Applied Communication, Applied Communication Studies Concentration, M.S.

MS—Applied Communication

Graduate Program Chairs

John Chetro-Szivos, PhD

Graduate Committee

George Bohrer, PhD
Viera Lorencova, PhD

Program Objectives

The Master of Science in Applied Communication Program at Fitchburg State University will provide a course of study examining the relationship between theory and effective communication practice in interpersonal, organizational, public and mass communication contexts. Upon graduation a student will be prepared to assume leadership roles in organizations, their community, or in the academy where they can promote the effective and ethical practice of communication.

Students choose from concentrations in:

•  Applied Communication Studies
• Health Communication
• Technical and Professional Writing
• Instructional Technology (offered at Rollins GriffithTeacher Center, Dorchester)
• Library Media (offered at Rollins Griffith Teacher Center,Dorchester)

Program Description

Courses are designed to prepare students to pursue careers in a broad range of media, business, public, and educational organizations; or to continue their graduate education beyond the master’s level.

• Courses are conveniently offered in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate life-work schedules
• Distance learning opportunities are available for some courses
• The faculty includes experienced communications media practitioners and a community of scholars drawn from a wide variety of interests in the field of communications

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Master of Science in Applied Communication Program, a student must submit documents as outlined in the graduate admissions section as well as:

• Two or more years of experience with communication media technology for specific concentrations
• A possible departmental interview

Program Requirements

The Master of Science Degree in Applied Communication Program requires a total of 36 semester credit hours as follows:

Applied Communication Studies Track

The Applied Communication Studies Track is designed to provide a solid foundation in the theories and concepts of communications which can be applied within business, industry, government, non-profit, and health services.

Required

• COMM 7011 - Foundation of Communication Studies 3 cr.
• COMM 8011 - Interpersonal Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 8013 - Applied Rhetoric 3 cr.
• COMM 9110 - Communication Research Methods 3 cr.
• COMM 9120 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 9130 - Organizational Communication 3 cr.

Electives

(choose four)

• COMM 7012 Training and Development 3 cr.
• COMM 8012 - Intercultural Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 9010 - Contemporary Issues in Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 9072 - Persuasion in Context: Communications for Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations 3 cr.
• COMM 7300 - Health Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 7301 - Gender Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 8114 - Social Marketing 3 cr.
• Additional elective offerings may be available

Practicum or Thesis

(choose one)

• COMM 9200 - Practicum in Communication 6 cr.
• COMM 9980 - Thesis in Communication 6 cr.

Degree Total 36 cr.