M. A. IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES

The Master of Arts Program in Communication Studies at Cal State Fullerton allows students to develop a broad understanding of Communication Studies as a discipline and an in-depth emphasis in an area of concentration, such as argumentation and persuasion, interpersonal, intercultural, and organizational communication. Our graduate students reflect the community of diversity at Cal State Fullerton, including international students and students of various ethnic backgrounds. There are more than a dozen faculty members in the Department of Human Communication Studies. Many have national or international reputations in their areas of research. Each is committed to helping students learn to apply theory and research in practical settings, such as training and development and conflict mediation. The department also offers excellent training for students who want to teach at the college level, including hands-on experience in teaching their own classes.

The Communication Studies MA is designed for students who have an interest in and background for advanced study of communication theories and processes. The degree is designed to provide broad exposure to the discipline and, at the same time, allow students to specialize in one area (e.g., argumentation and persuasion, critical-cultural studies, digital media, health, instructional, intercultural, interpersonal, organizational, rhetoric, etc.). The MA is an advanced degree and all students are expected to complete comprehensive exams, a thesis, or a research project.

 

CONTACT US

Dr. Alyssa Samek
Graduate Director  

 

Dr. Jon Bruschke
Chair  
Department of Human Communication Studies  
California State University, Fullerton  
Fullerton, CA 92834-6846  
Telephone:  ( 657) 278-3272

 

Note: From the end of May through August, graduate advisor availability is intermittent. Questions about the program can be directed to the department chair.

For additional information on the graduate program, please contact the Graduate Director,  Dr. Alyssa Samek.

OBJECTIVES AND GOALS

The objectives of the Masters program include improving students’ academic and professional competence in Communication Studies, developing students’ research capabilities, increasing students’ knowledge in their chosen area of specialization, preparing students for advanced work toward the doctoral degree, and for those students planning teaching careers, to improve their teaching skills. Students in the program are expected to demonstrate a high degree of intellectual competence and scholarly discipline; to develop the ability to evaluate concepts, research, and theories critically; and to demonstrate mastery of an area of concentration. These goals are met through a variety of experiences. Similar to undergraduate work, graduate students are expected to complete a series of courses. Graduate education, however, is not limited to course work. Graduate students are expected to read widely in their area of concentration (beyond their course work), and discuss their ideas with other graduate students and faculty (particularly their supervisory committee) outside the classroom context. A large portion of the learning in a graduate program comes from this informal inter-action outside the classroom.

EXPECTATIONS

The level of achievement required of graduate students is considerably higher than in undergraduate work. Students are expected to demonstrate qualities of self-reliance, creativity, accuracy, scholarly integrity, and ethical conduct. Students are expected to be familiar with the procedures, guidelines, and regulations which apply to their graduate degree program (i.e., the procedures outlined in the Handbook and the   Graduate Degree Programs section of the University CatalogPDF File ).

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