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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Communication, MA


Banner Code: LA-MA-COM
Web: communication.gmu.edu

College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences  
Department: Communication  

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.

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  section of the catalog.

Transfer of Credit/Reduction of Credit

Students may request transfer of up to 15 hours of graduate course work from graduate non-degree status or from graduate study at another institution, or request a reduction of credit up to 6 hours based on a previously conferred graduate degree. Students should carefully review university policies governing graduate transfer of credit and reduction of credit (AP.6 Graduate Policies ). Transfer and reduction of credit is subject to the approval of the program director and graduate dean.

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 two program core courses, two methods 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)


Two methods courses (6 credits)


One course 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 (12 credits)


Students complete the degree by completing 6 credits of coursework in one of the three specializations and an additional 6 elective credits in any graduate coursework, to include an optional 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)

  • COMM 799 - Master's Thesis Credits: 1-6
  • Students who do not choose to complete a thesis will take additional credits of elective courses.

Electives (3-6 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 3 credits of electives. Those opting out of a thesis take 6 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)

  • COMM 799 - Master's Thesis Credits: 1-6
  • Students who do not choose to complete a thesis will take additional credits of elective courses.

Electives (3-6 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 3 credits of electives. Those opting out of the thesis take 6 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)

  • COMM 799 - Master's Thesis Credits: 1-6
  • Students who do not choose to complete a thesis will take additional credits of elective courses.

Electives (3-6 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 3 credits of electives. Those opting out of the thesis take 6 credits.

Total: 33 credits


MA with Concentration (33 credits)


Students who wish to focus their graduate study in science communication complete the following requirements.

▲ Concentration in Science Communication (SCMN)


A maximum of 9 credit hours from outside the department can be applied to the concentration in science communication.

Two methods courses (6 credits)

One required course (3 credits):

One course chosen from

Two theory courses (6 credits)

One practicum course (3 credits)

Optional thesis (3 credits)

  • COMM 799 - Master's Thesis Credits: 1-6
  • Students who do not choose to complete a thesis will take additional credits of elective courses.

Electives (6-9 credits)

  • At least one science-related course (3 credits) outside the department is required. A maximum of three outside courses (9 credits) is allowed for the concentration.
  • Outside 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. Students should select from 500- or 600-level courses offered by CHSS, COS, CHHS, SPGIA, or CEHD.
  • The remaining elective courses in the concentration must be other graduate-level COMM courses, to include the optional thesis.

Total: 33 credits