An applicant must first meet the requirements for admission to the university as set forth in this catalog. Admission as a classified graduate student in speech communication requires that the applicant present the following additional materials to the graduate coordinator:
1. At least two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's readiness for advanced academic study.
2. Evidence of the applicant's success in his or her undergraduate major. Normally, this would entail showing a 3.0 average (on a 4.0 scale) in upper division courses in the applicant's major.
3. Evidence of readiness for advanced study in speech communication as shown by either a bachelor's degree in the field or other appropriate course work. At a minimum, a student must present upper division coursework in three areas: (a) introduction to the speech communication field, (b) social behavioral-empirical research methods, and (c) rhetoric and criticism.
4. A writing sample. Submit an appropriate upper division paper (preferably with grade and instructor's comments included). If such is not available, contact the graduate coordinator for additional options to fulfill this requirement.
An applicant who does not meet all requirements for admission to classified standing may be admitted in a conditionally classified status. If the applicant's grade point average in his or her undergraduate major is below 3.0, the graduate coordinator may require additional undergraduate work in speech communication. If the applicant lacks courses necessary for successful graduate work in the department, the graduate coordinator will specify upper division courses necessary to remove any such deficiencies in preparation. Courses prescribed as preliminary to classified standing do not count as part of the 30 units required for the MA - Speech Communication.
After completing a minimum of nine units of graduate work (with at least a "B" average), students may apply to candidacy for the MA - Speech Communication. Admission to candidacy requires:
1. An approved program of study consisting of 30 units, developed in consultation with the graduate coordinator and in conformity with university and departmental requirements.
2. Demonstration of competence in written English. The graduate coordinator will indicate which of the options for satisfying this requirement are appropriate for the student.
All approved programs of study must include: COMM 200, COMM 201, and COMM 202.
Students may select additional courses, subject to the following requirements, for completion of the MA degree:
Students will complete their total of 30 units of study (with a minimum average grade of "B") through Plan A (thesis) or Plan B1 (comprehensive examination), or Plan B2: (special project).
| Course Requirements | |||
| Plan A (Thesis) | 30 | ||
| Core Courses | 9 | ||
| COMM 200, COMM 201 and COMM 202 | |||
| Electives | 15 | ||
| Approved 100- or 200-level courses. A student can take up to six C/NC units toward completion of the degree. Additional C/NC units must be approved by the graduate coordinator. | |||
| Thesis Work | 6 | ||
| COMM 299 | |||
| Thesis Examination | |||
| Students will complete a successful oral defense of the thesis, before a committee of not fewer than three members, that has been approved by the departmental graduate committee. | |||
| Plan B1 (Comprehensive Exam) | 30 | ||
| Core Courses | 9 | ||
| COMM 200, COMM 201 and COMM 202 | |||
| Electives | 21 | ||
| Approved 100- or 200-level courses. A student can take up to six C/NC units toward completion of the degree. Additional C/NC units must be approved by the graduate coordinator. | |||
| Comprehensive Examination | |||
| Students will complete a written examination in at least three areas of the communication studies field. The examination will be supervised by a committee of at least three members approved by the department graduate committee. | |||
| Plan B2 (Special Project) | 30 | ||
| Core Courses | 9 | ||
| COMM 200, COMM 201 and COMM 202 | |||
| Electives | 18 | ||
| Approved 100- or 200-level courses. A student can take up to six C/NC units toward completion of the degree. Additional C/NC units must be approved by the graduate coordinator. | |||
| Special Project (Write and Defend) | 3 | ||
| Students will propose, for approval, a project and a supervising committee of no fewer than three members to the department graduate committee. The supervising committee chaired by a department faculty member, will oversee the student's project. Students will complete a successful project defense before the supervising committee, under the direction of the committee chair. The supervising committee may elect to involve a suitably qualified person from the community as part of the project and defense. | |||
| Total Units: | 30 | ||
An MA - Communication Studies candidate may specialize in one or more areas of communication study.
Many of the above areas overlap in content. Each of these areas can be supported by several undergraduate and graduate courses in the curriculum.
Note: Because of changes in legislation, credential programs are under continual review during a transitional phase. Students should consult with advisors to determine current requirements.
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