Communication Studies
Program Description
Our M.A. program emphasizes the study of interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and rhetoric. Topical areas of specialization include communication in families and personal relationships, communication in nonprofit organizations, intercultural communication, environmental rhetoric and feminist rhetoric. Students learn both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research methods. We are equally supportive of students who are preparing for nonacademic careers or doctoral study. The course content is applicable to a variety of professional and social contexts. Students are given latitude to pursue their own application of knowledge about communication.
Our program is rigorous, rewarding, and supportive. The department has an outstanding reputation for teaching, research, and community service. Please learn more about our faculty on our web page: http://www.cas.umt.edu/dcs/facultyList.cfm.
| Program |
Degree Offered |
| Communication Studies |
M.A. |
Degree Offered
M.A. Communication Studies
Requirements
At least two graduate-level research methods courses are required, selecting from Quantitative Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods, and Rhetorical Criticism and Theory. A course in statistics is also required, although the statistics requirement may be satisfied by a previous undergraduate course. In addition, students must take at least 12 graduate-level credits of Communication Studies courses. Students should take the course(s) that best reflect their area of desired emphasis.
Additional requirements include:
- 24 credits of graduate-level course work;
- a thesis;
- a thesis oral defense; and
- a colloquium presentation of completed work.
OR
- 30 credits of graduate-level course work;
- a professional paper;
- an oral defense of the paper proposal; and
- a colloquium presentation of completed work.
Admissions
1. Application Materials and Deadline
- Fall - Priority will be given to complete application packets received by February 1. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space available basis.
- Spring - Priority will be given to complete application packets received by November 1. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space available basis.
The department admits Master's students for spring semester only in rare circumstances, strongly preferring fall enrollments.
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site.
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Communication Studies also requires:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation that attest to your academic abilities and past performance. We prefer that the authors of your letters submit these through the electronic submission process provided by the UM Graduate School. Alternatively, the authors of your letters may provide their letters in sealed envelopes, signed across the seal. Include those sealed letters in your packet with the other materials.
- A one-page statement outlining the reasons for seeking a Master's degree in Communication Studies.
- A writing sample: Any academic essay or report that you are especially proud of.
After you have gathered these items, place them in a single envelope and mail them to:
Dr. Steve Yoshimura, Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Communication Studies
University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
2. Program Requirements for Admission
- Admission depends on a student's rank relative to other applicants.
- A GPA of 3.2 or better in undergraduate course work (assuming a 4.0 scale) is expected.
- Successful applicants average well above 300 for a combined verbal and quantitative score (or 1000 on the exam scaled from 200-800 points) and at least a 3.5 on the analytic writing section of the GRE. Up to a point, lower GRE scores may be offset by a higher grade point average, and vice versa. Other mitigating factors may be taken into account in individual cases. The department prefers GRE scores that are not more than five years old. However, the program is willing to accept verifiable GRE scores over 5 years old when applicants face unusual situations making it difficult for them to retake the exam.
- At least three strong letters of recommendation are required, with preference toward letters from those who can attest to the applicant's ability to succeed in graduate level academic work.
3. Assistantship Application and Deadline
To apply for a graduate teaching assistantship position, simply indicate on the application form that you wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship. Prospective students who want to apply for assistantships must submit their applications by February 1. The department will notify applicants by late March or early April about admissions and assistantship positions for the following fall.
4. International Students
Financial Assistance
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on this web site.
Graduate Teaching Assistants
The department awards a limited number of graduate teaching assistant (GTA) positions to graduate students. Graduate students in these positions act as instructors in introductory public speaking or interpersonal communication courses, with close guidance from faculty. GTAs work 15-20 hours per week, for which they receive a stipend, tuition fee waiver, and a registration fee waiver. Other fees charged by the University are not included in the TA fee waiver package. These positions are highly competitive, and only full-time graduate students are eligible. Both current and incoming graduate students are encouraged to apply. Teaching assistants are required to register for 9 credits of course work each semester.
Department website
Campus Location
Liberal Arts Building, Room 301
Federal Express Delivery - Street Address
32 Campus Drive #6048
Missoula, MT 59812-6048
(406) 243-4293
Fax: 406.243.6136
lanell.curry@umontana.edu
Graduate Coordinator
Stephen Yoshimura, Ph.D.
(406) 243-4951
stephen.yoshimura@umontana.edu
Program information last updated 8/12
