Communication, M.A.

Mike Lee, Program Director
843.953.8125
leem@cofc.edu
http://communication.cofc.edu/grad-programs/index.php

Mission Statement

The Master of Arts in Communication (MCOM) is dedicated to providing a rigorous graduate experience in communication, humanities and social sciences. Designed to deliver an understanding of communication theory, the ability to conduct basic and applied research, the capacity for critical thinking about communication problems and the competencies expected of a professional communicator, teacher or scholar, the MCOM program provides students the cognitive, research, and professional skills required of leaders in a changing and challenging information era.

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Communication (MCOM) is dedicated to providing a rigorous, fully online graduate experience in communication. Designed to deliver an understanding of fundamental communication theories, strategic marketing, leadership, and media flow, this streamlined, 30-hour MCOM program gives students a targeted graduate experience while focusing on marketable skills. Furthermore, MCOM students hone their ability to research and analyze communication problems related to message production, media dissemination, audience interpretation, and methodical data analysis. Put differently, the MCOM program provides students the cognitive, research, and professional skills required of leaders in a constantly changing and challenging information era. The MCOM program is taught by CofC’s nationally and internationally renowned faculty. Graduate courses are taught by faculty whose work has been published in the most esteemed presses and journals in the field of communication, by professors who have won prestigious awards in the discipline, by thought leaders who regularly give speeches and grant interviews about their work, by practitioners who have advised corporations and non-profits, and, ultimately, by teachers who care about the student experience. We strive for a collaborative experience between students and faculty. As such, the program offers a number of successful learning initiatives, including creative independent-study projects, community-based research teams, communication pedagogy experiences, and professional immersion internships. Full and part-time students are welcome. Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months. Part-time students can complete the program in 24 months.

Admission Requirements and Application Deadlines

Institutional Admissions Requirements

A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $50.
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
International applicants should refer to the International Students area within the “Admissions Information” section of the catalog for information on providing appropriate documentation with the application.

Program Admissions Requirements

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a 3.000 minimum GPA overall and 3.000 in the major
A minimum GRE composite score of 300 and 4.0 analytical writing.
Acceptable coursework in communication or a related discipline.
Two letters of recommendation from academic sources (professors, advisors, etc.).
A writing sample demonstrating the candidate’s academic and research capabilities.
A statement of goals describing the candidate’s interest in a master’s degree in communication.
Optional personal interview with the Program Director (or the Director’s designee). We encourage prospective students to visit the program. You may contact the Program Director to arrange to attend a class, tour campus, meet our staff, and talk with current students.

Application Deadlines

Fall: January 15, priority*; July 1, final
Spring: No spring admission
Summer: No summer admission

*Candidates who submit a completed application by the priority deadline will automatically be considered for Graduate School and/or graduate program funding.

Transfer Credit Policy

An applicant or student of the M.A. in Communication program can seek approval from the Program Director to accept up to nine transfer credit hours. These courses must have a grade of B or higher, and can count toward the degree requirements if the course description and syllabus closely match the parameters set by the Communication program. Courses with a grade of “Pass” or “Satisfactory” may be accepted.

Program Requirements

Communication, M.A.

Student Learning Outcomes

Communication M.A. (PDF)