Communication Studies
Master’s Degree Programs

graduate Opportunities

The graduate program in Communication Studies at the University of North Texas examines communication and the processes through which humans interact. We facilitate your command of theory and research, develop your research capabilities, and prepare you for a variety of careers or for further graduate study.

The Department of Communication Studies offers course work leading to a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in Communication Studies with concentrations in interpersonal/organizational communication, rhetorical studies and performance studies.

As you progress through the program, you will use analytical, critical, qualitative and quantitative methodologies to explore communication from applied and theoretical perspectives. The necessary course work examines gender and diversity issues, narrative and social change, and political and social influence.

Gain new perspectives

Our faculty members are outstanding scholars in the field with diverse approaches to the study of communication. Our professors have won awards and research grants from the National Institutes of Health and the North Texas chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. They also coach intercollegiate debate; consult for organizations in the community, region and various parts of the United States; direct performances; and hold professional leadership positions. Their research interests include:

• Argumentation studies
• Critical and cultural studies of communication, cultural values, ideologies and politics
• Interpersonal communication
• Narrative studies
• Performance studies
• Rhetorical analysis and criticism of persuasive public communication in historical, political and cultural contexts
• The role of communication in organizations, professions and groups

You will have opportunities to conduct research with faculty members and participate in regional and national festivals, professional conferences, and internships with corporations, social service organizations, arts organizations and government agencies.

Areas of emphasis

Interpersonal/organizational communication

This area examines the impact of communication theory in multiple interpersonal and organizational contexts. You explore how human communication influences cultures, groups and individuals. The goal is to blend theory, research and practical application while fostering development of analytical and applied skills in multiple contexts related to human communication.

Rhetorical studies

Through historical, critical and qualitative research, this concentration promotes understanding of communication phenomena. You examine how communication influences the formation and growth of every culture. This allows you to understand and contribute to a culture’s development.

Performance studies

As a primary mode of human experience, knowledge and action, performance often provides a strong sense of self and others. This leads to self-expansion and an enriched sense of cultural pluralism. This area promotes an understanding of human beings and human cultures through critical, historical and empirical investigations; experiential learning in the classroom; and sharing discoveries with public audiences.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of communication studies, admission is open to students from a variety of undergraduate majors. You will need to meet the admission requirements for the Toulouse Graduate School, available at gradschool.unt.edu, and our department’s specific requirements.

.We conduct a holistic review for program admission. Admission requirements and procedures are outlined at communication.unt.edu using the graduate link. Undergraduate students anticipating graduate work in the department should take the GRE no later than the fall semester of their senior year. You may pursue a master’s degree on a full-time or part-time basis.

Degree requirements

Master of Arts or Master of Science degree

Thesis option

• 30 semester hours of communication studies courses
• 6 semester hours of thesis
• Oral exam

Project option

• 33 semester hours of communication studies courses
• 3 semester hours of research in lieu of thesis
• Written and oral comprehensive exams

Internship option

• 33 semester hours of communication studies courses
• 3 semester hours of a graduate internship
• Written and oral comprehensive exams

If you are pursuing the M.A., you will need to meet a foreign language requirement.

Financial assistance

We offer teaching assistantships that provide valuable experience as a classroom teacher, debate assistant or performance assistant. Stipends for teaching assistants are competitive and include medical insurance benefits. In addition, out-of-state and international students who receive assistantships are eligible to pay in-state tuition rates. Information about other financial assistance opportunities is available at financialaid.unt.edu.