Communication Studies Master of Arts

	Department of Communication Studies

Master of Arts in Communication Studies

The Master of Arts program in Communication Studies provides advanced study of human communication in its various and diverse forms, contexts, and processes. The program prepares students for academic and professional career paths.

The Master of Arts program in Communication Studies includes coursework in:

Rhetorical Studies
Communication Theory
Performance Studies
Language Behavior
Cultural Studies

Program Requirements

The program comprises thirty-three units of coursework in Communication Studies selected in consultation with advisers. For the culminating experience, students complete either comprehensive examinations, a thesis, or an applied scholarly project.

Teaching Associateships are available and involve teaching two sections of the public speaking course and a service assignment working with the Forensics Program, Performance Ensemble (formerly known as Readers Theater), Service Learning, Aronstam Departmental Library, or Technology Resources.

Admission Standards

Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a score above the 50th percentile in one of the three areas of the GRE. Although these are the minimum requirements for graduate admission to the University, the Department will typically have higher entrance requirements and select applicants competitively. Applicants with limited background in the communication disciplines are required to complete nine units of preparatory undergraduate coursework, determined in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator. Evaluation and selection of applicants are the responsibility of the Department's Graduate Studies Committee.

Graduate Curriculum

The Graduate Curriculum includes seminars in the following areas, as well as Special Topics seminars, Independent Studies, and Directed Graduate Research:

Communication and Language
Communication Theory
Performance Studies
Classical Rhetoric
Contemporary Rhetoric
Postmodern Rhetoric
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Organizational Communication
Communication and Technology
Feminist Perspectives in Communication
Textual Studies

The Master's Degree culminates with Directed Comprehensive Examinations, a Master's Thesis, or an Applied Project.

Faculty and Students

California State University, Northridge and the Department of Communication Studies are committed to fostering diversity in its faculty and programs. Qualified individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Applying to the Program

We only admit students for the Fall semester—there are no Spring admissions. Each of the documents linked below is part of the Department Graduate Application Packet. In addition to completing the University Application, you will need to print these documents and submit your department application in hardcopy to:

Dr. Peter Marston
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Communication Studies
California State University, Northridge
1811 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8257

The following materials are required in your Department Graduate Application Packet:

A copy of your university application. Print it out as you submit it online.
A copy of the Graduate Applicant Checklist.
A cover letter expressing your interest in the program and including a developed statement of purpose (approximately 2-3 pages).
A copy of your GRE scores. Please have the testing center report your GRE scores to CSUN directly. The ETS code for CSUN is 4707. You should also include a photocopy or printout of your scores in your application to the Department. Please note that GRE scores are now required for all applicants.
A copy of your transcripts from your undergraduate institutions. These may be unofficial.
Two letters of recommendation. Please note that if you are applying for a position as a Teaching Associate, your letters should directly address your potential for success as an instructor of our basic public speaking course.

As an applicant to our graduate program, you will also want to read the following documents:

Additional links useful for new graduate students:

Course Descriptions
Sample Syllabi from CSUN courses (Graduate courses are 500- and 600-level).
CSUN Admissions and Records, for information about applying to the university.
Financial Aid Information

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