College of Humanities and Social Sciences


Master of Arts in Communication Studies

 Please visit the Master of Arts in Communication Studies website.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Dr. Wenli Yuan
Department of Communication
CAS 426
(908) 737-0471/0460
wyuan@kean.edu

OVERVIEW

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in Organizational Communication prepares students to focus on a wide variety of paradigms that link the process of human communication with organizational behavior, interpersonal relationships, leadership, culture, and management practices within a diverse and changing society. Students are provided the opportunity to engage in a multifaceted course of study that is grounded in a strong theoretical base, with an emphasis on communication and culture framed within the study of organizations. Within the concentration, students can focus their studies toward the more traditional approach to Organizational Communication or they can take an applied approach in choosing their coursework. At the end of their studies, students are provided the option of either writing a thesis or taking a comprehensive examination.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

  • GRE (Graduate Record Exam) test scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Written personal statement about the student’s goals and objectives
  • Departmental interview may be required

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Plan A - Thesis Option (33 credits - 27 credits of coursework plus 6 hours of thesis credit)

  • Nine (9) credits required core courses
  • Twelve (12) credits minimum from Electives I
  • Six (6) credits from either Electives I or Electives II or with six (6) credits maximum outside the department
  • Six (6) thesis credits

Plan B - Non-Thesis Option (33 credits)

  • Nine (9) credits required core courses
  • Twelve (12) credits minimum from Electives I
  • Twelve (12) credits from either Electives I or Electives II with six (6) credits maximum outside the department
  • Students do not receive credit for the Comprehensive Examination

Required Courses 9 credits

  • COMM 5004 Organizational Communication Theory 3
  • COMM 5006 Cultural Communication in Organizations 3
  • COMM 5002  Quantitative Research Methods 3

Or

  • COMM 5005 Interpretive Research Methods 3

Electives

  • COMM 5001 Advanced Theories in Interpersonal Communication (3)
  • COMM 5003 Strategic Communication Consulting (3)
  • COMM 5007 Current Issues in Organizational Communication (3)
  • COMM 5009 Public Relations Theory, Strategy and Management (3)
  • COMM 5010 Current Issues in Communication and Culture (3)
  • COMM 5011 Corporate Communication Management (3)
  • COMM 5012 Small Group Communication and Decision Making (3)
  • COMM 5013 Motivational Speaking Practices (3)
  • COMM 5014: Speech Writing and Presentation Training (3)
  • COMM 5016 Current Issues in Applied Communication (3)
  • COMM 5020 Communication and Leadership (3)
  • COMM 5021: Communication Training and Development (3)
  • COMM 5216: International Business Communication (3)
  • COMM 5425 Nonverbal Communication (3)
  • COMM 5510 Communication and Popular Culture (3)
  • COMM 5525 Communication and Technology (3)
  • COMM 5535 Crisis Communication in Organizations (3)
  • COMM 5540 Communication and Conflict Resolution (3)
  • COMM  5590: Business and Professional Communication (3)
  • COMM 5610 Communication and Law (3)
  • COMM 5620 Convergent Journalism (3)
  • COMM 5615 Communication and Mediation (3)
  • COMM 5625 Communication and Negotiation (3)
  • COMM 5626 Multicultural Communication in International Conflict Resolution (3)
  • COMM 5630 Gender, Language and Communication (3)
  • COMM 5640 Public Relations Cases (3)
  • COMM 5650 Communicating in Organizations (3)
  • COMM 5660 Public Relations (3)
  • COMM 5665 Public Relations Writing (3)
  • COMM 5670 Persuasion (3)