Overview

The Master of Arts degree program in Communication Studies is designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of research methods and theories that explore the nature and functions of human symbolic communication in the areas of communication and rhetorical theory, interpersonal and organizational communication, strategic and mass communication, public discourse, intercultural communication, cultural studies, and health communication.

The program requires that students select and develop an area of specialization by choosing elective courses, with advisor approval. This enables students to pursue intellectual inquiries that interest them while gaining a broader understanding of the communication process.

Admission Requirements to the Program

The applicant must have a 3.00 grade point average in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) from your undergraduate work. Please submit the program supplemental materials, including unofficial transcripts, a resume/CV, a writing sample, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation by persons qualified to assess your academic work, online as part of your application package. If you are interested in applying for teaching, forensic coaching, or graduate assistantships, you will need to provide additional information and related statements.

If you are an international student and English is not your first language, an English language proficiency exam score is required, unless you have earned a BA degree from an accredited college/university in a country where English is the native language, or the only language of instruction at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. Please visit the English Language Proficiency web page (https://www.calstatela.edu/admissions/english-language-proficiency) for more information.

To apply to the Graduate Program in Communication Studies, please complete your application online at https://www2.calstate.edu/apply.

Only complete application files with all required supporting materials will be reviewed by the department and assessed for admission. See website for admission deadlines. 

Conditionally Classified Admission

Students whose undergraduate major was not Speech or Communication may be admitted to the degree program in conditionally classified standing. Prior to beginning graduate work, conditionally classified students must achieve a minimum B grade in every course of a conditional study plan of up to 20 units of undergraduate work in Communication and related fields as approved by the graduate advisor for their program. The graduate advisor will assist students in designing a classified study plan suited to their individual interests and goals.

Requirements for the Degree

A total of 30 units is required.

  Learning outcomes     Roadmap (2021)