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2014-2015 University Catalog
Communication, MA
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Banner Code: LA-MA-COM
Web: communication.gmu.edu
The master of arts in communication examines the powerful role played by communication practices in contemporary society. Students may choose to specialize in strategic communication/public relations or health communication or pursue a concentration in science communication. They may also choose an individualized specialization in communication studies according to their interests.
This program of study is offered by the Department of Communication .
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies section of the catalog. |
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admissions section of this catalog. For information specific to the MA in communication, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.
Admission to the graduate program in communication is competitive. Degree Requirements
All students pursuing the MA in communication follow the same general program structure whether completing the degree with a concentration or specialization. Students complete three program core courses, two theory courses, one practicum course, two specialization or concentration courses, and three elective courses (or 9 credits), of which 3 credits may be thesis.
Students must choose from one area of specialization (strategic communication/public relations, health communication, or individualized communication studies) or the Concentration in Science Communication. Specific requirements are described below. Because it is a narrow specialized area, science communication is subject to the stricter requirements of a concentration.
Students who choose to write a thesis should be aware of the policies governing theses as stated in the Academic Policies section of the catalog. If a thesis is chosen, students must follow the thesis enrollment policy of the university and, once enrolled in COMM 799 , maintain continuous enrollment. MA with Specialization (33 credits)
Three core courses (9 credits)
Two theory courses (6 credits) chosen from:
One practicum course (3 credits) chosen from:
Other courses, including special topics (COMM 590 or COMM 690 ) and independent study, can be used to fulfill this requirement with prior written approval of the program director. Area of Specialization (15 credits)
Students complete the degree by completing 6 credits of coursework in one of the three specializations and an additional 6-9 elective credits in any graduate coursework, to include a thesis. Courses outside the department require the prior written approval of the program director. Strategic Communications/Public Relations Specialization
The specialization in strategic communication/public relations requires a minimum of two courses from the list below. A course taken as a part of the general program cannot be duplicated in credits, but it can count as a course required for the specialization. Additional credits may be met through electives. Two specialization courses (6 credits) chosen from:
Optional thesis (3 credits)
Electives (6-9 credits)
The remaining courses in the specialization may be chosen from:
- Additional courses from the list above, or any other graduate courses in COMM.
- Up to 6 credits of coursework from other departments with prior written approval of the program director.
Students choosing to write a thesis take 6 credits of electives. Those opting out of a thesis not take 9 credits. Health Communication Specialization
The specialization in health communication requires a minimum of two courses from the list below. A course taken as a part of the general program cannot be duplicated in credits, but it can count as a course required for the specialization. Additional credits may be met through electives. Two specialization courses (6 credits) chosen from:
Optional thesis (3 credits)
Electives (6-9 credits)
The remaining courses in the specialization may be chosen from:
- Additional courses from the list above, or any other graduate courses in COMM.
- Up to 6 credits of coursework from other departments with prior written approval of the program director.
Students choosing to write a thesis take 6 credits of electives. Those opting out of the thesis not take 9 credits. Individualized Communication Studies specialization
Students pursuing a specialization in individualized communication studies design a program of courses to reflect their interests. Two specialization courses (6 credits)
Two courses in a field of specialization are chosen in consultation with an advisor or the program director. These courses may include select special topics courses shown below as approved by the program director. Optional thesis (3 credits)
Electives (6-9 credits)
The remaining courses in the specialization may be chosen from:
- Additional courses from the list above, or any other graduate courses in COMM.
- Up to 6 credits of coursework from other departments with prior written approval of the program director.
Students choosing to write a thesis take 6 credits of electives. Those opting out of the thesis take 9 credits. MA with Concentration (33 credits)
Students who wish to focus their graduate study in science communication complete the following requirements. ▲ Science Communication Concentration (SCMN)
Three core courses (9 credits)
Two theory courses (6 credits)
One practicum course (3 credits)
One required course (3 credits)
Optional thesis (3 credits)
Electives (9-12 credits)
- At least one science-related course (3 credits) outside the department. Course(s) must be chosen from graduate courses in science, social science or science policy for which students are qualified and which have been approved by the program director.
- The remaining courses in the concentration must be other graduate-level COMM courses, to include the optional thesis.
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