Master of Applied Communication Theory and Methodology

Cleveland State University’s Master of Applied Communication Theory and Methodology program provides graduate education for students who seek to: 

  1. Apply communication strategies in professional settings and/or
  2. Pursue doctoral studies in communication. 

The program is directed primarily toward the development of communication scholars and specialists, i.e., individuals who are able to apply communication theory and advanced research methodology to the analysis and solution of a variety of communication problems. The program emphasizes the ability to synthesize and interpret research in socially useful ways while also allowing for specialization in various research areas. The key words "applied theory and methodology" emphasize that students are expected to utilize their education in the pursuit of their individual career objectives.

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College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
School of Communication
Phone 216.687.4630
Email: cas@csuohio.edu

Admission Requirements

  • Application Form
  • Application Fee
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A statement about the applicant's career aspirations and expected benefits to be derived from the program
  • If the undergraduate grade point average is below 3.25, applicants must submit their score of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test. 

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English-language proficiency as described here: http://www.csuohio.edu/international-admissions/international-admissions-graduate-students-admission-requirements

Admission Deadlines

All applications must be submitted and complete on the following application deadline dates:

  • Domestic Students
    • Rolling
  • International Students
    • Fall Semester - July 21st
    • Spring Semester - December 10th

 

Program Requirements

Core Courses (6 Credits)

Students should consult with their advisor to determine when courses should be taken. The following are required core courses for all students seeking the master's degree: 

Communication Theory (6 Credits)

Two of the following required:

Research Methods (3 Credits) 

One of the following required:

Electives (15-18 Credits, Depending on Exit Option)

All other graduate-level communication courses are electives including additional theory and methods courses. Courses in other departments may be taken in lieu of these courses, with the graduate program director's approval. Specific elective needs and interests of students will determine how many electives are completed outside of the school.

Exit Options (3-6 Credits) 

Students have four exit options: thesis, project, collaborative research, and comprehensive examination. For the thesis option, students take twelve credit hours of electives and six credits of thesis. For the collaborative research project, comprehensive examination, and research project, students take fifteen hours of electives and three hours of their chosen exit option.

Did You Know?

An applied program is typically a better fit for students who know they want a job in industry as opposed to one in academia.

Master's in Communications

 

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Career Outcomes

  • Graduates are working in business, non-profit, activist organizations, academic, business, social service, and government settings. 
  • Positions graduates commonly obtain include marketing consultant, public relations manager, communications manager, journalist, human resources manager, speech writer, producer, technical communication specialist, and political campaign manager. 
  • These are some of the local companies that are hiring CSU grads: J.M. Smucker, Applied Sciences, Nestle, ARS International, Microbac, Battelle, and BASF Corporation.