Master of Arts in Communication

Apply Now

Program Link:
https://murrow.wsu.edu/future-murrow-cougs/prospective-students-2/graduate/residential/prospective-students/
Program Handbook:
https://murrow.wsu.edu/research-insights-murrow-minds/graduate-degrees/residential-masters-programs/graduate-handbook-ma/
Student Learning Outcomes:
https://murrow.wsu.edu/research-insights-murrow-minds/graduate-degrees/residential-masters-programs/current-students-masters/
Total Graduate Faculty in Program:
18
Graduate Students in Program:
11
Students Receiving Assistantships:
11
Priority Deadlines:

  • Fall Nov 1 Priority
  • Fall January 10 Final

Campus:

  • Pullman

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

  • 600 TOEFL Paper-based score
  • 250 TOEFL Computer-based score
  • 93 TOEFL Internet-based score

Degree Description:

The M. A. in Communication at Washington State University is designed for individuals seeking higher-level and focused understanding of communication theory, processes and phenomena, whether their intent is to prepare for doctoral-level study in pursuit of an academic career or a communication-related career in business, government, education, research, or the communications industry. Successful completion of the program normally requires two academic years of full time study and results in the granting of the Master of Arts in Communication.

Our program centers on:

*Media, Society and Politics focuses on the role that communication plays in political institutions and in creating robust civic engagement. We examine political communication from multiple perspectives and examine the interplay of emerging technology, media, and communication with information seeking, processing, and decision making. Our research focuses on both individual-and societal-level outcomes. Faculty and graduate students work in teams to test and develop theory related to political communication.

*Media & Health Promotion focuses on media messages and health behavior. This includes social level analysis of mainstream and alternative media as products of and influences on the health of individuals and society; individual level analysis of psychological processes through which health related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors are shaped; and the creation of messages related to health and social well being, as well as how strategic message campaigns can influence decision making and social development.

*Science Communication focuses on enhancing the relevance and accessibility of scientific information and local context needed for collaborative and sustainable resource management, especially among local populations most at-risk. The program focuses on environmental communication, natural or technological hazards and the use or communication of public policy. Faculty and students specialize in science education, communication campaigns, communicating risks, risk perception analysis, spatial modeling of vulnerability and adaptive capacity of human populations, audience segmentation, media analysis and public engagement.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in communication or related field. If your undergraduate degree is not in a related field, certain undergraduate course work may be required.

In addition to the Graduate School application and admission tests, you should send the following:

  1. Personal Statement. A Personal Statement of no more than 500 words explaining your academic area of interest and why you feel The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University is a good fit for you. In your statement, please discuss the personal, professional and academic factors that have prepared you to pursue a master’s degree.
  2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  3. Reference Letters. Three reference letters from people who know you well, and who can comment on your academic ability. Please have these individuals complete the WSU reference form accessed through the Graduate School Application web page.
  4. Transcripts. One set of unofficial transcripts for each college or university you have attended. If admitted, the Graduate School will require official transcripts. Official transcripts must be sent directly from those institutions to the Graduate School. If you are currently attending Washington State University, you do not need to have your transcripts sent.
  5. Supplemental material. Submit any additional material that you feel might enhance your application. Writing samples, published works, abstracts, etc. are particularly encouraged and can be emailed to jeremy.b.watson@wsu.edu.

Although criteria for admission are stringent, they are not rigid. The College of Communication considers all available information before making a decision. In some cases, exceptional credentials in one area may override sub-par credentials in another.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication graduate program are prepared for careers in teaching, research, and public service. Potential employers of program graduates include colleges and universities, private industry, and governmental agencies.

Career Placements:

Instructor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale; Pursuing doctoral degrees at Michigan State University and Arizona State University; Communication Coordinator in health industry; Doctoral Fellow at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Non-Profit organizations; Account Manager at Consensus Inc.; Professional training coach; Assistant Professor; Assistant Director of Communication WSU Foundation; Event Planning Coordinator at Northwest Harvest; Faculty at La Trobe University; Director of Communication, WSU College of Nursing.

Contact Information: