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

MS—Applied Communication

Graduate Program Chair

Viera Lorencova, PhD

Graduate Curriculum Committee

Program Objectives

The Master of Science in Applied Communication Program at Fitchburg State University is designed to 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 from this program have successfully pursued professional and higher education goals.

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 communication media practitioners and a community of scholars drawn from a wide variety of interests in the field of communication

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 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 Concentration

The Applied Communication Studies Concentration is designed to provide a solid foundation in the theories and concepts of communication, which can be applied within business, industry, government, non-profit, and health services. The program can also be used to prepare students for advanced graduate study.

Required

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

Electives

Must choose four courses (12 credits) for electives.

Note: Any course offered through the program, not used as a required course, may serve as an elective.

Practicum or Thesis

(choose one)

• COMM 9200 - Practicum in Communication
• COMM 9980 - Thesis in Communication

Degree Total 36 cr.