Department of Communication Home Page
Faculty
Alan D. Heisel, Associate Professor, Chairperson
Ed.D., West Virginia University
Alice E. Hall, Associate Professor, Graduate Program Coordinator
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Lara Zwarun, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of California – Santa Barbara
Su Ahn Jang, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Texas
Amber Reinhart, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Buffalo
Yan Tian, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Temple University
Jina Yoo, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Michigan State University
Elizabeth Kizer, Associate Professor Emerita
Ph.D., Purdue University
Donald Shields, Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Clark McMillion, Teaching Professor, Internship and Practicum Coordinator
M.A., State University College of New York at Brockport
Leighanne Heisel, Associate Teaching Professor, Online Program Coordinator
M.A., West Virginia University
Alan Akerson, Assistant Teaching Professor, PR Sequence Coordinator
M.A., University of Missouri-St. Louis
The faculty represents many fields within the discipline of communication including interpersonal communication, organizational communication, mass communication, public relations, and rhetoric. Most faculty members contribute to a growing body of knowledge by conducting research, publishing their results in scholarly journals, and presenting papers at national and international communication conferences. By integrating theory, research, and practice, faculty members are able to offer a comprehensive approach to contemporary communication problems.
General Information
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication
The B.A. in communication is a flexible degree program that allows the student to tailor their curriculum to meet specific interests and needs while simultaneously providing a strong foundation in the major specializations of the discipline. The faculty encourages all students to meet early and often with their faculty adviser to select a meaningful group of courses for a coherent, career-oriented academic program. Students who seek this degree will, upon completion, understand how to communicate competently and effectively in a variety of contexts and mediums. In addition, students will develop a strong foundation in the theory and research underlying effective communication. Finally, students will have demonstrated their competence through the internship and practicum requirements.
Minors in Communication
The Department of Communication offers a minor in Communication that can provide many benefits to students majoring in other programs (for more information, see the requirements for minors in the undergraduate studies section. The Minor in Communication can complement a variety of other degrees. Students who complete the minor will be able to understand and apply the theories underlying competent and effective communication.
Certificate in Public Relations
The Department of Communication offers a sequence of courses that can prepare students for a successful career in public relations. This writing intensive certificate program includes a selection of required and elective courses that integrate practical knowledge of the PR industry with the communication theory and research that undergird it. The certificate will be valuable both to those already in the workplace, and to undergraduates pursuing a public relations career. Closely aligned with the latest recommendations from the Public Relations Society of America and the National Communication Association, the curriculum will provide students with both the public relations theoretical base and practical hands-on skills necessary to succeed in public relations.
Other Certificate Programs
In addition to offering the Certificate in Public Relations, the department supports a number of certificate programs (including Disaster and Risk Management and Secondary Education). For more information, see Certificate Programs and Interdisciplinary Studies in this Bulletin.
Master of Arts in Communication
The Master of Arts degree program provides the opportunity for an advanced degree program in communication with a strong theory and research emphasis. Students can select courses that emphasize broad categories of communication such as organizational communication and/or mass communication. The program will help students develop a strong background in communication theory and research which would allow for the pursuit of a doctorate in communication, opportunities for professional positions, and the potential for a vertical or lateral move within an organization. Students who complete the M.A. in Communication will have a detailed understanding of the academic discipline. They will have developed critical skills for evaluating communication related theories and research, and the ability to apply that knowledge in their own research or professional settings. For further details, please see the Graduate Studies section of the Communication Department listings.
Undergraduate Studies
General Education Requirements
Majors must satisfy the university and college general education requirements. The college's foreign language requirement may be taken in any language. Communication courses may not be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in Communication:
Majors must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours in Communication courses. At least 18 of these must be taken at UMSL. Furthermore, at least 12 semester hours of the Communication courses completed must be numbered 3000-4999. All students must complete the required courses and earn a C or better in all communication courses applied to the degree.
Required courses for the major:
COMM 1030, Interpersonal
Communication I
COMM 1050, Introduction to Mass Communication
COMM 2231, Communication in the Organization
COMM 3330, Research Methods in Communication I
COMM 3332, Intercultural
Communication
At least 3 hours from either the practicum (1193) or internship (3393) courses.
