Graduate Degree
M.A. in Communication Studies
One of the top Communication Studies Master's programs in the country, our graduate students investigate communication processes impacting our personal, professional, and public lives. Our applied approach allows for students to explore research programs unique to their own interests. Our graduates pursue careers applying communication research in profit, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. Some alumni pursue doctoral education at the country's top Ph.D. programs. Students who are Graduate Instructional Assistants earn financial support during school while taking part in a world-class teacher training program through or department's Teaching & Learning Academy.
Students may pursue a 36-hour degree culminating in a Master's Academic/Professional Portfolio (MAPP) or a 30-hour degree that includes a thesis
After completion of two required courses, students can design their own customized programs from the courses in our curriculum.
Enrollment in most of our graduate courses is limited to 18 students. The seminar format allows students to receive individual attention and to explore research programs unique to their own interests. Most classes are offered in the evenings to accommodate working students.
Specializations
-
Communication Training and Development
Students who focus on Communication Training and Development explore the knowledge and skills needed to enhance communication performance. Courses may include Communication Training and Development, Organizational Communication, and Communication Assessment. A Certificate in Corporate Communication and Training is also available to students who complete a prescribed nine-hours of curriculum.
-
Health Communication
Students who focus on health communication investigate the essential role of communication in health situations through a variety of courses that may include Health Communication, Critical Health Rhetoric, Communication in Health Organization, and Relational Health Communication. Coursework in health communication explores topics such as barriers to patient and provider interactions, health communication leadership, health disparities, healthcare training and assessment, health in relationships, and healthcare team of effectiveness.
-
Instructional Communication
Students who focus on instructional communication find a brand array of courses that prepare them for a career in teaching. Courses in this area include Instructional Communication and Communication Assessment. Students are also encouraged to take courses related to communication curricula typically found in community colleges, such as interpersonal communication and group communication.
-
Interpersonal Communication
Students who focus on interpersonal communication investigate the role of communication in the development and maintenance of human relationships. Courses in this area include Interpersonal Communication as well as courses that allow students to study interpersonal communication in a variety of contexts such as close relationships (Relational Communication) and families (Family Communication).
-
Rhetorical Studies
Students who focus on rhetorical studies investigate the power of symbols to shape perception and alter attitudes. Courses in this area offer a broad overview of rhetorical theory and rhetorical methods, and they allow students to focus on rhetoric in specific contexts including Political Communication, Organizational Rhetoric, and Media Criticism.
Participate in Enriching Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities
Teaching & Learning Academy
The Teaching & Learning Academy (TLA) is a comprehensive training program for Communication Studies graduate students and adjunct faculty who teach COMM 1310: Fundamentals of Human Communication. It is held both fall and spring semesters and is required for all COMM 1310 instructors.
Instructional Assistantships
Students who are admitted to the Communication Studies Graduate Program can apply for a Graduate Instructional Assistant (GIA) position. Having an assistantship not only helps financially, but is also a career enriching opportunity for students who have an interest in leading and developing people.
Graduate Association
Communication Studies Graduate Association (CSGA) is a departmental organization dedicated to unifying the graduate students in Communication Studies at Texas State University. The goals of these meetings are for graduate students to learn more about academia and jobs outside of academia.
For more information, contact:
Lindsay Timmerman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Director of Graduate Studies
Office Location: Centennial Hall 323
Phone: 512-245-1807
Email: lindsayt@txstate.edu