Communication (M.A.) < Wayne State (2024)

The Department offers a master's degree in Communication with concentrations in the following areas:

  • Communication Studies
  • Journalism
  • Media Arts and Studies (an admissions moratorium is in effect for this concentration)
  • Public Relations & Organizational Communication

Admission Requirements

Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. Admission to the M.A. program is competitive and is based on an applicant’s entire academic record; the following requirements are minimum standards for consideration and do not guarantee admission. The Department requires that the applicant have a B.A. or B.S. in communication or a related field with a minimum 3.2 (‘B’=3.0) grade point average for the upper-division of coursework (usually the coursework in the major) and a minimum of fifteen credit hours in communication.

The department also closely evaluates the sample of written work and academic/professional statement of purpose for evidence of potential to do graduate-level work.

In instances where an applicant's B.A. is not in communication and the transcript shows fewer than 15 credit hours of coursework in communication, the applicant may be admitted with a requirement to take specific and/or additional coursework. The Director of Graduate Studies for the Department should be contacted for further information.

Applicants with a grade point average below 3.2 for the upper-division coursework (usually the coursework in the major) may submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as additional evidence of academic ability. Applicants may also seek admission as a post-bachelor student to the university and take upper-division classes in the Department of Communication to raise their undergraduate GPA. The Director of Graduate Studies for the Department should be contacted for further information.

The M.A. application requires a completed application form, transcripts, academic/professional statement of purpose, and writing sample. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year.

Applicants should complete the online Application for Graduate Admission (wayne.edu/admissions/graduate), and upload the following to the application site:

  • Degree transcripts from each college and university previously attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the degree-granting institution to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Wayne State University, Detroit MI 48202. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded prior to the document being officially sent to Graduate Admissions. The Graduate School's website has information about the international application process, including degree verification.
  • Academic/professional statement of purpose (approximately 500 words) that presents the applicant's academic and professional preparation for and interest in the preferred M.A. program and concentration area, academic/professional goals, and explanation of how the graduate degree fits the academic/professional goals.
  • Scholarly/academic writing sample, which serves as evidence of preparation to do graduate-level work. The typical writing sample is an individually written final paper or project report of a minimum 8-10 page length from a university course. Applicants are encouraged to submit additional writing samples such as newspaper and magazine articles, excerpts from documentary and movie scripts, press releases, and public relations communications.
  • International students whose native language is not English or applicants whose undergraduate degree is not from an English-speaking country also are required to submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Scores must be within five years of the date of proposed admission. Unofficial scores should be uploaded to the online application site prior to the official scores being sent. The minimum acceptable score is 100 on the TOEFL Internet Based Test (iBT) and 6.5 on the IELTS.

Current Wayne State University graduate students wishing to change to a new graduate program from their current graduate program or add a new graduate program to their current graduate program should submit an online application. Such students submit a Change of Graduate Status form to the Director of Graduate Studies. Application materials (unofficial and official degree transcripts, academic/ professional statement of purpose, and as appropriate, writing sample and letters of reference) as described above should be submitted with the online application by the application deadline.

M.A. applicants are admitted for the fall and the winter semesters. Deadline for application materials for fall semester admission is June 1; and for the winter semester it is November 1.

Program Requirements

The Master of Arts degree is offered by the Department of Communication. Please see the concentrations for specific degree requirements.

Students must plan a program of study as early as possible in consultation with the assigned advisor. Candidacy must be established by filing an approved Plan of Work by the time twelve credits have been earned. COM7000 must be included in the Plan of Work and must be taken during the first semester of coursework. All students must complete COM7000 with a grade of B or better in order to continue in the program. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of theGraduate Schooland theCollege of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts.

Essays or theses may be chosen when allowed as an option in the concentration, after consultation with the advisor. A final oral examination will be held for those writing theses.

Courses that relate to a student’s particular area of interest are selected in consultation with the advisor and are formalized by filing the Plan of Work. The Plan of Work must be approved by the advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Concentrations

Communication Studies

The Master of Arts in Communication with a Concentration in Communication Studies program is designedfor students with a general interest in the study of human communication. It is intended primarily forstudents preparing for doctoral study in communication, or desiring in-depth study of research andanalytical skills (a highly desired skill set by employers). The degree requires minimum 30 credits.

Course List
Code Title Credits
Two required courses: 6

COM7000

Introduction to MA Studies in Communication

COM7410

Communication Theory
Three research methods courses:9

COM7260

Quantitative Research Methods in Communication

COM7360

Qualitative Research Methods in Communication

And select one of the following:

COM6530

Audience Measurement and Survey Techniques

COM7250

Rhetorical Criticism

COM7340

Interviewing

COM7365

Ethnographic Methods for Communication Research

COM7580

Content Analysis
Select one of the following capstone plan options:15

Plan A: Thesis

COM8999

Master's Thesis Research and Direction (6 credits required, distributed across two or three semesters)

Any three courses from the department as electives, totaling 9 credits.