Department Activities and Internships
Co-curricular projects and activities relevant to the personal, professional, and academic goals of each student are sponsored and advised by the department. Along with the traditional academic experience, students can network and develop valuable experiences through their completion of required internship or practicum courses. Students may choose from a wide-range of for-profit, nonprofit, and not-for-profit organizations. Students should visit the Department of Communication for more information regarding existing opportunities, and/or consult with the Internship and Practicum Coordinator to approve a new internship site. By tailoring the internship site to the interests of each student, the internship and practicum augment the academic experience and provide valuable opportunities for majors to apply their communication studies.
Minors in Communication
Coursework for a minor in Communication consists of 15 semester hours of the core requirements for the major. Credit hours in COMM 1195 and/or COMM 3395 may be substituted for credit hours listed below with written consent of the communication department chairperson.
Core Requirements:
COMM 1030, Interpersonal Communication I
COMM 1050, Introduction to Mass Communication
COMM 2231, Communication in the Organization
COMM 3330, Research Methods in Communications I
COMM 3332, Intercultural Communication
At least 9 of the 15 hours required for the minor must be taken at UMSL.
Students must earn at least a C for all communication courses applied to the minor. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required in the minor.
Certificate in Public Relations
The Certificate in Public Relations integrates essential professional skills with contemporary communication theory and research to provide a grounded sequence based on the recommendations of the Public Relations Society of America and the National Communication Association. To earn the certificate, students must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in the designated courses.
Required Coursework (18 credit hours):
COMM 1150, Introduction to Public Relations (3)
COMM 3358, Communication in Public Relations (3)
COMM 3360, Health Communication in Mass Mediated Contexts (3)
COMM 4035, Integrated Approaches to Public Relations, Advertising, and Promotion (3)
COMM 4100, Communication Campaigns (3)
COMM 4199, Applied Public Relations (3) or COMM 4393, Internship in Applied Communication (3)
Elective Coursework (minimum of 6 credit hours required):
COMM 1050, Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
COMM 1135, Communication Theory (3)
COMM 2231, Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 2232, Communication in Organizations: Tools for Leadership (3)
COMM 2240, Persuasive Communication (3)
COMM 3330, Research Methods in Communication I (3)
COMM 3395, Special Topics in Communication (3)
For more information on this certificate, please contact the Department of Communication’s Public Relations Sequence Coordinator.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication with Certification in Secondary Education
In addition to the requirements for the B.A. in communication and general requirements set by the College of Education, students must meet the state requirements for certification.
The B.A. and certification for grades 7-12 can be completed by taking a minimum of 39 hours in communication, selected according to departmental recommendations. The B.A. and certification for grades 7-9 can be obtained by taking 36 hours in communication, selected according to departmental recommendations. Requirements of the College of Education include courses in professional education and ENGL 3600, The Curriculum and Methods of Teaching English (same as SEC ED 3600).
Graduate Studies
The department offers a Master of Arts degree in Communication.
Admission requirements:
Applicants must have a baccalaureate in communication or a related discipline by the end of the semester in which they apply. The minimum cumulative GPA required for regular admission to the graduate program in communication is 3.25 on a 4-point scale. In addition three letters of recommendation, at least two of which address the applicant's potential to succeed in graduate studies in communication, are also required. Finally, International students who are non-native speakers of English must obtain a TOEFL score of 600 on the paper-based test (or the equivalent score on other versions of the test) to be considered for admission. Applicants with GPAs that do not meet the admission criterion may elect to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to offset these deficiencies. Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator for more information.
Degree Requirements:
The MA in Communication requires either 30 or 36 credit hours of coursework, depending on the exit project. Candidates approved for a thesis or internship will complete at least 30 semester hours of approved study, at least 21 of which must be taken in courses offered by the department. Candidates completing the non-thesis, non-internship option must complete 36 semester hours of approved study, 27 of which must be taken in courses offered by the department.
Communication
COMM 6400, Seminar in Communication Theory
COMM 6405, Introduction to Communication Research Methods
COMM 6411, Seminar in Mass Communication
COMM 6431, Seminar in Organizational Communication
COMM 6435, Seminar in Advanced Applied Communication Research
After consultation with the graduate coordinator the student selects either a 36 hour or 30 hour program and, in the latter case, develops an appropriate exit project with input from prospective committee members. The expectation for each internship varies by project and committee, but submission of an essay in which the coursework and internship experiences are integrated is typically required. Internship exit projects and theses must be approved by the student’s committee and assigned a grade by the advisor. The candidate must pass an oral examination conducted by student's committee regardless of exit option selected.
