Master of Arts in Communication Arts
The Master of Arts in Communication Arts degree prepares future media and communication professionals for meaningful careers that serve the public and influence the future of media communications.
Why Communication Arts?
Communication and media are essential cornerstones of modern society. Communication is a multidimensional field involving important knowledge of how people communicate through media, how people understand media, and trends in marketing as well as other areas. Media professionals must possess critical thinking skills and proficiency in various advanced technologies in order to synthesize messages for mass audiences via marketing or more traditional forms of media such as radio and television. The field of communication continues to grow and change, opening up many new opportunities for communication professionals. The Master of Communication Arts program seeks to encompass all of this and equip students with the necessary tools to succeed in the media world.
Click here for an M.A. in Communication Arts program overview (PDF)
Communication Arts Curriculum
The Master of Communication Arts degree requires a minimum of 36 hours of graduate study, which includes 12 hours of Communication Arts core courses; 18+ hours of elective coursework; and 3-6 hours of master’s-level coursework. Students can expect classes that will showcase various forms of media and examine how media affects society, as well as courses that will challenge how they view the world of media. Upon completion of the program, students will have demonstrated intellectual imagination and professional creativity in individual theses and projects on various issues of communications. They will also possess the necessary skills to conduct critical analyses of mediated communication, using both a social and cultural lens.
Click here for M.A. in Communication Arts course descriptions
The Communication Arts graduate program addresses the Guiding Principles and Objectives for Graduate Studies with the expectation that graduate students will:
- Display mastery of both theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field of communications.
- Demonstrate intellectual imagination and professional creativity demonstrated in individual theses and projects on various issues of communications.
- Conduct critical analysis of mediated communication with both a social and cultural lens.
- Provide articulated presentation of scholarly concepts and professional works.
- Make contribution to both academic and professional sectors in the field of communications through original research and alternative perspectives.
Careers in Communication Arts
Communication Arts opens the door for careers in numerous fields of public service, marketing, media relations, higher level academia and traditional media such as newspapers, radio and television. Communication Arts offers graduates many possibilities involving newer technologies and social media, including video and apps as well. A Master of Arts in Communication Arts can elevate students into prominent positions within companies engaged in media and public relation services.
Admissions Criteria
Find out more about requirements, standards and processes to begin your journey in the School of Media and Design as a Communication Arts graduate student.