Professional Communication (M.A.)
Fort Wayne, USA
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
Request tuition fees
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
The master’s program in Professional Communication serves students seeking to advance their education beyond an undergraduate degree. The master’s program can help you achieve your goals, whether you are looking to enhance your career in broadcasting, business, education, new media, or social services; or if you are preparing to enter a Ph.D. program.
Our program emphasizes three areas of specialization:
- Interpersonal and Organizational Communication Theory
- Media Criticism, History, and Theory
- Rhetorical Criticism and Theory
The program meets the needs of students who work full time. During fall and spring, most graduate courses are scheduled once a week in the evening. During summer, an additional course is offered. Students can take one class a semester, or go full-time and complete the program in less than two years.
Program Highlights
- The development of problem-solving skills
- The ability to research and analyze information
- An enhanced understanding of argumentation and writing
- Support from the Mastodon community
- A prestigious Purdue degree
Gallery
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Program Requirements
Introductory Course: Credits 3
- COM 50000 - Introduction To Graduate Studies In Communication Cr. 3.
Communication Methods: Credits 3
Choose at least one course from the following list:
- COM 58200 - Descriptive/Experimental Research in Communication Cr. 3.
- COM 58400 - Historical/Critical Research in Communication Cr. 3.
- COM 58500 - Qualitative Methods in Communication Research Cr. 3.
Theory Core: Credits 9
Choose at least three courses from the following list:
- COM 51200 - Theories of Interpersonal Communication Cr. 3.
- COM 51800 - Theories of Persuasion Cr. 3.
- COM 52000 - Small Group Communication Cr. 3.
- COM 52100 - Theories of Rhetoric Cr. 3.
- COM 52700 - Introduction to Cultural Studies Cr. 3.
- COM 55900 - Current Trends in Mass Communication Research Cr. 3.
- COM 57400 - Organizational Communication Cr. 3.
Specialization Courses: Credits 21
Choose at least three and up to seven of the following courses:
- COM 50200 - Classroom Communication Cr. 3.
- COM 50700 - Introduction to Semiotics Cr. 3.
- COM 50800 - Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction Cr. 3.
- COM 51500 - Persuasion in Social Movements Cr. 3.
- COM 51700 - Communication in Politics Cr. 3.
- COM 52200 - History and Criticism of Public Communication Cr. 3.
- COM 52300 - Communication in Personal Relationships Cr. 3.
- COM 53100 - Special Topics in Mass Communication Cr. 3.
- COM 55700 - Legal Dimensions of Communication Cr. 3.
- COM 56000 - Rhetorical Dimensions of Mass Media Cr. 3.
- COM 57600 - Health Communication Cr. 3.
- COM 59000 - Directed Study of Special Problems Cr. 1-3.
- COM 59700 - Special Topics in Communication Cr. 3.
- COM 69800 - Research MA or MS Thesis Cr. 1-18.
Cognate Studies: Credits 12
- You may apply to count up to four courses for 12 credits toward your specialization area.
- Courses are to be selected with the approval of your advisor or advising committee from graduate-level courses in communication or other disciplines.
- Undergraduate-level coursework will not count toward cognate studies, even if you completed this coursework while seeking another graduate degree.
Total Minimum Credits: 36
Program Outcome
Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Articulate the historical traditions of the discipline
- Demonstrate an awareness and skillful use of the use of new technologies relevant to their major
- Explain communication concepts and theories relevant to the major
- Explain, evaluate, and apply the processes involved in productive conflict in the contexts (interpersonal, small group, organizational, mediated, and public) relevant to their major
- Demonstrate awareness of diverse perspectives
- Read, speak, write, and listen competently
- Demonstrate the ability to be critically engaged citizens
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
- Communication and Diversity Trainer
- Communications Director
- Editor
- Elected Official
- Film Producer
- Human Resources Professional
- Marketing Manager
- Newscaster
- Public Relations Professional
- Social Media Manager
- Writer
English Language Requirements
Certify your English proficiency with PTE. The faster, fairer, simpler English test, accepted by thousands of universities around the world. PTE, Do it worry-free!