Students who complete a thesis or internship must complete no less than a 3 hour internship or 6 credit hour thesis.
Graduate Certificate: ACP Instructional Communication
The ACP Instructional Communication Certificate is designed for secondary educators interested in teaching public speaking and related courses to high school students for college credit through programs such as UMSL’s Advanced Credit Program. The certificate combines practical application with theory and research to provide teachers with a grounded approach to delivering college appropriate courses with empirical research in communication at the foundation.
Through a combination of online courses and independent studies, students can complete the ACP Communication graduate certificate without visiting campus.
Students who earn the ACP Instructional Communication graduate certificate will be eligible to teach college level courses in public speaking at the secondary level.
Requirements: Graduate Standing. To earn the ACP Communication certificate, students must complete a minimum of 18 hours. Typically, students will earn the certificate by completing the following courses in sequence:
COMM 5000: ACP-Elements of Public Speaking (3 credit hours) [R]
COMM 5010: ACP-Elements of Debate (3 credit hours) [R]
COMM 5020: ACP- Persuasion and Influence (3 credit hours) [R]
COMM 5050: ACP-Special Topics in Communication (3-6 credit hours, may be repeated).* [E]
COMM 5099: ACP-Implementation and Observation (3 credit hours).* [R]
*Pre-requisites: Students must have completed or currently be enrolled in each of the following courses: COMM 5000, COMM 5010, COMM 5020
[R] Required for the certificate [E] Elective
+ Other 5000+ electives may be substituted based on approval and availability. Contact the Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Communication for more information.
Career Outlook
The B.A. in communication prepares students for careers in numerous fields. Past graduates are working in the following positions: promotion and public relations, administration, advertising, marketing, web page design, market research, corporate media, sales, training, speech writing, teaching, and research. Other students have pursued graduate education in communication programs offering the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees.
Course Descriptions
Prerequisites may be waived by consent of the instructor.
COMM 1000 Effective Communication for College (3)
A communication by objective approach is used to introduce students to effective communication in a college environment. Emphasis is placed on preparing and delivering effective messages whether written or spoken, formal or informal, digital or hardcopy.
COMM 1030 Interpersonal Communication I (3) [C]
Introduction to the theories of interpersonal communication. Emphasis on basic principles involved in one-to-one interactions.
COMM 1040 Introduction to Public Speaking (3) [C]
Theories and techniques of organization, evidence, argumentation, persuasion,
and delivery in public speaking.
COMM 1041 Presentational Speaking (3)
Theories and techniques of presenting information in various contexts, formats, and settings. Emphasis is placed on strategic coordination for message effectiveness in a team-based environment.
COMM 1050 Introduction to Mass Communication (3) [C] [P]
Introduction to oral, print, and electronic media of communication, including emerging digital formats. The course covers the major theories of mass communication effects as well as the social, organizational, economic, political and technological factors that shape the creation and reception of mass media messages.
COMM 1135 Communication Theory (3) [P]
Survey of elements and processes critical to human communication behavior.
Comparison of influential communication theories.
COMM 1150 Introduction to Public Relations (3) [PR]
Prerequisite: COMM 1040 or 1050. Publicity methods and public relations representation of profit and nonprofit institutions to the public; use of communication research and media, as applied to the public relations profession.
COMM 1193 Practicum in Applied Communication (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Practicum work at any of the UMSL public relations offices, sports and school newspapers, Office of Research or Photography Services. Work must be done on campus, under supervision of a working professional in the field, in consultation with a faculty member.
COMM 2230 Small Group Communication (3)
Prerequisite COMM, 1040.
Development of communication skills needed in small group
decision making. Application of these skills to contemporary problems.
COMM 2231Communication in the Organization (3) [C] [P]
Course integrates
communication theories applicable to the structure and function of organizations.
The effect of communication variables on departmental interface, member
satisfaction and motivation, leadership and subordinate styles, and perception
of the organization by the external environment.
