Communication, MA

The Master of Arts (MA) in Communication at UCCS offers students the opportunity to engage in advanced study and to develop graduate-level expertise for addressing complex communication problems in modern organizations and social systems. This program prepares graduates for careers in the profit and non-profit sectors, as well as in academia. Given the extent to which communication is ubiquitous, the mission of our graduate program is to help students develop an array of scholarly, personal, and professional communication skills suitable to a variety of contexts. Students are encouraged to develop expertise in professional (organizational) communication, media studies, or advanced studies with an emphasis on their own particular area of interest. With any of these three focuses, students learn to connect communication knowledge, theory, and research capacities to real-world situations. In addition, our program seeks to instill in students a passion for intellectual and theoretical discovery that transcends career objectives and course expectations. 

Learning Outcomes: Honoring Our Mission

Upon graduation, all of our students will demonstrate these competencies:

• Broad-based and advanced knowledge and understanding of communication processes and theories related to professional (organizational) communication, media studies, and/or the student’s personal area of interest.
• Well developed communication skills, including critical thinking and analysis, speaking, and writing, that prepare for success in the workplace or further graduate studies, including a doctoral program.
• An awareness and motivation to use their communication knowledge and skills with sensitivity to critical issues such as ethics and inclusiveness in a diverse and technologically mediated global environment and society.
• Proficiency in designing and conducting an original communication research study or a research-based training in their chosen area of interest.

Program of Graduate Study

In consultation with graduate faculty, graduate students develop a personalized program of study to foster their own learning objectives and career goals. They are required to complete a set of core courses. Thesis and non-thesis options are available. See below for course requirement details.

With both plans, no more than 6 credit hours of graduate course work may be transferred from other universities to fulfill the degree requirements for the MA in Communication. With both plans, only 3 credit hours of COMM 9500 Independent Study, and 3 credits of COMM 6020 Communication Research Practicum, may be applied to the degree requirements as electives.