Graduate
Degree Programs
Applied 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:
- Completed application form for Indiana University Graduate School.
- Personal Statement.
- Official transcripts of all college level coursework.
- Three letters of recommendation (from university instructors and/or professional associates) sent directly to the Director of Graduate Studies.
- *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.
- 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
- May 15—Fall regular admission
Degree Requirements
Completion of 30 credit hours including:
- 15 credit hours of core requirements. These include:
- COMM-C 500: Advanced Communication Theory
- COMM-C 501: Applied Quantitative Research Methods
- One of COMM-C 502, COMM-C 530, COMM-C 531, or COMM-C 680
- COMM-C 503: Applied Learning Project, or COMM-C 597: Thesis
- COMM-C504: Pro-Seminar in Communication Graduate Studies
- 15 additional credit hours
- Each student may take 3 credit hours of interdisciplinary electives from outside of the Department of Communication Studies, as approved by the student’s advisor. However, this is not required.
- The student must maintain a B+ average (3.3) or higher to graduate.
- The student must complete either a thesis or an applied learning project to complete the degree requirements.
The Master of Arts in Applied Communication is also offered to Communication Studies undergraduate students as a 5-year BA/MA. See the Communication Studies Undergraduate Programs for details.
