About This Program

The Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies provides a broad spectrum of knowledge about human communication in various social contexts, and the ways in which information is produced and processed. The program prepares individuals to pursue a doctorate degree, as well as for non-academic careers in which a broad understanding of communication theory and research is desirable.Read more...

Contact Information

• School Director:Paul Haridakis|comm@kent.edu| 330-672-2659
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor:U.S. Student|International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics'Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit thegraduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit theinternational admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Sample of scholarly writing
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 82 MELAB score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 Duolingo English Test score

For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the研究生学习广告mission website. For more information on international admission, visit theOffice of Global Education’s admission website.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: November 15

Applications submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Read, critique and engage in theory-based research involving a broad spectrum of topics in human communication.
2. Understand and master appropriate methodological skills for the study of human communication and apply them to relevant and shifting real-world contexts that often include newer communication technologies.
3. Utilize theory-based and state-of-the-art knowledge to stimulate and improve communication processes in educational, business and nonprofit environments.

Dual degree with M.B.A. in Business Administration

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.A. degree in Communication Studies and the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

The dual M.A./M.B.A. degree program is designed for students and professionals whose career goals focus on communication, particularly global communication, and provides direction and leadership in economic and business development processes.

Dual Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Requirements
ACCT 63037	FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING	2
ACCT 63038	MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING	2
BA 64005	ANALYTICS FOR DECISION MAKING	2
orCOMM 65020	QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMMUNICATION
BA 64041	OPERATIONS, SERVICE AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT	2
CIS 64042	GLOBALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY	2
COMM 65000	FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY	3
COMM 65652	THEORIES OF COMMUNICATION	3
COMM 65851	ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION	3
ECON 62021	MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS	2
ECON 62022	MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS	2
FIN 66050	LAW AND ETHICS	2
FIN 66060	MANAGERIAL FINANCE	2
HRM 64271	HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT	2
MGMT 68051	BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I	1
MKTG 65051	MARKETING MANAGEMENT	2
Business Electives		6-7
Communication Studies (COMM) Electives1		12-15
Culmininating Requirement
MGMT 64185	BUSINESS STRATEGY	3
Choose from the following:1		3-6
COMM 60199	THESIS I
COMM 61198	MASTERS PROJECT IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
COMM 64092	MASTERS INTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Coursework
Minimum Total Credit Hours:		60

¹

Students who do not select the thesis option must complete 15 credit hours of electives to earn minimum 60 credit hours for the degree.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies is intended to provide a broad spectrum of knowledge about human communication in various social contexts, and the ways in which information is produced and processed. Curriculum focus is on the social and behavioral study of communication theory and research. The program prepares individuals to pursue a doctorate degree, as well as for non-academic careers in which a broad understanding of communication theory and research is desirable.