2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

Master of Science in Communication

Requirements for the M.S. in Communication
Prerequisites and Entrance Requirements
Suggested Order of Coursework for an M.S. in Communications

Director: Thompson
Graduate Program Director: Nesterenko

As the field of communications has matured, the value of empirically based decision-making has become increasingly clear. Communication professionals must be knowledgeable about acquiring and assessing relevant information and integrating the analysis of that information into the decision-making process.

The Master of Science degree in the School of Communications is a versatile program that meets the needs of various aspects of professional communication. Individuals in public relations, advertising, journalism, and broadcasting, to name a few, as well as those seeking a degree that will enhance their effectiveness and leadership skills within an organization, find this to be a rewarding and beneficial program. Communication professionals who become managers and decision-makers will increasingly be selected because they have leadership skills, knowledge of theory and research and their application, the ability to access information to solve communication problems, and the ability to effectively implement information into the decision-making process. The curriculum of the masters program is attendant to these skills.

The 36-credit masters program is designed with working professionals in mind. Courses are scheduled during evenings and offered at Grand Valleys Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Taken part-time, the Master of Science in Communications is completed in two to three years.

Requirements for the M.S. in Communication

The following courses (27 credits) are required of all students.

COM 600 - Systems Theory and Communication Credits: 3
COM 610 - Secondary Information and Analysis Credits: 3
COM 620 - Empirical Methods in Communication Credits: 3
COM 634 - Ethics in Professional Communication Credits: 3
COM 641 - Emerging Telecommunication Technologies Credits: 3
COM 642 - Communication Law Credits: 3
COM 660 - Communication Management and Cases Credits: 3
COM 695 - Master's Thesis/Project Credits: 3
AND EITHER
- BUS 631 - Leadership and Organizational Dynamics (3 credits)
- PA 520 - Foundations of Public Management (3 credits)

Elective Courses

Three elective courses (9 credits) are required, either from the following list or from 600-level courses in business, public administration, or other programs for which students are eligible. See the School of Communications for approval.

COM 643 - Small Group Communication and Leadership Credits: 3
COM 680 - Special Topics in Communications Credits: 3
COM 699 - Independent Study Credits: 1 to 4

Prerequisites and Entrance Requirements

Students must graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Two grades of C or lower will result in dismissal from the masters program.

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work. Applicants with less than a 3.0 may meet alternate admissions criteria such as professional work experience, personal interview, or academic success in specified courses.
Background coursework in communication theory, research methods, and statistics.
Two letters of endorsement from communication professionals.
An interview with a representative from the School of Communications.

Suggested Order of Coursework for an M.S. in Communications

The following schedule assumes that the student has satisfied all background courses. For more information about the program, contact the School of Communications.