About

The Department emphasizes two areas of study: Relational Communication and Public Communication Faculty research and expertise focuses on interpersonal, small group, and organization communication, media studies, political communication, public advocacy, research methods, health communication, and intercultural communication. Courses of study are designed for students with various career aspirations. Students may choose a more applied, professional path, where the M.A. is a terminal degree. Alternatively, students with a stronger research orientation may choose to enter a Ph.D. program upon completing their M.A. degree. For either path, while at UNLV they work to acquire proficiency in critical analysis, social scientific and humanistic research methods, argumentation, and oral written presentation.

Available Options

  • Thesis Track
  • Professional Project Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts program, students should be able to:

  • Identify, explain and critique the major paradigms and theories that have shaped the field of communication, including their historical development and current trends.
  • Understand ethical values central to the communication discipline and apply those values within a variety of personal and professional contexts.
  • Communicate in a clear, persuasive, professional, and ethical manner that synthesizes ideas and information.
  • Critically evaluate information pertinent to communication research and apply it across a variety of personal and professional contexts.
  • Formulate research questions about communication phenomena/topics, identify relevant methods/processes, and engage in research to answer those question(s).
  • Demonstrate advanced-level knowledge in communication including one or more areas of specialization within the field.
  • Formulate a career plan to illustrate skills for obtaining a position within your chosen profession or the pursuit of an advanced degree.

Career Possibilities

Please go to this page to learn more about possible career paths recent graduates have taken since completing their M.A. in Communication Studies.

Requirements

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Documents/Downloads

Master of Arts - Communication Studies

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Thesis Track

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Professional Project Track

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Contacts

Department of Communication Studies

The Department of Communication Studies’ mission is to help students, members of the Las Vegas community, and citizens from all walks of life develop healthy interpersonal relationships, manage small groups and organizations, speak with knowledge and confidence, critically evaluate and present complex data, and ensure the development of sound public policy.

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Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

The Greenspun College of Urban Affairs is committed to creating contemporary solutions for resilient communities. Its academic programs focus on effective public policymaking, creating support structures to meet behavioral and mental health challenges, ensuring cities are safe and prepared to meet emergency situations, effective and ethical journalism, and interpersonal and public communication strategies.

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