MA General Program Info and Degree Requirements

The Department of Communication offers graduate education leading to a doctoral degree or terminal master's degree. The program emphasizes the scholarly study of the communication process, with coursework focusing on communication theory and research methodologies. The program prepares students to assume positions in academia, business and government. View a sample Graduate Program by semester.

The program does not have formal tracks in the traditional areas that are typical of speech or mass communications programs. Rather, students are encouraged to focus their studies along the lines of the research interests of the faculty. These areas include:

* collective cognitive processes
* international/intercultural communication issues
* mathematical modeling of cognitive and sociocultural processes
* communication technologies
* communication and conflict resolution
* the social impact of daytime television
* campaign communication

Graduate students are given an innovative educational experience that emphasizes:

* a broad theoretical understanding of communication
* an in-depth understanding of communication research methodologies
* experience in the practical application of communication theory and research

in an environment that supports individual academic and career goals.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the department and discuss their academic goals with graduate faculty members. For questions or additional Graduate Program information, contact:

Dr. Thomas Hugh Feeley
Email: thfeeley
Phone: 716.645.2141 ext 1194

For a complete description of the Graduate Program you may download the Graduate Handbook (PDF format).

M.A. Communication - Degree Requirements

The M.A. degree in Communication requires completion of at least 36 hours of graduate work, including a minimum of 24 credit hours in departmental courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a Master's Thesis.

A. Required Courses

COM 500 Proseminar in Communication
COM 504 Quantitative Foundation of Communication
COM 515 Communication Theories
COM 517 Theoretical Foundations of Communication
COM 518 Research Methods in Communication

In addition, Masters students are required to enroll for COM 600 Independent Study for one credit hour each semester. The goal of this requirement is for students to gain research experience by devoting 5 to 10 hours weekly to research projects directed by the faculty.

Within the guidelines outlined above, a student's MA program will be designed by the student and his/her advisor to fit his/her specific needs.