Communication

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Master of Art in Communication

Department of Communication
Gillum Hall, Room 342
Phone: 812-237-3244
Fax: 812-237-3217
E-mail: ISU-COMM@mail.indstate.edu

Web site: http://www.indstate.edu/comm

Department Chair: Dr. Darlene M. Hantzis

Phone: 812-237-3244

 
GRADUATE FACULTY

Professors

Hantzis, Darlene, Ph.D., Louisiana State University
Professor of Communication
Specializations: Performance Studies and Gender Theory

Vincent, Richard C., Ph.D., University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Professor of Communication
Specialization: International Communication

Associate Professors

Kopaczewski, Shana C. Ph.D., University of Iowa                                                                            
Assistant Professor of Communication

Specializations:  Interpersonal Communication, Media Criticism

Tu, Haijing, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Associate Professor of Communication                                                                                            

Specializations:  Media Production and Media Theory

Assistant Professors

Henson, Lori A., Ph.D., Indiana University Bloomington                       
Assistant Professor of Communication                    
Specializations:  Journalism and Communication Law

Johnson, Malynnda, Ph.D.  University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Assistant Professor Communication

Specializations:  Health Communication, Media Theory and Criticism

Instructors

Natasha Barnett, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Specializations:  Health Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Conflict Management

Philip Glende, Ph.D. | University of Wisconsin, Madison
Director of Student Media
Specializations: Journalism and Media History

INTRODUCTION

The Master’s program in Communication focuses on providing students a broad-based advanced degree which spans several areas of the discipline.  These areas include but are not limited to health communication, international communication, interpersonal communication, journalism, mediated communication, political communication, gender studies, and rhetorical studies.  Students are prompted to ask significant questions about communication and are equipped with the tools to answer these questions. Through a detailed study of communication theory and method, students develop an integrated perspective on the discipline and grow to appreciate the interrelationships among various areas of study in the field.  Graduates of this program possess the analytical, critical, and creative tools for competent specialization which may lead either to confident entrance into the profession or to further graduate study.

MAIN OBJECTIVES

Graduate study involves higher expectations and a sharper focus than is expected at the undergraduate level, and it provides students with skills that prepare them for scholarly pursuits as well as for professional employment.

Graduate students are expected to demonstrate mastery of required course work. All students will demonstrate the ability to work independently and in teams, to design and complete research projects, to engage in interdisciplinary research, and to present their work competently in both written and oral forms. In addition, all students are expected to be aware of societal and ethical issues that surround the discipline and to act in accordance with ethical standards.

Measures for assessing the program’s success will provide data that indicate the extent to which the curriculum is meeting the following objectives:

1.     To develop an understanding of the central issues and current research important to the field of communication.

2.     To be familiar with the breadth and depth of conceptual and applied knowledge in the field of communication.

3.     To be able to communicate acquired knowledge.

4.     To be aware of ethical issues pertaining to the study and practice of communication.

5.     To develop the ability to design and present an independent and meaningful research project.

6.     To understand the relationship of communication to other disciplines.

As a general rule, the Department of Communication will accept in transfer no more than six credits of appropriate course work earned at other colleges and universities accredited for master’s or higher level study by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools or a comparable association. Applicants may petition the department graduate faculty for the transfer of additional credits.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Graduate education is characterized by ongoing evaluation in graduate courses. Familiarity with the discipline of communication, competent course work performance, and participation in professional activities are key elements in achieving an advanced degree in this field.  Successful students will consistently demonstrate the ability to locate and synthesize information, to solve complex problems, to conduct and present original research, and/or to engage in creative production of communication products.

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