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. Shana Kopaczewski

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, Ph.D., University of Iowa                                                                         
Associate Professor of Communication

Specializations:  Interpersonal/Relational Communication, Media Criticism

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

Associate Professor Communication

Specializations:  Health Communication, Media Theory and Criticism

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

Specializations:  Media Production and Media Theory

Assistant Professors

Bahram, Farhad, MFA., University of Oregon

Assistant Professor of Communication

Specializations: New Media Studies, Performance Art, Media Production

Kim, Hyosun, PhD., University of North Carolina

Assistant Professor of Communication

Specializations: Advertising and Media Effects, Social Media

Rascon, Natasha, Ph.D., University of New Mexico

Assistant Professor of Communication
Specializations:  Health Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Conflict Management

Instructors

Glende, Philip, 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 spanning several areas of the discipline. Students will gain skills and knowledge that will enhance their personal, professional, and public lives. 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 including the possibility to specialize in leadership, health communication, digital media, or public advocacy.  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. Describe the communication discipline including its essential theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts.

2. Engage in communication research and critically analyze messages.

3. Create messages that adapt to the diverse needs of individuals, groups, and context.

4. Demonstrate self-efficacy and ability to improve communication skills.  

5. Apply ethical communication principles and practice.

6. Develop communication strategies to influence public discourse. 

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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