Communication Studies

Description

Communication Studies Program Description

The Master of Science in Communication Studies is designed for professionals who want to build a foundation of effective communication competencies for personal and professional advancement. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers 2015 Job Outlook Survey, over 73 percent of employers reported communication skills as a top qualification they seek in potential job candidates. This master’s program helps graduates translate fundamental ideas of communication into real-world applications and develop their skills in evaluating and creating solutions to conflicts that occur within organizations. Graduates also will be equipped to assist organizations in constructing successful team-building strategies and streamlining internal and external communications across various cultural, social, and business settings.

Graduates will be eligible for career opportunities in a variety of growing industries including public relations, advertising and promotions, marketing management, media sales, event planning, and market research. Maryland occupational projections indicate that the potential need for professionals in these industries will continue to steadily increase over the next decade. Employment opportunities for graduates in these growing markets include Public Relations Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Advertising Manager, Promotions Manager, Media Sales Manager, Event Planner, and Market Research Analyst.

Objectives

Communication Studies Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Communication Studies, graduates will be able to:

  • Synthesize various theories of human communication.
  • Create written works using scholarly skills in cultural, social, and business communication contexts.
  • Generate various ethical responses as they examine different cultural, social, and business communication contexts.
  • Explain how cultural similarities and differences influence human interaction and communication.
  • Develop creative and practical solutions to problems in cultural, social, and business communication contexts using appropriate methods of communication.
  • Synthesize primary research sources using qualitative and quantitative approaches.
  • Synthesize communication theories, apply communication skills, and deliver professional messages in cultural, social, and business communication contexts.

    Policies

    Communication Studies Program Policies

    For additional information, please follow the link below:

    Repeating Courses and Withdrawing from Courses - Master's Degree Seeking Students

    Requirements

    Required courses:

    CM 505Communication Theory and Applications

    3 credits

    CM 510Research Writing and Methods

    3 credits

    CM 600Cultures and Communication

    3 credits

    CM 605Communication Ethics in the Public Sphere

    3 credits

    CM 610Interpersonal Communication

    3 credits

    CM 615Nonverbal Communication

    3 credits

    CM 620Conflict Communication and Leadership

    3 credits

    CM 625Contemporary Communication

    3 credits

    CM 630Contemporary Organizations and Communication

    3 credits

    CM 635Crisis Communication

    3 credits

    CM 720Capstone: Communication Project or Thesis

    6 credits

    Course Descriptions

    See CM - Communication Studies Courses