A student may pursue the primary portion of graduate study for the M.A. in communication studies in interpersonal, organizational, and persuasive communication, rhetorical studies, journalism, or media studies.
Students seeking admission to the M.A. program in the Department of Communication must meet all the requirements for admission to the NIU Graduate School. In addition to the standard requirements for graduate admission, the master’s program requires degree-seeking applicants to submit the following materials:
Grade Point Average: A 2.75/4.00 GPA is required at the graduate level.
Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your ability to be successful in the completion of a graduate-level degree program. Letters from professors are preferred, but professional references are acceptable as well.
Personal Statement: The personal statement should reflect the applicant’s ability to collect and organize their thoughts and ideas into a coherent argument for why they should be admitted to the program. It should also address preparation for graduate study and interest in at least one subject area offered by the department, along with plans for graduate school and beyond. Additionally, the statement of purpose should make note of faculty members whose research and/or artistry interests align with theirs and inform the department as to why our program can help to meet an applicant’s academic and/or professional goals.
Deadlines: Applications for the fall semester admission will be reviewed beginning on March 1 and for the spring semester admission will be reviewed beginning on September 15.
Requirements
The student must earn a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit and must take at least one 600- or 700-level course in each of the following four areas: journalism, communication theory, rhetorical studies, and media studies. COMS 691, Research in Communication Studies (3), is required of all students and must be taken during the first 12 semester hours of graduate work. Up to 12 semester hours taken at the 500-level may be included in a student’s program of study.
With the advisor’s advice and consent, the student must fulfill the requirements of either the thesis or non-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 697, Directed Individual Study, and COMS 699, Master’s Thesis.
Prior to the semester in which degree requirements are completed, the student must have a proposal accepted by the members of the student’s committee. During the semester in which degree requirements are completed, the student must pass an oral examination on the thesis and course work. The student must submit a copy of the thesis to the members of their committee at least two weeks prior to the oral examination.
Non-Thesis Option
A maximum of 3 semester hours may be earned in COMS 697, Directed Individual Study. This course should only be used for unique educational opportunities, new projects, and research endeavors not otherwise available through current course offerings.
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.
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