The Master of Arts in Professional Communication prepares students to work in communication intensive jobs, including social media management, user experience, advertising, public relations, professional writing, human resources, fundraising, event management, general management, training, and consulting, among other things. It fosters basic understanding of communication processes, including:

• Understanding of the major theoretical concepts and practical applications associated with the study of human communication

• The ability to conduct scientific research ethically and effectively, to interpret statistical information, and to assess its practical import for understanding communication in the world.

• Understanding of variables in communication situations, including the number (especially as it impacts interaction), background, interests, and values of participants; language, communication purposes, and contextual factors.

• Understanding of the implications of a multicultural world on appropriate and effective forms of communication.

• Understanding of how to adapt to variable communication situations for informative and persuasive purposes.

• Understanding of special forms of communication such as that related to advertising, public relations, social media, technical writing, and communication technology, among others.

• The ability to effectively produce and critically analyze persuasive messages.

Students in the MA in Professional Communication must complete 33 total hours, including the core requirements and either Plan I (non-thesis) or Plan II (thesis). They may select electives freely or follow one of the suggested emphases below. All students must complete 33 hours, including 18 hours of 600-level coursework (excluding CM 699).

Plan I: MA without Thesis

Choose 18 hours of electives from the list below (including at least 3 hours of 600-level course work, excluding CM 699), which may be freely chosen or may follow one of the suggested emphases.

Plan II: MA with Thesis

Choose 12 hours of electives from the list below (including at least 3 hours of 600-level course work excluding CM 699), which may follow one of the suggested emphases.