Mar 28, 2024  
2006-2007 Graduate Catalog 
    
2006-2007 Graduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Master of Arts in Communication Studies


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A student may pursue the primary portion of graduate study for the M.A. in communication studies in communication theory, rhetorical studies, journalism, or media studies.

Requirements


The student must earn a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate credit and must take at least one graduate-level course in three of the following four areas: journalism, communication theory, rhetorical studies, and media studies. COMS 591, Research in Communication Studies (3), is required of all students and must be taken during the first 12 semester hours of graduate work.

With the adviser’s advice and consent, the student must fulfill the requirements of either the thesis or non-thesis option.

Thesis Option


A thesis must be submitted and approved. From 3 to 6 semester hours may be allotted to thesis research and writing. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be taken in a combination of COMS 597, Directed Individual Study, and COMS 599, Master’s Thesis.

During the semester in which degree requirements are completed, the student must pass a written examination and an oral examination on the thesis and course work.

Non-Thesis Option


A maximum of 3 semester hours may be earned in COMS 597, Directed Individual Study.

During the semester in which degree requirements are completed, the student must pass a written examination and an oral examination, both of which will assess knowledge and ability in the area of special interest.

The comprehensive examination includes the submission by the student, for evaluation by the committee, of an expanded scholarly paper growing out of previous course work or directed individual study.

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