School of Liberal Arts

Departmental E-mail: commdept [at] iupui [dot] edu

Departmental URL: http://www.liberalarts.iupui.edu/comm/

(Please note that when conferring University Graduate School degrees, minors, certificates, and sub-plans, the University Graduate School’s staff use those requirements contained only in The University Graduate School Bulletin).

Curriculum

Curriculum
Courses
Faculty

Degrees Offered

M.A. in Applied Communication

The Department of Communication Studies offers a master's program in Applied Communication with optional concentrations in corporate communication, health communication, medi­a studies and public communication.

Program Goal

The overarching goal of this unique program in Applied Com­munication is to provide students with the competencies and skills necessary to address specific communication issues and problems that are socially relevant and to suggest or imple­ment change. The primary intellectual goal of the program is to increase our students' understanding of the theoretical implica­tions of discipline-specific knowledge and to enhance their ability to understand and predict human interaction relative to realistic, applied outcomes associated with contemporary social problems. A practical goal of the program is to educate professionals who grasp the complexities of communication problems and who are able to develop and execute strategies and create programs to address such issues.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Applied Communication M.A. curriculum will:

• communicate both orally and in writing for professional and academic audiences
• synthesize, critique, and apply theoretical constructs in communication studies
• select and evaluate appropriate methodologies for conducting communication research
• propose and justify solutions to real-world communication problems
• design and conduct guided communication research

Admission Requirements

Our Department prides itself on the diversity of majors from which students enter our program of study. Prior to entering our master’s program, students should have (1) a baccalaure­ate degree from an accredited institution, (2) an introduction to research methods, (3) experience in the analysis of com­munication phenomena, and (4) experience with writing in an academic context. Students who do not have this preparatory work may be admitted provisionally with additional course­work required prior to admission, and/or additional credit hour requirements imposed as a part of the minimum requirements for the Master of Arts degree.

The Admissions Committee will evaluate an applicant’s prepa­ration and goals to ensure that the applicant meets the require­ments of Indiana University Graduate School and that the ap­plicant’s needs and goals are compatible with the Department’s program. The Department seeks applicants who have strong analytical and writing skills, a strong liberal arts background, an interest in communication, and applicable work-related experiences. Generally, successful applicants will have cumulative grade point averages of 3.0 or higher at the undergraduate level. The Admissions Committee considers all indicators of the appli­cant’s ability to complete the degree successfully.

Applicants should submit the following:

1. Completed application form for Indiana University Gradu­ate School.
2. Personal Statement.
3. Official transcripts of all college level coursework.
4. Three letters of recommendation (from university instructors and/or professional associates) sent directly to the Director of Graduate Studies.
5. *GRE scores are not required for admission to the program; however GRE scores may be submitted if an applicant feels the scores will enhance his/her application and an applicant wishing to be considered for scholarships or fellowship support should note that strong scores on the GRE General Test ARE REQUIRED and may have a positive impact on his/her application.
6. Interna­tional students must submit TOEFL scores. Information about TOEFL can be obtained from the International Affairs Office, 902 W. New York Street, ES 2126, Indianapolis, IN 46202 or 317- 274-7000. 

The following deadlines must be observed in order to receive consideration for admission:

• January 15—priority consideration for fall semester and to be considered for University Fellowships and other financial support
• May 15—Fall regular admission

Degree Requirements

Completion of 36 credit hours including:

• 12 credit hours of core requirements.  These include:
  • COMM-C500 Advanced Communication Theory
  • COMM-C501 Applied Communication Research
  • One of COMM-C502, COMM-C530 or COMM-C531
  • COMM-C503 Applied Learning Project, or COMM-C597 Thesis

• 24 hours of electives.  . No more than 6 hours of C599 can count toward the M.A. No more than 6 hours of C598 can count toward the M.A. No more than 9 combined hours of C599 and C598 can count toward the M.A.
• Each student may but is not required to take 6 credit hours of interdisciplinary electives from outside of the Department of Communication Studies as approved by the student’s advisor

The student must maintain a B+ average (3.3) or higher in order to graduate.  In addition, the student must pass the comprehensive examination and complete either a thesis or an applied learning project in order to complete the degree requirements.