The Graduate School offers the Master's degree under two plans: Plan A, including a thesis, and Plan B, which substitutes additional course work and a special project for the thesis. Students may change their plan, with the consent of their adviser, if program revisions conflict with the original plan. Most students take at least two academic years to finish.
The degree is offered under Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis). Both plans require a minimum of 15 course credits in Communication Studies, including one survey-type course from one of the two areas other than the student's own (Critical Media Studies, Interpersonal Communication, or Rhetorical Studies). With their advisor, students will choose the most appropriate survey course to take, including (but not limited to) COMM 5211, COMM 5402, COMM 5421, and COMM 5615. In addition, M.A. students are required to take a minimum of 6 course credits in a minor or related field. Plan A also requires 10 thesis credits. Plan B requires an additional 6 credits of course work and a Plan B project.
Detailed information about the M.A. degree requirements are located here.