Communication M.S.
Program Rationale:
Graduate study in communication is designed to provide students with academic experiences that enable them to evaluate, develop, shape, and change the communication environment within organizations (organizational communication) as well as between organizations and their target audiences (public relations), using traditional and contemporary media technologies.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students will be expected to:
• understand communication processes, internal and external, of an organization;
• demonstrate the ability to write appropriately in both academic and professional settings;
• employ research methods in the diagnosis of communication problems within organizations and between organizations and their target audiences, including those resulting from intercultural differences;
• apply problem-solving, decision-making, and negotiation strategies in complex relational situations within organizations;
• examine the use and impact of information, communication, and new media technologies in the design and evaluation of public relations, strategic communication campaigns, and other organizational applications; and
• develop and practice sound and ethical reasoning.
Admission Requirements:
Students seeking admission to the M.S. in Communication program must present an undergraduate average GPA of B (3.00). Students with an undergraduate GPA of 2.70 through 2.99, or students who have been out of school for five years and possess significant professional experience, may apply to be considered for conditional acceptance. Students who meet the above requirements should submit an Application for Graduate Admission, official transcripts, and their application fee directly to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office. A current resume, a writing sample comprised of 500 to 1,000 words which expresses their goals for graduate study and future professional aspirations, and names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three references should be sent directly to the chair of the Department of Communication.
No action will be taken until all of the above materials have been received.
Course and Capstone Requirements (33 credits):
The program comprises two sections, a 15-credit core of foundational courses and 12 - 18 credits of advisor-approved directed electives. A capstone experience consisting of Plan A (6-credit Thesis) or Plan B (Comprehensive Examination) or Plan C (3-credit Special Project) is required for graduation.
Core Courses (15 credits):
COMM 500 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication
COMM 501 Theories of Human Communication within an Organizational Context
COMM 503 Research Methods in Communication
COMM 505 Persuasive Communication
COMM 504 Organizational Communication Audits or
COMM 507 Campaign Planning and Evaluation
Directed Electives (12–18 credits):
Students will select from the following courses approved by the faculty advisor. A planned program of study should be completed no later than 6 credits into the student’s program. The student may specialize in either track or may select courses from both tracks. To specialize in a particular track, at least 3 courses must be selected from that particular track.
Organizational Communication Track
COMM 450 Communication Skills for Training and Development
COMM 504 Organizational Communication Audits
COMM 522 Corporate Communication
COMM 551 Policy Issues in Organizational Communication
COMM 562 Communication and High-Speed Management
Public Relations Track
COMM 451 Environmental Communication
COMM 454 Communication and Social Change
COMM 506 Case Studies in Public Relations
COMM 507 Campaign Planning and Evaluation
COMM 508 Public Relations Writing Strategies
General Electives
COMM 543 Intercultural Communication
COMM 544 Strategies in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
COMM 585 Special Topics
COMM 590 Independent Study
Outside Courses
TM 464 Six Sigma Quality
TM 500 Product Life Cycle Management
TM 502 Human Relations and Behavior in Complex Organizations
TM 564 Quality Systems Management
STAT 453 Applied Statistical Inference
Capstone (0–6 credits):
Plan A: COMM 590 Independent Study (3 credits) and COMM 599 Thesis (3 credits)
or
Plan B: Comprehensive Examination
or
Plan C: COMM 597 Special Project (3 credits)
To complete degree requirements, students have the option of a thesis (Plan A) or a comprehensive examination (Plan B) comprised of a written exam followed by an oral exam or a Special Project (Plan C). Programs will be designed jointly by the departmental advisors and the students to provide the greatest educational and career opportunities.
CCSU offers an Official Certificate Program in Public Relations
