Communication: Thesis Option, M.A.

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This graduate program is administered by the Division of Communication - Graduate Program .

24 credits of coursework, plus 6 credits for thesis, and one colloquium credit. This option allows you to conduct a research project (approx 100-150 pages) that can help you prepare for entering a PhD program or complete a more detailed and/or theoretical examination of a topic of interest. After you have completed at least 15 credits, the advisory committee approves the selection of a thesis topic, rationale, and method to be used for the study. When the advisory committee approves your thesis project proposal, you must enroll in one or more hours of thesis or project credit to maintain your status as an MA candidate. We count no more than 6 thesis credits toward your 31 credit degree requirement.

Process for Completing the Thesis/Project

With the chair of your committee, write a prospectus (a proposal of 20-30 pages) that outlines the thesis/ project topic and the methods you will use to conduct the study. After the remaining committee members have read your prospectus, you must orally defend it to your committee.
After approval of the prospectus, conduct your study and write the thesis or project. Once you and your chair feel the written thesis/project is ready, have the remaining committee members read it and set a date to orally defend the thesis/project to the committee. Yu must defend your thesis/project at least 30 days prior to the commencement ceremony to be eligible to participate in the ceremony.
Make any final revisions that are required by the committee. At least 10 days prior to the commencement ceremony, arrange with the library to have at least four hardbound copies made. The library then certifies that your thesis/project is complete. The graduate coordinator and registrar then conduct a final audit of your work before approving you for graduation.