS1, if needed.

63TR and 61TR, and 63CS1 and 61CS1, are not to be taken concurrently; students will be registered in a course that is supervised by the Graduate Program Director. All work will be done with students’ individual committee chairperson. Fulfillment of requirements will be verified by the thesis/capstone chair and signed off by the Graduate Program Director.