Applied Communication, Technical and Professional Writing 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:

Technical and Professional Writing Track

The Technical and Professional Writing track is designed to provide knowledge and skills necessary to develop print and online communications materials within business, industry, government and journalistic enterprises.

*Note: This program utilizes a cohort model and will commence when sufficient enrollment is secured.

Required

• COMM 7011 - Foundation of Communication Studies 3 cr.
• COMM 9010 - Contemporary Issues in Communication 3 cr.
• COMM 9110 - Communication Research Methods 3 cr.
• COMM 9120 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Communication 3 cr.

Electives

• COMM 7000 - Writing Workshop I 3 cr.
• COMM 7500 - Writing Workshop II 3 cr.
• COMM 8300 - Writing Workshop III 3 cr.
• COMM 8400 - Writing Workshop IV 3 cr.
• COMM 8500 - Philosophical and Rhetorical Issues in Professional Writing 3 cr.
• COMM 9090 - Interactive Design and Analysis in Communications Media 3 cr.

Practicum or Thesis

(choose one)

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

Degree Total 36 cr.