Strategic Communication, M.S.

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Options

There are two options in the degree program: a non-thesis option and a thesis option. Students graduating under the non-thesis option must successfully complete 36 hours of course work and a comprehensive examination. Students graduating under the thesis option must successfully complete 30 hours of course work, apply for and complete a thesis for six hours of credit and successfully complete an oral defense of the thesis. (See “Final Comprehensive Examination” here ).

Program Requirements 36 hrs.

Required Courses 18 hrs.

All students must successfully complete the following core courses:

COMS 600 - Communication Theory Credits: (3)
COMS 605 - Applied Communication Research Credits: (3)
COMS 610 - Seminar in Organizational Communication Credits: (3)
COMS 615 - Seminar in Public Relations Credits: (3)
COMS 626 - Interactive Media and Analytics Credits: (3)
COMS 633 - Persuasion Theory and Strategy Credits: (3)

Non-Thesis Option 18 hrs.

**Electives, approved by Graduate Coordinator.

Thesis Option 18 hrs.

COMS 699 - Research and Thesis Credits: Variable credit, (1-6) (6 credit hours required)
**Electives, approved by Graduate Coordinator. (12 credit hours required)

Note(s):

Because some students may not have completed an undergraduate degree in communication, other factors may be taken into consideration when assessing potential. For example, sufficient experience in a communication-related profession will be taken into consideration when assessing a student’s potential. Students lacking a sufficient background in communication (as judged by the Admissions Committee) may be required, prior to enrollment in graduate courses, to take one or more undergraduate courses to provide the necessary foundation for graduate study in communication. These courses may not be counted as a portion of the 30 hours required to complete the degree.

**Any 500 or 600 level course or above within the department. Courses outside the department may count with prior approval from the Graduate Coordinator.