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
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
The grade of "C" is the lowest acceptable grade, and only one can be awarded during the program. A student may repeat one course in a graduate program one time. Once a student has repeated a course, the student will not be permitted to repeat any other courses. If a student repeats a course, only the latter grade is used in computing the grade point average. However, all courses taken become a part of the student's academic record. Further, a student may withdraw from each graduate course one time only. A minimum cumulative 3.00 grade point average on all graduate work attempted is required for graduation. Only one grade of "C" may be applied toward the GPA requirement. Degree requirements must be completed within seven years after the first course applied to the degree was completed.
Requirements
Required courses:
| CM 505 | Communication Theory and Applications | 3 credits |
| CM 510 | Research Writing and Methods | 3 credits |
| CM 600 | Cultures and Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 605 | Communication Ethics in the Public Sphere | 3 credits |
| CM 610 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 615 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 620 | Conflict Communication and Leadership | 3 credits |
| CM 625 | Contemporary Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 630 | Contemporary Organizations and Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 635 | Crisis Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 720 | Capstone: Communication Project or Thesis | 6 credits |
Course Descriptions
See CM - Communication Studies Courses