3200 Communication
Programs Offered:
· Master of Arts in Communication
o Concentration in Film, Video, and Digital Imaging (see 10140)
o Concentration in Human Communication
o Concentration in Mass Communication
· Dual B.A. in Film and Video/ M.A. in Communication, Film/Video Concentration(see 10140)
· Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies
o Concentration in Public Communication
o Concentration in Moving Image Studies(see 10140)
Department of Communication
Georgia State University
8th Floor, 25 Park Place Bldg.
Atlanta, GA 30302-4000
404-413-5600
communication.gsu.edu
Email:
Greg Lisby, Chair
Jaye Atkinson, Associate Chair
Holley Wilkin, Director of Graduate Studies
Nathan Atkinson, Director of Graduate Studies
The Master of Arts degree in Communication is a multidisciplinary degree designed to prepare communication professionals and academicians for the demands of the twenty-first century. Each student may select an area of concentration from the following: (1) ) film, video, and digital imaging; (2) human communication and social influence; and (23) mass communication. Required core classes are designed to provide coherence to the multidisciplinary offerings of the program by providing an overview of the communications field and by introducing concepts common and debated in all areas of communication.
The Ph.D. in Communication Studies is mainly designed to prepare students for positions in academia, but also equips those seeking professional advancement in research-based communication industry careers. Students may select one of two potential areas of emphasis: Public Communication is the area of emphasis and Moving Image Studies.
Drawing theoretical perspectives from film, television, and new media and performance studies, the Moving Image Studies program prepares students to investigate how moving images are constructed and perceived, how they impact the culture, and how the visual and performing arts are being transformed in the digital age.
Based on theoretical perspectives from rhetoric, public argument, audience research, mass communication, international communication, and new media, the Public Communication program is engaged in the exploration of public discourse and mass-mediated environments, with the purpose of preparing students to investigate how persuasive practices are transforming culture at home and abroad.
Applicants may obtain additional information about the Department of Communication by contacting the Director of Graduate Studies at the email address above.
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Communication has the following requirements:
1. Applicants to the M.A. program must submit:
o A statement of educational or career goals.
o Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential to do graduate work in Communication.
o An above-average undergraduate grade-point average (a minimally qualified applicant typically will achieve at least a 3.0).
o A sufficiently high score on the verbal portion of the Graduate Records Examination prior to consideration for acceptance into the graduate degree program.
2. Applicants to the Ph.D. program must submit:
o A statement of educational or career goals.
o Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential to do graduate work in Communication.
o An above average undergraduate and master’s grade point average.
o Satisfactory scores on the General Test of the GRE (and, for international students, the TOEFL Examination).
o A writing sample that demonstrates their ability to conduct and effectively present academic research.
NOTE: All applicants for the Ph.D. in Communication must have earned a master’s degree before entering the program.
Students who have substantial records of professional experience in a communication field may also provide a one-page summary of their experience.
The Department of Communication reviews applications for spring and fall semesters for applicants for theto most M.A. programs. Applicants for the digital production emphasis of the Film/Video/Digital Imaging concentration and Ph.D. programapplicants will be admitted in the fall only. To be assured of consideration for funding, applications must be received in the department by February 15. Deadline for the admission application for domestic students is March 15 for fall semester and October 15 for spring semester. Deadline for the admission applications for international students is March 15 for fall semester and October 15 for spring semester. The department will not consider requests for Special Graduate Status admission.
Program Financial Information
Effective summer 2009, lab fees will be assessed automatically for students who register for certain courses. As a result, students will no longer be required to purchase lab fee cards. For more information, please feel free to contact the department or review the GoSolar or catalog course listings to determine if a course includes a lab fee.
Degree Requirements
Master of Arts (Research Thesis option: minimum 36 hours)
1. Six hours of core courses:COMM 6010andCOMM 6030.
2. Eighteen to twenty-four hours of courses designated by the area of concentration.
3. Up to six hours of coursework in related fields.
4. Proficiency in a foreign language or approved research skill.
5. Six hours ofCOMM 6990, Thesis Research.
6. A successful prospectus defense.
7. A research thesis.
8. A successful research thesis defense.
Master of Arts (Creative thesis option: minimum 36 hours)
1. Six hours of core courses:COMM 6010andCOMM 6030.
2. Eighteen to twenty-seven hours of courses designated by the area of concentration.
3. Up to nine hours of coursework in related fields.
4. Proficiency in a foreign language or approved research skill.
5. Three hours ofCOMM 6990, Thesis Research
6. A successful prospectus defense.
7. A creative thesis project.
8. A successful creative thesis defense.
Master of Arts (Course-Intensive option: minimum 36 hours)
1. Six hours of core courses:COMM 6010Issues and Perspectives in Communication andCOMM 6030(Research Methods in Communication. Students in the FVI track are also required to take the coreCOMM 6020Advanced Film Theory.
2. Eighteen to twenty-seven additional hours in communication courses designated by the area of emphasis (film/video and digital, mass communication, and human communication and social influence).
3. Optional 0–6 hours of allied coursework in another area of emphasis or outside the department as approved by the advisor
4. Two additional approved elective courses, where the credit hours total to a full six hours substitution
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies (Minimum of 68 hours beyond the master’s degree)
1. Fivehours of core courses (Ph.D. Introduction to Graduate Studies and three hours of Communication Pedagogy).
2. Nine (9) to twelve hours of Core Coursework.
3. Twenty-fournine hours in area of concentration. (public communication or moving image studies).
4. Six (6)Nine to nine (9) additional twelve hours of research tools, as recommended and approved by the student’s advisory committee. (approved courses that fall within the general categories of research design, observational methods, ethnography, computer programming, statistics, foreign language, and digital media methods).
5. At least 21 hours Twenty hours of dissertation research.
6. A written comprehensive examination.
7. An oral examination.
8. A successful dissertation prospectus.
9. A successful dissertation defense.