COMM 2232 Effective Communication in the Organization: Tool for
Leadership (3) [P]
Telecourse designed to equip students with communication skills applicable to the organizational context. The course will present effective strategies for the articulation of ideas, with particular emphasis on the development of leadership skills.
COMM 2240 Persuasive Communication (3) [P]
Prerequisite: COMM, 1040. A study of persuasive communication, including theories, techniques, forms, functions, applications, potential, and limitations for the individual and organizations. Insights from both classical rhetoric and contemporary communication theory.
COMM 2243 Communication in American Politics (3)
Prerequisite: COMM, 1040. Analysis of audience response and media preferences in political campaigns, campaign speeches, candidates' uses of television and other mass media, and measuring effectiveness of campaign communications.
COMM 2250 Strategic Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1135 or consent of instructor. Principles of message construction in oral, written, and/or mediated communication. Emphasis is placed on logical reasoning, audience analysis, message structure, and attainment of communication goals.
COMM 3130 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1030. Continuation of COMM 1030, focusing on contemporary theories and research regarding interpersonal relationships.
COMM 3150 Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Communication (3)
Course will focus on three specialized areas within public relations: communication methods and infrastructure in relation to large-scale disaster management; organizational crisis communication; and public communication regarding environmental, chemical and other public risk issues.
COMM 3330 Research Methods in Communication I (3) [C] [P]
Prerequisite: COMM 1135. Introduction to the fundamental tools of quantitative
research in communication. Focus of the course is on reading and comprehending
communication research reports rather than conducting quantitative research.
COMM 3332 Intercultural Communication (3) [C]
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of the instructor. Study of culture as a variable in both interpersonal and collective communicative situations. Emphasis upon opportunities and problems arising from similarities or differences in communication patterns, processes, and codes among various cultural groups.
COMM 3336 Communication in Advertising (3)
Prerequisites: COMM 1050 and Junior standing or consent of instructor. Overview of components in persuasive messages and how advertising messages and campaigns use various media to reach target audiences.
COMM 3337 Male/Female Communication (3)
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. This course explores the influence of gender upon contemporary American communication behavior. Topics include semantic and syntactic variations in male and female speech, gender-role development as process and product of communication, analysis of communication patterns and barriers within gender groups. Mass, public, interpersonal, and dyadic communication contexts are considered.
COMM 3342 Modern Rhetoric and Public Address (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1040 or consent of instructor. A survey of the history
and theories of persuasion and public address from the post-Renaissance
era to the present.
COMM 3350 Physiological Measurement in Communication (3)
Prerequisites: COMM 1135, COMM 3330, Junior standing, or consent of instructor. Overview of physiological measurement techniques found in classic and contemporary communication research. Conceptual and practical elements are emphasized.
COMM 3352 Mass Media in Society (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1050. Examination and evaluation of theories and literature concerning media content and its effect on society. Topics include the evidence relating to the effect of entertainment and information media on audiences’ behavior and attitudes, the factors that contribute to individual differences in responses to media content, and the ways the organizational structure of the media industries shape the type of content that is produced.
COMM 3358 Communication in Public Relations I (3) [PR]
Prerequisite: COMM 1150. An overview of communication within the area of public relations. Emphasis on ethics, law, professional standards, and written communication. Case study approach.
COMM 3360 Health Communication in Mass Mediated Contexts (3) [PR]
Prerequisite: COMM 1050 or consent of instructor. Examination of the theories and literature dealing with the role of mass media in health behavior. Topics include health promotion and prevention campaigns and the effect of news and entertainment media on health behaviors.
COMM 3361 Health Communication in Interpersonal and Organizational Contexts (3)
Prerequisites: COMM 1030 and COMM 2231, or consent of instructor. Examination of the theories and literature dealing with the role of interpersonal organizational communication in health behavior and health care organizations.
COMM 3362 Storytelling (1-3)
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. This course gives an overview of the history of storytelling, types of tales, and appropriate uses for storytelling. The primary emphasis of the course is in developing storytelling skills through preparation, performances, and evaluation.
COMM 3392 Administration of Cocurricular Activities (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1040 or Consent of Instructor. A survey of skills required to administer the various cocurricular activities associated with teachers who teach speech and communication courses in the secondary schools. Practical experience in skills such as: operation of debate tournaments, public speaking competitions, and mock trial competitions.
