The Graduate Program in the Department of Communication Studies

Overview

The Communications Studies department offers qualified students the opportunity to earn a graduate degree (M.A. or M.S.). The master's degree in Communication Studies offers the student the opportunity to learn about theory and research in Communication Studies by examining communication in human affairs and the symbolic processes through which humans interact. The curriculum is designed to facilitate student mastery of theory and research, to develop student research capabilities, and to enhance student preparation for a variety of careers of for further graduate study.

The department offers course work in rhetorical, performance, and social science traditions. Students are afforded opportunities to explore communication from applied and theoretical perspectives using analytical, critical, quantitative, and qualitative methodologies. Coursework features the investigation of communication in interpersonal, organizational, political, legal, cultural, aesthetic, health and international contexts. Among the topics that students will encounter in their graduate program are gender and diversity issues, social influence, ethics, narrative and social change. The graduate experience is enhanced by opportunities to engage in conducting research with faculty members, participating in regional and national festivals and professional conferences, and internships with corporations, social service organizations, are organizations and government agencies.

The Graduate Handbook

The department has prepared a graduate handbook that includes information concerning admission to graduate study, a description of the three major areas of emphasis offered in the department, and the requirements for completing the Master's Degree in Communication Studies.

Application for Teaching Assistantships

Teaching assistantships are awarded competitively to prospective graduate students with excellent academic backgrounds and potential as effective classroom teachers. The department offers several courses in a lecture/recitation format where a professor presents the lectures, and teaching assistants supervise the recitation sections where speeches, performances, group activities, etc., are presented. Teachers assistantships are available also for graduate students working with the UNT Debate Team and the Performance Interest Group. Applications for teaching assistantships are available through the Communication Studies department.

Application for Graduate Study