Communication Studies, MA
The master of arts degree program in communication studies is designed to promote understanding of the functions of human communication in its various forms and venues and emphasizes four substantive research areas: rhetoric and political discourse, interpersonal communication, organizational leadership, and communication and culture.
On-campus, students have the opportunity to customize a plan of study to support different interests and career goals, including advanced graduate degree work, teaching, communication consulting, and corporate or nonprofit professional leadership positions. Students have three different options for pursuing their degree:
Academic – for students who wish to fulfill teaching requirements in communication studies or who want to pursue advanced degree work, requiring a comprehensive written examination to demonstrate proficient knowledge in communication studies.
Research – for students who plan to continue their careers in academia and pursue advanced research opportunities, requiring an original thesis project in a specific research area of interest.
Professional – for students who plan to pursue professional careers, requiring the completion of an internship or a professional project and the submission of a final Capstone Portfolio which provides a self-reflective overview of the entire body of course work completed for the degree
The 30-hour degree program has four components:
12 hours of core theory courses, a theory course from each of the four areas of scholarly research, to provide a broad basis for understanding human communication
12-15 hours of electives in a focused area of study chosen by the student with the approval of a faculty advisor
3-6 hours of methods and/or applied research courses
Completion of a capstone experience - a comprehensive exam, a thesis, or a capstone portfolio
For distance learning students, this degree program can be completed entirely online, choosing either the academic or the professional option and electing the 12-hour emphasis in Organizational Leadership.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 20
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
The University of Alabama is a student-centered research university and one of the largest employers in Tuscaloosa, AL. We are delighted that you are interested in learning more about the exciting career opportunities offered at UA. As part of the UA community, you will enjoy outstanding benefits and play an integral role in contributing to the atmosphere, diverse culture, and traditions that make The University of Alabama great! Use the buttons below to find a rewarding career at Alabama’s flagship university.
Student employment is an integral part of the educational and professional development of UA students. Working while in college not only helps students finance their education, it also assists in developing essential job and life-long learning skills, and provides opportunities to network and connect with faculty, staff, and fellow students who can help with the transition to life at UA. The experience gained is instrumental in preparing students for the job market after graduation and beyond.
PSW Opportunity
3 years PSW
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Non-native speakers are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores unless they meet at least one of the following criteria: 1) at the time of initial enrollment, they will hold a degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in one of the English speaking countries or regions listed below; 2) at the time of initial enrollment, they will have been enrolled in coursework for at least two years at a U.S. institution or an institution in one of the English speaking countries or regions listed below; 3) they are a citizen or legal resident of one of the English speaking countries or regions listed below. Information on registering for the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE is available online or at U.S. embassies, consulates, Institute of International Education offices, AMIDEAST offices, and other organizations concerned with international education. Note that during the application process we only need unofficial language score reports. Official reports must be sent on admission.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 79 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT).
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 6.5.
Duolingo: We are accepting Duolingo scores during the COVID-19 crisis. The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 105.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): The minimum score of admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 59.
The TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores must be less than two years old at the time of the application.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
- Duration: 01 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
31460 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 40 USD