Master of Arts in Communication

The Master’s program in the Department of Communication is a graduate researched based program that focuses on theory research, research methods and communication principles. In order to qualify for the Master’s program, a student must complete a bachelor's degree in communication or a related field. A student must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before entering the Master’s program.

The Master’s program concentrates on four specific fields of communication, Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Organizational Communication and Mass (Media) Communication.

Intrapersonal Communication deals with information processing in human organisms and the possibility of genetic capacity to represent the cognitive processes.

Interpersonal Communication is a basic form of communication. It concentrates on the development of corporations and consensus between human beings. Mass (Media) Communication concentrates on complex mediated systems from literacy to electronic systems that developed in the 20th century. Media theories are explored that study the impact of a simple source on complex social population.

Organizational Communication explores the theory and research of complex organizing systems that are designed to achieve outcomes that require corporations and consensus to achieve complex goals.

According to Dr. Sowards, who oversees the graduate program, the thesis research project is constructed by the student under the direction of a faculty member. It consists of oral examinations and a production 1-1 bound thesis that must be submitted by the student and approved by a graduate faculty committee. A minimum of 30 hours and thesis option is required for the Master’s program. A Master’s with a non-thesis option requires 36 hours.

According to Dr. Witherspoon, Chair of the Department of Communication, a Master’s degree can increase salaries at jobs or careers. A Master’s degree can be a path to getting a Doctoral degree.

For any questions or additional information a student can contact Dr. Stacey Sowards at Quinn Hall, room 205, by calling 747- 8854 or by e-mail at ssowards@utep.edu