Communication - Graduate Program

Elizabeth Fakazis, Graduate Coordinator
Room 327, Communication Arts Center
Phone: 715-346-2238
Email: Liz.Fakazis@uwsp.edu
Web: www.uwsp.edu/comm/Pages/grad/default.aspx

In the Division of Communication you may work toward the Master of Arts (MA) in Communication degree specializing in organizational communication, interpersonal communication, public relations, and mass communication. Many students elect to take most of their coursework in one area and one or two courses in an adjunct area. Some will achieve a blend between areas, depending upon how they define an area of concentration. Working with your adviser, you define a plan of study best suited to your career goals.

Although a full-time student can complete this program in two years, many plan a two to five year part-time program. You must earn a minimum of 30 graduate credits, plus one credit for colloquium, but many students finish with more than 31 credits.

Admission to the Program - Communication Graduate

To be admitted to the Master of Arts in Communication program you need to:

1. Complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
2. Submit undergraduate transcripts with GPAs.
3. Submit results of the Graduate Record Examination. (You may appeal to the graduate coordinator for an exception.)
4. Submit a statement of purpose which explains what role the completed degree will play in your future.
5. Submit a 5-7 page sample of your writing ability.
6. Write a brief analytical/critical response to a common essay provided to all applicants.
7. Provide two letters of recommendation that address the likelihood of your success in a graduate program.
8. Document relevant work experience that you want the admissions committee to consider.
9. International student applicants must also present a minimum TOEFL score of 91. Please inquire about other requirements for foreign students.

Additional Information for Communication Graduate Program

1. Full-time students are admitted in the fall only.
2. After admission, you may still be asked to do remedial work if your undergraduate transcript indicates insufficient preparation for master’s level communication courses.
3. Students are admitted to the program on a probationary basis. During the semester in which you are completing your sixth (6th) credit of graduate coursework, graduate faculty members will determine your program candidacy.
4. You have seven years to complete your degree. It is your responsibility to be aware of this timeline and to complete the degree within the allotted time.
5. If you do not complete your degree before you leave campus, you may register for RSCH 798 for up to two contiguous semesters immediately after leaving campus, to allow you continued access to the university library and electronic resources. After two semesters, you must register for at least one Project credit (COMM 780 ) or one Thesis credit (COMM 799 ) during each semester you want access to those resources.
6. You must be a registered student during the semester in which you plan to graduate.
7. Take at least 30 credits of graduate-level coursework, plus one colloquium credit (COMM 797 ).

a. Take COMM 701  and COMM 702  plus at least two additional graduate level communication seminars.

b. Take at least 15 credits of 700 level courses (no more than 3 credits may be independent study).

Admission to Candidacy - Communication Graduate Program

You provide supporting materials (papers, exams, recommendations, etc.) based on your first 6 credits of work. The graduate program committee reviews these materials to decide your continuing status:

1. MA candidate: If your work is acceptable, the committee grants you candidacy and clearance to establish an advisory committee and obtain approval of your Program of Study.
2. Conditional candidate: If your work shows promise, the committee will grant you conditional candidacy and will re-evaluate your status once you have completed their recommendations.
3. Graduate Special student: If your graduate-level work is unacceptable, you are eligible to take courses but may not continue in the graduate degree program. You may appeal this status by writing to the graduate coordinator and graduate program committee or apply to another program.

Typical Timeline

After completing 6-9 credits meet with the graduate coordinator to establish a tentative plan of study which outlines the courses you intend to take and establishes a thesis/ project committee. While the official plan of study is not completed until you form your graduate committee, it is important to discuss your plans with the graduate coordinator to ensure that you are making adequate progress toward completing your degree. After you complete approximately 18 credits you should formally complete your plan of study and select a graduate committee to direct your thesis or project. You choose the members of your graduate committee that consists of a chair and two readers who all must have graduate faculty status at UW-Stevens Point. The most important member on this committee is the chair, the person you will be working with while completing your thesis or project.

Programs

• Communication: Project Option, M.A.
• Communication: Thesis Option, M.A.