Plan B: Essay

COM7999

Master's Essay Direction (3 credits required, distributed across two or three semesters)

Any four courses from the department as electives, totaling 12 credits.

Plan C: Coursework

Any five courses from the department as electives, totaling 15 credits.

Total Credits30

Journalism

The Master of Arts in Communication with a Concentration in Journalism program prepares students forcareers in news organizations and related areas in mass media. The program includes courses in print andbroadcast management skills, organizational communication, Internet-based reporting, and communicationand cultural diversity issues. The degree requires a minimum 30 credits.

Course List
Code Title Credits
One required course:3

COM7000

Introduction to MA Studies in Communication
Two Journalism Core courses:6

COM5080

History of Journalism and Mass Media

COM5250

Professional Issues in Journalism and Mass Media

COM5710

Law and Ethics in Journalism and Mass Media

COM6280

Reporting on Diversity
One theory course:3

COM7410

Communication Theory

COM7520

Theories of Media Effects

COM7700

Political Communication
One research methods course:3

COM6530

Audience Measurement and Survey Techniques

COM7260

Quantitative Research Methods in Communication

COM7360

Qualitative Research Methods in Communication

COM7365

Ethnographic Methods for Communication Research

COM7580

Content Analysis
Two additional content courses: 16

COM5200

Special Topics in Advanced Reporting

COM5310

Investigative Reporting

COM5381

TV News Reporting and Digital Editing

COM5410

Producer's Workshop

COM5460

Magazine Writing

COM5500

Journalism and New Media

COM5610

Advanced TV Production

COM6190

Internship
Select one of the following capstone plan options:9

Plan A: Thesis

COM8999

Master's Thesis Research and Direction (6 credits required, distributed across two or three semesters)
Any one course from the department as elective, minimum 3 credits
Plan B: Essay

COM7999

Master's Essay Direction (elected for 3 credits)
Any two courses from the department as electives, totaling 6 credits
Plan C: Coursework

Any three courses from the department as electives, totaling 9 credits

Total Credits30
1

Unused Journalism Core Courses can be taken as additional content courses.

Media Arts and Studies (an admissions moratorium is in effect for this concentration)

The M.A. concentration in Media Arts and Studies is designed to immerse students in the technological, creative, societal, research and analytical considerations of our globalized, multi-platform, multi-screen media environment. Students matriculating through the program will demonstrate a strong foundation in digital media technology and its applications, along with research and analysis skills that will grant them flexibility to enter a broad range of professional and creative environments, as well as a foundation for potential doctoral work. The concentration offers electives in media storytelling and production, media studies, media entrepreneurship and management, and media in strategic and applied communication; enabling students to design a program to specifically meet their needs and goals, and the opportunity to explore creative and scholarly approaches to multiple screens. Students may complete the M.A. in Media Arts and Studies with a minimum of 30 credits.. Requirements include:

Course List
Code Title Credits
COM Requirement3

COM7000

Introduction to MA Studies in Communication
Theory Requirement (Select one of the following)3

COM6270

New Media Theory

COM7520

Theories of Media Effects

COM7530

Critical Mass Communication Theory

COM7610

Feminist Media Theory
Research Methods Requirement (select one of the following) 3

COM6530

Audience Measurement and Survey Techniques

COM7260

Quantitative Research Methods in Communication

COM7360

Qualitative Research Methods in Communication

COM7365

Ethnographic Methods for Communication Research

COM7580

Content Analysis
Foundation Requirements6

COM6050

New Media Practices

COM5520

International Communications
Creative Requirement (Select in consultation with a faculty advisor)3

COM5350

Media Arts Production (Students without recent digital media production experience must take COM5350)

Students with recent production experience should select one of the following:

COM5380

Video Field Production and Editing

COM5400

Techniques of Film and Video Production

COM5610

Advanced TV Production

COM6090

Digital Screen Media

COM6390

Documentary Storytelling I

COM6410

Allesee Master Class

COM7270

Advanced Screenwriting

COM7420

Seminar in Directing
Select one of the following capstone plan options:12

Plan A:

COM8999

Master's Thesis Research and Direction (M.A. Thesis (6 cr.); plus electives (6 cr.))

Plan B

COM7999

Master's Essay Direction (Masters Essay/Project Direction (3 cr.); plus electives (9 cr.))

Plan C

Electives (12 cr.)

Total Credits30

Public Relations and Organizational Communication

The Public Relations and Organizational Communication concentration emphasizes the theory and application of communication in a variety of contexts. These include working in public relations, employee relations, media relations, public affairs, issue and crisis management, technical and employee communication, and related activities in business, industry, non-profit, and governmental settings. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credits.

