Master's Degree in
Communication
Shape Your Story, Master the Art of Communication
The Department of Communication provides a Master of Arts Degree in Communication, allowing students to tailor their program based on their career objectives. This degree equips students with essential skills in problem-solving, analysis, research methods, and scholarly writing.
Subjects include but are not limited to:
- Human communication theory
- Research methods
- Media studies
- Performance studies
Communication Master's Options
Communication Graduate Manual: Student Requirements, Candidacy, Option Info
Option I Thesis
An in-depth and original research project conducted during the course of the student's graduate studies. Students generally conduct this research over the course of one or two semesters under the guidance of a faculty advisor. A thesis must be successfully defended before a faculty committee.
Option II Applied Research
The student will conduct research or an advanced project, including creative work like performances, exhibits, or creative writing. They need a minimum of 32 hours of coursework, with 15 in courses numbered 800-899 and at least 26 in courses numbered 700-899. They must also enroll in 3 to 6 hours of research-related coursework and present their work to a committee.
Option III Coursework
A paper from one of the two research seminars is revised and presented to a colloquium of graduate students and a committee consisting of three faculty members from the Communication Department.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
GTAs entail graduate students juggling teaching duties with their academic pursuits. Assistantships offer a tuition waiver and a stipend.
Deadlines for Spring and Fall appointments are November 1st and April 1st, respectively. Additionally, admission to the Pittsburg State Graduate School is mandatory for GTA appointments.
GTA Position Descriptions
Speech Communication
The Speech Communication GTAs teach 3 sections of COMM 207 Speech Communication.
The 20-hour week includes 9 hours of teaching, 5 office hours, 2 hours in the Axe Library Communication Center assisting others with oral presentation preparations, and 4 hours of flex time. Speech GTAs teach between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. MWF.
Questions about this position should be forwarded to Alicia Mason.
Strategic Communication
The Strategic Communication GTA assists with introductory courses in the Strategic Communication emphasis area including:
- COMM 277 Introduction to Strategic Communication
- COMM 576 Media Writing and Copy
The 20-hour week includes 6 hours of teaching and assisting with classes, 8 office hours, 2 hours supporting the Communication Research Lab, and 4 hours of flex time. Strategic Communication GTAs teach between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. MWF.
Qualified applicants should have a working knowledge of AP and APA WritingStyles, and Adobe Photoshop and In-Design experience. Strategic Communication GTAs also assist with departmental events including the annual Internship panel, External Advisory Board, and other special events. Questions about this position should be forwarded to Kristen Livingston.
Multimedia Journalism
The Multimedia Journalism GTA provides support in introductory courses in mass media. Depending on the candidate's background, these courses could include but not be limited to:
- COMM 200 Intro to Mass Communication
- COMM 225 Reporting
- COMM 276 Photojournalism I
- COMM 575 Broadcast Journalism
The 20-hour week includes 6 hours of teaching and assisting with classes, 8 office hours, and 6 hours of flex time. Teaching times are typically between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
GTAs should have experience using fundamental journalism concepts such as news writing and organization, using AP style, interviewing, etc. Ideally, they should also be familiar with Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Premiere, DSLR/mirrorless still camera operation, or video camera operation. Questions about this position should be forwarded to Ken Ward.
Media Production
The Media Production GTA provides support in introductory courses in media
production. These courses could include but not be limited to:
- COMM 274 Intro to Audio/Video Production
- COMM 474 Corporate/Promotional Video Production
- COMM 475 Audio Production
The 20-hour week includes 6 hours of teaching and assisting with classes, 8 office hours, and 6 hours of flex time. Teaching times are typically between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Media Production GTAs should have taken COMM 274 or an equivalent course at another university or have extensive experience working with audio and video production hardware (video cameras, lighting, grip equipment, microphones) and software (Adobe Premiere, Adobe Audition, etc. or equivalents).
Experience in actual video and audio productions is preferable, Media Production GTAs also assist with departmental events including the annual Documentary Showcase and other special events as needed. Questions about this position should be forwarded to Barth Cox.
Theater
The Theatre GTA assists with the introduction to theatre course, COMM 105 Performance Appreciation, and also works in the scene shop to support the theatre productions.
Some previous technical theatre experience is preferred, such as carpentry, lighting, costumes, makeup, etc., but the position is flexible depending on the candidate’s background.
The 20-hour week includes 16 hours of teaching and working in the scene shop and 4 hours of flex-time. Working times are typically Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Tuesday between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Some additional evening and/or weekend hours may be required. Questions about this position should be forwarded to Linden Little.
Jump Start Program
The Jump Start program reduces tuition costs for nearly 30% of the graduate school journey.
Enroll in the Jump Start program for Communication Master's
Communication majors, minors, and undergraduates enrolled in participating Integrated Studies degree programs can earn credits during their senior year, completing 9 hours of graduate work before their undergraduate graduation.
You must earn a “B” or higher in your designated “Jump Start” courses. Approved courses include:
- COMM 702 Mass Media Management
- COMM 717 Research Procedures
- COMM 721 Philosophy and Ethics in Mass Communication
- COMM 724 Editorial Writing
- COMM 726 Media Analysis and Criticism
- COMM 755 Organizational Communication
- COMM 785 International Communication
- COMM 795 Issues in Communication
- COMM 815 Introduction to Graduate Studies