COMM 3395 Special Topics in Communication (3) [P]
Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing. In-depth study of topics pertaining to current research in the department. May be repeated up to six credit hours if topic is different.
COMM 3400 Language and Behavior (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1030, junior standing or consent of the instructor. Examination of language and behavior which includes etiological considerations, functions, meanings, perceptions, and process-interaction rules.
COMM 3410 Nonverbal Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1030, junior standing or consent of the instructor. An examination of the paralinguistic cues that accompany normal communication such as facial expression, eye behavior, gestures and body movements, accents and dialects, and the impact of touch, among others. The implications for message construction, delivery, and perception are discussed.
COMM 3500 Dysfunctional Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1030, junior standing or consent of the instructor. An examination of some of the factors that impede effective communication. Emphasis is placed both on individual attributes such as verbal aggression and communication apprehension, as well as context-based factors found in family and romantic relationships, among others.
COMM 3510 Communication and Conflict (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1030, junior standing or consent of the instructor. An examination of the features that contribute to effective and ineffective communication during conflicts. The course integrates communication research and theory with practical applications in negotiation and conflict resolution.
COMM 3520 Communication Problems in Children (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1030, junior standing or consent of the instructor. A review of communication research on developmental difficulties in children. Theories of communication, language development, acquisition, correction, and implementation are discussed.
COMM 3600 Communication and Families (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1030, junior standing or consent of the instructor. An analysis of research and theory involving communicative attributes and phenomena unique to the family context. Communication between parent-child, siblings, and extended family members, as well as more complex family structures are addressed. Functional and effective communication techniques are also discussed.
COMM 3610 Communication and Relationships (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1030, junior standing or consent of the instructor. An examination of the contributions of communication researchers to the study of developing and maintaining human relationships with particular focus on communication in friendships and romantic relationships.
COMM 3700 Computer Mediated Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1030, COMM 1050, junior standing or consent of the instructor. A comparison of the similarities and differences between face-to-face communication and computer-mediated communication. Synchronous and Asynchronous methods of interaction are examined, as well as other characteristics unique to the digital environment.
COMM 3800 Trends in Mass Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 1050, junior standing, or consent of the instructor. A theoretical and research-based examination of popular trends in Mass Communication. May be repeated once if topics are different.
COMM 4035 Integrated Approaches to Public Relations, Advertising, and Promotion (3) [PR]
Prerequisite: COMM 3358, junior standing, or consent of the instructor. Overview of how publicity, advertising and other promotional activities can be integrated into a single cohesive communication initiative or program.
COMM 4100 Communication Campaigns (3) [PR]
Prerequisites: COMM 1030, COMM 1050, COMM 1150, and junior standing or consent of the instructor. This course focuses on the design, analysis, and implementation of mass communication-based information campaigns by integrating research and theory from interpersonal, mass communication, and public relations.
COMM 4199 Applied Public Relations (3) [P]
Prerequisites: COMM 1150, COMM 3358, COMM 4035, junior standing, or consent of the instructor. This course provides students with an applied experience in public relations. The course may require on-site visits to private firms and/or the development of multi-year strategic plans.
COMM 4390 Directed Readings (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor; not open to students who have any Y or delayed grades outstanding. Supervised independent study involving readings, conferences, papers, etc., in one of the department's disciplines: communication theory and rhetoric, or mass communication.
COMM 4391 Supervised Research (1-5)
Prerequisites: Junior/senior standing and consent of instructor; not open to students who have any Y or delayed grades outstanding. Supervised field or laboratory research, data collection, literature searches, qualitative or quantitative data analysis, report writing and other techniques used by communication researchers. Repeatable, but no more than 5 credit hours may be earned in supervised research courses.
COMM 4393 Internship in Applied Communication (3-6) [C] [P]
Prerequisites: Senior standing, with a least 12 hours of course work in Communication, consent of instructor; open to communication majors only. Advanced practical work in business and organizational communication, public relations, or campaign communication. Work must be done under the supervision of a working professional in consultation with a faculty member. Repeatable, but no more than six hours total credit may be earned in internship courses toward the 36-hour minimum required for the degree.
COMM 5000 ACP- Elements of Public Speaking (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing, Special consent. This course focuses on the delivery of theory and research based public speaking content for teachers seeking certification to teach communication courses for the Advanced Credit Program.