Course List
Code Title Credits
Required courses:18

COM7000

Introduction to MA Studies in Communication

COM6250

Organizational Communication

COM6140

Public Relations Theory

COM7140

Public Relations Campaigns and Issues Management

COM6190

Internship 1

COM7220

Professional Issues in Applied Communication 2
At least one of the following Research Methods courses:3

COM6530

Audience Measurement and Survey Techniques

COM7250

Rhetorical Criticism

COM7260

Quantitative Research Methods in Communication

COM7360

Qualitative Research Methods in Communication
At least two of the following Public Relations & Organizational Communication content area elective courses:6

COM5710

Law and Ethics in Journalism and Mass Media

COM6050

New Media Practices

COM6100

Speech Writing

COM6270

New Media Theory

COM7150

Micro-level Organizational Communication

COM7160

Crisis Communication

COM7162

Risk Communication: Theoretical and Practical Approaches

COM7170

Health and Risk Communication

COM7172

Risk Communication: Disasters, Hazards, and the Media

COM7210

Strategic Communication and Social Media

COM7240

Communication Consulting and Training

COM7410

Communication Theory
One additional course chosen in consultation with advisor3
1

Option 1:Traditional Internship
Work for a specified number of hours at an approved internship site where students can acquire and build upon skills that will serve their career goals. Students are required to have a site supervisor.

Option 2: Service Learning Internship Project
Complete a service-learning project in conjunction with the graduate internship coordinator. Students are required to have a site supervisor at the hosting organization.

Option 3: Worksite Internship Project
Students takeon a project at their current organization, provided that it significantly extends the scope of their current responsibilities or introduces them to a new domain of practice within the organization. The graduate internship coordinator must approve the project. Students are required to have a designated site supervisor other than their current supervisor.

2

Capstone course.

Public Relations and Organizational Communication (Online)

The Public Relations and Organizational Communication concentration for the M.A. in Communication emphasizes the theory and application of communication in a variety of contexts. These include working in public relations, employee relations, media relations, public affairs, issue and crisis management, technical and employee communication, and related activities in business, industry, non-profit, and governmental settings. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credits.

Course List
Code Title Credits
Required courses:18

COM7000

Introduction to MA Studies in Communication

COM6250

Organizational Communication

COM6140

Public Relations Theory

COM7140

Public Relations Campaigns and Issues Management

COM6190

Internship 1

COM7220

Professional Issues in Applied Communication 2
At least one of the following Research Methods courses:3

COM6530

Audience Measurement and Survey Techniques
At least two of the following Public Relations & Organizational Communication content area elective courses:6

COM6050

New Media Practices

COM6270

New Media Theory

COM7160

Crisis Communication

COM7162

Risk Communication: Theoretical and Practical Approaches

COM7170

Health and Risk Communication

COM7172

Risk Communication: Disasters, Hazards, and the Media

COM7210

Strategic Communication and Social Media
One additional course chosen in consultation with advisor3
1

Option 1:Traditional Internship
Work for a specified number of hours at an approved internship site where students can acquire and build upon skills that will serve their career goals. Students are required to have a site supervisor.

Option 2: Service Learning Internship Project
Complete a service-learning project in conjunction with the graduate internship coordinator. Students are required to have a site supervisor at the hosting organization.

Option 3: Worksite Internship Project
Students takeon a project at their current organization, provided that it significantly extends the scope of their current responsibilities or introduces them to a new domain of practice within the organization. The graduate internship coordinator must approve the project. Students are required to have a designated site supervisor other than their current supervisor.

2

Capstone course.

Departmental AGRADE Program

The AGRADE program enables highly qualified seniors majoring in Communication Studies or Public Relations to enroll simultaneously in undergraduate and graduate programs and to apply a maximum of 15 credits towardboth the undergraduate and graduate degrees. The program encourages such students to continue to graduate school at Wayne State by reducing the time to the master's degree. Only AGRADE-approved courses in which the student has earned a B or higher will transfer to the graduate transcript. Once in the master's program, students may be required to repeat an AGRADE course in which they earn less than a B grade.

Eligibility: AGRADE applicants must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.5. Applicants are also expected to have performed at a superior level in their major, as determined by the major department and reflected in a GPA in the major of at least 3.6 at the time of application.

Application:A student seeking AGRADE status should present to the Department of Communication Graduate Committee all of the materials which that department requires for normal admission to the M.A. program with a concentration in Communication Studies. Specific departmental admission requirements can be found in this bulletin or obtained from the Graduate Advisor in the Department of Communication (313-577-2959).

The earliest date by which a student may apply for the AGRADE program is during the semester in which he/she completes 90 credits toward the undergraduate degree.

