The M.A. in Communication with a concentration in Communication Studies provides advanced study of human communication and prepares students to understand, analyze, and improve communication across a wide range of contexts. Through coursework in interpersonal, public, organizational, and mediated communication, students develop the theoretical knowledge, research skills, and practical experience needed to address complex communication challenges in today's world. At the heart of the program is a simple idea: words matter. Students examine how communication shapes relationships, organizations, communities, and public life while learning to create meaningful, ethical, and effective communication.
Graduates are prepared for careers in industry, government, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, higher education, and other professional settings where strong communication skills and critical thinking are essential. The program also provides an excellent foundation for students planning to pursue doctoral study in communication or related fields. Whether your goal is to advance your career, strengthen your professional expertise, or continue your academic journey, the Communication Studies concentration offers a rigorous and supportive graduate experience.
The Communication Studies M.A. is available in both face-to-face and fully online formats, giving students the flexibility to earn their degree in the way that best fits their personal and professional commitments.
Admissions
The M.A. in Communication with a concentration in Communication Studies admits students for both Fall and Spring entry. Applicants should submit all required materials through the University of Memphis Graduate School application.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A bachelor's degree in Communication or a related field from an accredited institution.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance but ensures your application will receive full consideration.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following through the Graduate School application:
- Official or unofficial transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended (official transcripts are required upon admission)
- Current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Academic writing sample (such as a final course paper)
- Statement of purpose (maximum 1,200 words) describing your academic interests, professional goals, and reasons for pursuing graduate study in Communication Studies at the University of Memphis
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic abilities and potential for graduate study
Application Deadlines
| Semester | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Admission | August 1 (May 1 for international applicants) |
| Spring Admission | November 1 |
Curriculum & Degree Requirements
The Communication Studies concentration requires 30 credit hours of graduate coursework and provides students with a strong foundation in communication theory, research methods, and advanced study across the discipline. Students examine communication in interpersonal, organizational, public, mediated, and other communication contexts while developing the knowledge and skills needed for professional practice or doctoral study.
Degree Requirements
Students in the Communication Studies concentration will:
- Complete a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours
- Complete COMM 7321 - Communication Theory (or an approved equivalent)
- Complete an approved graduate research methods course
- Complete at least 21 credit hours (70%) at the 7000 level or higher
- Complete either:
- the Communication Studies Capstone, or
- a Culminating Special Project under the supervision of a Communication Studies faculty member
Academic Standards
To remain in good standing, graduate students must:
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Make satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion
- Successfully complete the Capstone or Culminating Special Project within the required timeframe
The official Graduate Catalog contains complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree regulations.
Course Offerings
Graduate Communication Studies students complete coursework from a variety of advanced communication courses. Course offerings vary by semester.
To explore all graduate Communication courses, visit the University of Memphis Graduate Catalog and select the COMM course prefix to view course descriptions.
For the most up-to-date list of courses being offered, view the current semester's course schedule:
Current Course Offerings**create document and link here
Online Master's in Communication
Program Overview
The online MA program in Communication is offered completely asynchronously. Students
may elect to complete a special project or take exams to complete the degree.
Online COMM Graduate Courses
- COMM 6015 - Health Literacy (Every Spring)
- COMM 6016 - Public Health Campaigns (Every Odd Fall)
- COMM 6322 - Persuasion & Influence (Every Fall)
- COMM 6341 - Interpersonal Communication (Every Even Fall)
- COMM 6345 - Intercultural Communication (Every Odd Spring)
- COMM 7/8012 - Seminar in Health Communication (Fall 2024)
- COMM 7/8014 - Public Health Communication (Fall 2026)
- COMM 7/8345 - Health Literacy (Fall 2025)
- COMM 7/8354 - Topics in Rhetoric of Health, Science, and Medicine (Spring 2026)
- COMM 7/8369 - Organizational Communication (Every Odd Spring)
Program Requirements
- Total of 30 Credit Hours
- Up to 9 hours may be taken outside of COMM
- 3 hours of theory and 3 hours of methods
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Successful completion of either a Capstone Paper or Special Project
The Department offers a limited number of scholarships for MA students. Please contact the Department of Communication & Film for current scholarship opportunities and application information.
Department of Communication and Film:
☏ 901-678-2565
Graduate Policies
Graduate students are responsible for understanding the University, Graduate School, and Department policies that apply to their program and academic progress.
Policies for M.A. Communication Studies Students
Policies relevant to M.A. Communication Studies students include advising, special project procedures, graduate creative and research grants, continuous enrollment, leaves of absence, and general academic standards.
The Department maintains a centralized Graduate Policies page containing policies for Communication Studies, Film and Video Production, Ph.D. students, graduate assistants, and other graduate students. Each policy is clearly labeled by the program or student group to which it applies.
Students in the M.A. Communication Studies concentration may complete either the Communication Studies Capstone (COMM 7999) or a Special Project (COMM 7994) to fulfill the program's culminating requirement.
What is a Special Project?
A Special Project allows students to apply communication theory and research methods to address a real-world communication issue. Projects often involve applied research, public scholarship, or collaboration with a nonprofit or community organization, although community partnerships are not required.
Students pursuing doctoral study may also choose to develop a journal manuscript as part of their Special Project.
Getting Started
Students who choose the Special Project option must:
- Select a Communication Studies faculty member to serve as their project supervisor.
- Form an advising committee consisting of the supervisor and two additional Communication faculty members.
- Submit a Special Project proposal for committee approval before registering beyond 18 credit hours.
Special Project proposals are submitted electronically through the Department's Special Project Proposal Form.
MA Special Project Proposal Form
Proposal Requirements
Special Project proposals should include:
- An introduction describing the problem, issue, and significance
- A review of relevant literature
- Proposed research method(s)
- A description of the project's deliverables
- A projected timeline for completion
Final Defense
After completing the project, students will defend their work before their advising committee.
During the defense, students present their project and respond to questions from the committee. The committee evaluates whether the project successfully fulfills the approved proposal and demonstrates master's-level application of communication theory and research methods.
Students who successfully defend their project receive a satisfactory (S) grade for COMM 7994.
Have questions? If you'd like to learn more about the Communication Studies M.A. program or discuss your academic and professional goals, we'd be happy to help.
Dr. Andre E. Johnson, Director of Graduate Studies