Program: Communication, M.A. - Fresno State

Apr 14, 2025

General Catalog 2024-2025

The Department of Communication

Master of Arts Degree Requirements in Communication

The Master of Arts degree program in communication is designed to be a comprehensive program reflecting the history and breadth of the communication discipline. Four objectives serve as measures for competent M.A. graduates of the program. First, all graduates will have a comprehensive understanding of the historical and philosophical assumptions of the communication discipline, as well as the various theoretical perspectives underlying scholarship in the discipline. Second, all graduates will recognize and be able to use appropriate communication strategies in formal, informal, professional, and personal contexts. Third, all graduates will understand quantitative, qualitative, and/or rhetorical methods of research in communication. Fourth, all graduates will understand various communication perspectives and will have a clear understanding of their own personal perspective and ideologies.

The graduate program in communication is designed to extend the competencies of students in the study of human communication. Graduate teaching assistantships provide students with opportunities for financial assistance and additional educational experiences.

The graduate program in communication assumes undergraduate preparation equivalent to a California State University, Fresno major or minor in communication. The Communication Department offers a 30 unit Master of Arts degree with coursework that provides preparation for a variety of career opportunities including teaching and doctoral work in communication and rhetoric,* business and industry, public service, law, and government.**

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements for Classified Standing. See Admission to Graduate Degree Programs with Graduate Standing in the Division of Research and Graduate Studies of this catalog.

COMM 241 - Seminar in Rhetorical Theory Units: 3
AND
COMM 262 - Seminar in Communication Theory and Research Units: 3
COMM 205 - Seminar in Argumentation Units: 3
COMM 214 - Seminar in Instructional Communication Units: 3
COMM 215 - Seminar in Communication Units: 3
COMM 242M - Seminar in Contemporary Criticism Units: 3
COMM 243 - Seminar in Public and Strategic Discourse Units: 3
COMM 263 - Seminar in Group Communication Units: 3
COMM 264M - Seminar in Communication Research Methods Units: 3
COMM 265 - Seminar in Interpersonal Communication Units: 3
COMM 266 - Seminar in Communication and Culture Units: 3
COMM 268 - Seminar in Organizational Communication Units: 3
COMM 275 - Seminar in Applied Communication Units: 3
COMM 276 - Seminar in Communication Training and Development Units: 3
OR
COMM 290 - Independent Study Units: 1-3

Electives (3-9 units)

Culminating Experiences (0-6 units)

Select one of the following:

Comprehensive Examination Units: 0 (take at least 9 units of approved electives)
COMM 298 - Project Units: 2-6 (additional approved communication electives if needed)
COMM 299 - Thesis Units: 2-6 (additional approved communication electives if needed)

Minimum Total: 30 Units

* For those individuals pursuing careers in teaching and doctoral work, the Communication Department highly recommends selecting 12 units from among the following core requirements: COMM 205 , COMM 214 , COMM 215 , COMM 242M , COMM 243 , COMM 263 , COMM 264M , COMM 265 , and COMM 266 .

** For those individuals pursuing professional careers such as business and industry, public service, law, and government, the Communication Department highly recommends selecting 12 units from among the following core requirements: COMM 205 , COMM 214 , COMM 215 , COMM 263 , COMM 264M , COMM 265 , COMM 266 , COMM 268 , COMM 275 , and COMM 276 .

Advising Notes

At least 21 units in the student’s program of study must be in 200-level (seminar) communication courses.
One methods seminar (COMM 242M or COMM 264M ) is required in every program.
In order to fulfill the university’s Graduate Writing Skills Requirement, students are asked to submit an academic writing sample for evaluation prior to advancement to candidacy. Consult the department’s Graduate Handbook or graduate coordinator for further details on the policy.
Elective requirements can be met by any approved communication seminar, upper-division undergraduate communication course, or appropriate course outside the department. Any undergraduate course counted toward the M.A. must include additional work to make it commensurate with a graduate-level experience; verification is the responsibility of the student and the student’s graduate advisor. Elective requirements are approved by the student’s graduate advisor and the graduate coordinator.