AGRADECredits:Students may elect a minimum of three and a maximum of 15 AGRADE credits. These credits will be used to complete the baccalaureate degree as well as to serve as the beginning of graduate study. Upon formal admission to a master’s program, AGRADE credits are transferred as if they were graduate credits transferred from a graduate program at another university. The remaining graduate credits required for the master's degree will be earned in the conventional manner following formal admission to the graduate program. Formal admission to the graduate program occurs as AGRADE students complete their baccalaureate degree.

Students admitted into an AGRADE program will develop a Plan of Work for the master's program, specifying the courses that will be taken in the AGRADE status as well as the courses required for the balance of the undergraduate degree.Note that COM7000 must be taken in the first semester of AGRADE coursework . The remaining AGRADE courses must be approved by both the student's undergraduate program advisor and the graduate director of the master's program. In courses permitting both undergraduate and graduate students to enroll, AGRADE students will be held to the graduate standard.

For more details about the AGRADE program, contact the Graduate Advisor in the Department of Communication (313-577-2959)

Communication (M.A.) < Wayne State (2024)

FAQs

What is a passing grade at Wayne State University? ›

Undergraduate: A grade point average of 2.00 is required for graduation. Graduate: A grade point average of 3.00 is required for graduation.

Is Wayne State easy to get into? ›

The acceptance rate at Wayne State University is 75.3%.

For every 100 applicants, 75 are admitted. This means the school is lightly selective. The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission.

How long does it take to hear back from Wayne State University? ›

You should receive an admission decision within two to three weeks after submitting your application or any outstanding materials.

Does Wayne State accept everyone? ›

To be admitted to a general degree program, you must: Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Meet Wayne State's English proficiency requirements.

Is a 60% still passing? ›

Numerical and letter grades

However, there are some schools that consider a C the lowest passing grade, so the general standard is that anything below a 60% or 70% is failing, depending on the grading scale. In college and universities, a D is considered to be an unsatisfactory passing grade.

Is a 60% passing in college? ›

Most colleges and universities generally consider a "D" (or a 60% to 69% score) as a passing grade. It's important to note that this minimum or lowest passing grade standard can significantly vary depending on the institution or major. For instance, some universities may require a "C" or better to pass.

Can I get into Wayne State with a 2.0 GPA? ›

To transfer to Wayne State, you must have at least 24 transferable credits of previous college work and a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA from all higher education institutions you have attended. If you have completed an associate degree, you may be admitted with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

Can I get into Wayne State with a 3.2 GPA? ›

Wayne State generally expects applicants to have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Is Wayne State University worth it? ›

The university's urban location provides unique cultural experiences and internships. However, like any institution, it faces challenges, including infrastructure maintenance and funding issues. Overall, Wayne State University is a reputable institution with a lot to offer its students.

What GPA is needed for Wayne State? ›

With a GPA of 3.43, Wayne State University requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you took some AP or IB classes, this will help boost your weighted GPA and show your ability to take college classes.

What is Wayne State known for? ›

Wayne State is renowned for its academic and research excellence — particularly its strength in the health sciences — and holds the Carnegie Foundation's highest designations for research activity and community engagement.

How much is Wayne State tuition per year? ›

Wayne State University's tuition is $14,925 for in-state and $31,614 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $11,560, Wayne State University is more expensive.

Is Wayne State a dry campus? ›

The use of alcoholic beverages is expressly prohibited in all public areas of campus buildings except as follows: the use of alcoholic beverages, subject to State law, is permitted in areas designated by, and with the approval of, the Office of the President, and the use of alcoholic beverages at student social events, ...

How safe is Wayne State University? ›

Our campus is one of the 50 safest in the United States, an accomplishment largely due to an informed and aware community. WSUPD offers a number of workshops and classes designed to prepare community members on how to stay aware and respond in an emergency.

Who is eligible for free tuition at Wayne State University? ›

The Wayne State Guarantee is open to all Pell Grant-eligible Michigan residents, as well as most families who earn $70,000 or less and have $50,000 or less in assets. First-year students will be automatically considered for this award when they are admitted to Wayne State and submit a FAFSA.

What is a passing grade at WSU? ›

Washington State University uses letter grades and the four (4) point maximum grading scale. The grade A is the highest possible grade, and grades below D are considered failing. Plus (+) or minus (-) symbols are used to indicate grades that fall above or below the letter grades, but grades of A+ and D- are not used.

Is 60 or 65 a passing grade? ›

What is a passing grade? Many college grading systems consider a D, or 65 percent, to be the lowest passing grade. Note that different schools, programs, or classes may have different cutoff points for what they consider a passing grade.

Is 70 a passing grade in college? ›

The normal grading range is from 55 to 100. The number grades correspond to letter grades as reflected in the chart below. The minimum passing grade is 70 (C). Any grades between 55 and 69 (D and F) are considered failing grades for which unit credit is not earned.

Is a 50 grade passing? ›

Not usually. Most colleges say you need at least a 70% to pass. A very few say passing is 65%.

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