Nov 22, 2024

2017-2018 Graduate Bulletin

2017-2018 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication Arts (M.A.)

Bulletin/Catalog Year 2017-2018

College of Arts and Letters

Department of Communication Arts

Dr. Robert Baron
Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator
Location: Music/Mass Communication, Room 230
Phone 931.221.6819
Email: baronr@apsu.edu

Description of Major

The Department of Communication offers three degree pathways with both professional and fast-track options. Students can complete the program at their desired pace, with convenient 8-week terms. The program offers a diverse array of electives to give students flexibility in their program of study. Through the Department of Communication’s MA program, students gain the ability to apply communication theories and concepts to real world communication challenges.

The M.A. in Communication Arts offers an opportunity to continue or pursue a career in fields such as public relations, marketing, advertising, media management, human resources, strategic planning, training and consultancy, media relations, doctoral studies or non-profit work.

The Communication Arts MA programs are entirely online and admit for all terms through APSU’s Clarksville Campus.

Program Admissions Requirements (GRE scores, Writing Sample, LORs):

Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 attained on undergraduate coursework
Bachelor’s degree, conferred in any field, from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum GRE revised General Test verbal score of 140 and quantitative score of 140*

*Students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or greater or with a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution may submit an Entrance Exam Waiver Form, for approval by the department, to waive the GRE requirement.

If applicable, describe tracks/options/plan (example, thesis or non-thesis):

Upon the completion of all coursework, students must successfully defend the thesis or research paper. Research Papers are approved by Theses must be defended orally before their graduate committee and answer comprehensive questions about material mastered in courses.

Degree Core Courses

Total Hours 10

Marketing Communication Concentration

The Marketing Communication Concentration program is designed to prepare current and future managers for careers in marketing communications (marketing communication, advertising, public relations, sales, print or broadcast media, and other electronic media) or for doctoral studies in communication. The online Marketing Communication Concentration program has been designed with the needs of currently employed professionals in mind as well as offering traditional students the opportunity to complete the degree rapidly.

As close to the beginning of their program as possible, students should sign up for COMM 5001 , which provides an orientation to graduate study in Communication Arts at APSU.

Required Concentration Courses

Total Hours 9

Required Research Course

COMM 5950 - Research Paper 3

Total Hours 3

Electives

Select twelve (12) credit hours from the courses listed below
COMM 5050 - Public Relations 3
COMM 5060 - Communication and Public Opinion 3
COMM 5150 - Advertising and Media Strategies 3
COMM 5210 - e-Communication Strategies 3
COMM 5300 - Consumer and Audience Behavior 3
COMM 5400 - Politics and Mass Media 3
COMM 5410 - Web Page Design and Criticism 3
COMM 5600 - Integrated Corporate Communication 3
COMM 5710 - Ethics in a Changing Environment 3
COMM 5730 - Web Content Maintenance and Management 3
COMM 5750 - Feature Writing 3
COMM 5800 - Persuasion and Social Change 3
COMM 5810 - Race, Gender and Mass Media 3

Total Hours 12

Total hours for degree completion 34

Media Management Concentration

The Media Management Concentration is designed to provide graduate students with an opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills applicable for working in the media industry. The program is delivered primarily online to accommodate both traditional students and nontraditional students working full time in the communication industry. This concentration provides an opportunity for currently employed in the areas of broadcast and cable TV operations, marketing, promotions, and sales with an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for advancement to electronic media executive positions in sales, marketing, operations, and general management.

As close to the beginning of their program as possible, students should sign up for COMM 5001 , which provides an orientation to graduate study in Communication Arts at APSU.

Required Concentration Courses

Total Hours 6

Required Research Course

COMM 5950 - Research Paper 3

Total Hours 3

Electives

Select fifteen (15) credit hours from courses listed below
COMM 5020 - Organizational Communication 3
COMM 5050 - Public Relations 3
COMM 5100 - Marketing Communication Strategies 3
COMM 5110 - Leadership and Communication 3
COMM 5115 - Sports Broadcasting Direction and Criticism 3
COMM 5150 - Advertising and Media Strategies 3
COMM 5210 - e-Communication Strategies 3
COMM 5410 - Web Page Design and Criticism 3
COMM 5500 - Video Production Criticism 3
COMM 5710 - Ethics in a Changing Environment 3
COMM 5720 - Social Media Theories and Practices 3
COMM 5730 - Web Content Maintenance and Management 3
COMM 5750 - Feature Writing 3
COMM 5810 - Race, Gender and Mass Media 3

Total Hours 15

Total hours for degree completion 34

Specialization

General Communications Specialization

Corporate Communication Specialization

The General Communication Specialization prepares students for doctoral studies and teaching at the high school, community college or university level. Courses in this sequence allow students to apply theoretical understanding to real world communication problems.

As close to the beginning of their program as possible, students should sign up for COMM 5001, which provides an orientation to graduate study in Communication Arts at APSU.

Required Core Courses

Total Hours 10

Required Research Courses

Total Hours 3 or 6

Electives

Select 18 or 21 credit hours

Toal Hours 18 or 20

Total hours for degree completion 31 or 36

General Communication Specialization

As close to the beginning of their program as possible, students should sign up for COMM 5001 , which provides an orientation to graduate study in Communication Arts at APSU.

Required Specialization Courses

Total Hours 6

Required Research Course

COMM 5950 - Research Paper 3

Total Hours 3

Electives

Select fifteen (15) credit hours from the courses listed below
COMM 5020 - Organizational Communication 3
COMM 5050 - Public Relations 3
COMM 5100 - Marketing Communication Strategies 3
COMM 5110 - Leadership and Communication 3
COMM 5115 - Sports Broadcasting Direction and Criticism 3
COMM 5150 - Advertising and Media Strategies 3
COMM 5210 - e-Communication Strategies 3
COMM 5410 - Web Page Design and Criticism 3
COMM 5500 - Video Production Criticism 3
COMM 5710 - Ethics in a Changing Environment 3
COMM 5720 - Social Media Theories and Practices 3
COMM 5730 - Web Content Maintenance and Management 3
COMM 5750 - Feature Writing 3
COMM 5810 - Race, Gender and Mass Media 3