COMM 5010 ACP-Elements of Debate (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing, Special consent. This course focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the theory and research typically taught in college level forensics and debate courses. Designed for teachers seeking certification to teach communication courses for the Advanced Credit Program.
COMM 5020 ACP- Persuasion and Influence (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing, Special consent. This course focuses on developing a strong background in the research and theory that underlies attempts to persuade and influence others through the use of effective communication. Designed for teachers seeking certification to teach communication courses for the Advanced Credit Program.
COMM 5050 ACP-Special Topics (3-6)
Prerequisites: COMM 5000, 5010, and 5020, Special Consent. This rotating topics course focuses on developing knowledge of communication theory and research applicable to the context of teaching public speaking and debate. Topics may include such issues as nonverbal communication, conflict communication, and argumentation, among others. Designed for teachers seeking certification to teach in the Advanced Credit Program. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
COMM 5099 ACP-Observation and Implementation (3)
Prerequisites: COMM 5000, 5010, 5020 and 5050, Special Consent
Provides a capstone experience for teachers seeking to teach communication courses in the Advanced Credit Program. While enrolled, participants will implement an ACP course in their school under the supervision of the Communication Department’s Advanced Credit Program Liaison.
COMM 6454 Seminar in Communication Systems and Technologies (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Examines innovation in modern communications technologies, their impact on society, and their contribution to the information revolution.
COMM 6492 Practicum in Computer-Mediated Communication (1-3)
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing, Special Consent
Collaborative research with a faculty member on a communication topic of mutual interest. May be repeated up to 6 hours.
COMM 6495 Seminar in Special Topics in Communication (3-9)
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Selected topics in the study of communication. Review of the communication theory and methods appropriate to the topic. The course includes a research project. May be repeated if the topic is different.
COMM 6498 Thesis Research and Preparation (1-10)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Individual research for and preparation
of the graduate thesis.
COMM 6499 Graduate Internship (3-6)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and approval of graduate coordinator. Individual on-site internship in organizational or mass communication setting.
COMM 6500 Seminar in Communication Theory (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Examination of the theoretical, methodological, and philosophy of science issues in the discipline of communication. Examines general micro, contextual, and interdisciplinary (symbiotic) communication theories. Required of all graduate communication students.
COMM 6510 Advanced Communication Research Methods I (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Concerns the logic and forms of communication inquiry including an examination of various communication research and evaluation methods and their theoretical frameworks. Topics include communication research strategy and methodology, scientific process, derivation and test of hypotheses, methods of research design. Provides an orientation to graduate research including proposal development for thesis, internship and paper requirements, and includes a theory-based research project of the student’s choice. Required of all graduate communication students.
COMM 6515 Advanced Communication Research Methods II (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 6510 or permission of instructor. Overview of the most commonly utilized methods in quantitative data analysis statistical methods in communication with an emphasis on understanding how the statistic is reported in scholarly articles and when to use that method, rather than in the mathematical computation of the method. Topics include: descriptive statistics, single and multi-factor analysis of variance, simple and multiple linear regression, basics of nonlinear regression, analysis of categorical data, meta-analysis, and non-parametric statistical methods. Required of all graduate communication students.
COMM 6600 Seminar in Organizational Communication (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Explores communication theories and topics related to organizational, institutional, and social system contexts and reviews the communication literature on behavior in organizations. Emphasizes a case study approach to the communication strategies used by agencies and corporations. Required of all graduate communication students.
COMM 6700 Seminar in Mass Communication (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Examines the communication research literature pertaining to media industries, content, and effects. A broad range of media forms and possible effects are considered.
COMM 6900 Directed Readings in Communication (1-10)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Independent study of published research and reports relating to a specific topic in communication. May be repeated for credit with permission of advisor.
COMM 6910 Supervised Research in Communication (1-3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Primary research on specific topic in communication. May involve collaborative research with a faculty member on a topic of mutual interest or data collection/analysis for a project developed by the student under the guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit with permission of advisor.
[C] = Core course required for major or minor in Communication
[P] = Course fulfills elective requirement for Certificate in Public Relations
[PR] = Course is required for Certificate in Public Relations
[GC] = Graduate core course required for the Master of Arts in Communication degree