The major in Communication Studies is not a technical degree where we prepare students for one particular job. Instead, given the nature of the communication discipline in an information era, we try to prepare our students to understand what communication is, how it functions, and how it can be applied in a multitude of settings. Many undergraduates with degrees in Communication Studies pursue a master's degree while others pursue careers in teaching, consulting, organizational training and development, organizational management, and speechwriting.

· Are courses in mass communication included in the Department of Communication Studies?

Courses in communication can be found in many departments at UNT. The Department of Communication Studies (known formerly as the speech communication department) offers courses in a variety of areas including public speaking, persuasion, argument and debate, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, non-verbal communication, group communication, performance of literature, group performance, performance and culture, conflict management, freedom of speech, and many others. One would find courses in mass communication in departments such as Journalism and Radio/Television/Film.

· How many hours of transfer work can I apply toward a degree in Communication Studies?

A student may transfer a maximum of fifteen semester credit hours in Communication Studies to be applied toward completion of the requirements for the major at UNT.

· How do I request a degree audit (formerly known as a degree plan)?

Once a student has completed approximately 50 hours of college credit, he/she should make an appointment with an undergraduate advisor in the department to prepare a degree audit worksheet. Several weeks prior to making this appointment, the student should go the Registrar's Office in the Eagle Student Services Building and request that an "advising copy" of his/her complete transcript (including all transfer work) be sent to the Communication Studies department. Once this arrives, the student meets with an advisor for about 20 minutes to complete the worksheet. Then, the student takes the worksheet and accompanying transcripts to the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advising Office in GAB 220. That office reviews the worksheet, prepares the degree audit, and mails copies to the student and to the department.

Questions about the Gradua te major in Communication Studies

· What is required for admission to graduate study?

All applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the university specified in the Graduate Catalog. Degree-seeking applicants for admission to graduate study in Communication Studies must earn a score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) that is satisfactory to the department prior to or during the first long semester of graduate enrollment at UNT. The Communication Studies department requires a minimum GRE Verbal score of 410 and a minimum GRE Quantitative score of 420.

· How many hours of transfer work can I apply toward a graduate degree in Communication Studies?

A maximum of six semester credit hours at the graduate level earned at another institution may be applied toward completion of the requirements for a master's degree in Communication Studies at UNT.

· Does the department require a minor area of study for a graduate degree?

The faculty eliminated the requirement of a minor in 1997. A minimum of 36 semester credit hours in Communication Studies is required for the master's degree.

· Are teaching assistantships available in the department?

Yes, teaching assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis to graduate students majoring in Communication Studies. Students who receive assistantships teach recitation sections of basic communication studies courses, serve as assistant coaches for the UNT Debate Team, and serve as assistants for the Performance Interest Group. Full-time teaching assistants receive a stipend of approximately $7500 per academic year (fall and spring) and are considered Texas residents for tuition purposes. Some teaching assistantships are available in the summer sessions.

Teaching assistant application forms are available through this website and can be requested by calling the department at (940) 565-2588.

Frequently Asked Questions