Applied Communication Concentration Requirements

The Applied Communication concentration offers students insights into practices that can make them more effective communicators, decision-makers and leaders in relational, professional and community settings. Armed with the latest applied communication theory and research, students will learn how to critically analyze key challenges and opportunities for personal growth in interpersonal and organizational contexts, identify areas for change and development, and apply effective communication strategies that advance just and equitable outcomes.

Our interdisciplinary graduate seminars investigate current applied communication topics through various perspectives, including communication and technology, work/life communication and wellness, inter-organizational collaboration for social impact, diversity and leadership, and campaigns for social change.

This concentration will be of interest to those seeking to further their careers in fields such as human relations, marketing and communications, community engagement, internal and policy communications, or to prepare for a PhD program in communication related fields.

Course Requirements

The MA in Communication and Media with a concentration in Applied Communication requires a total of 12 courses, 48 credit hours, for completion. Students must complete the following requirements:

• Three core courses
• One methods course
• Four Applied Communication electives
• One Media and Popular Culture elective
• Three graduate level electives

Applied Communication Concentration Core Courses

Applied Communication Concentration Methods Requirement

Applied Communication Concentration Elective Courses

Students must take a minimum of 4 Applied Communication electives (16 credit hours). Topics courses can be taken multiple times for credit as long as the specific topic differs each time. 

 Media and Popular Culture Elective

Students in the Applied Communication concentration must take a minimum of 1 Media and Popular Culture elective (4  credits). 

General Electives

Students in the Applied Communication Concentration must take a minimum of 3 general electives (12 credits). These electives can come from any of the Media and Popular Culture concentration electives, any of the Applied Communication concentration electives, and up to 2 electives can be an outside elective from a graduate program outside of Communication and Media. Outside electives must be approved by advisor or graduate program director. 

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