Communication, MA

Master of Arts: Communication is designed for students who wish to develop advanced-level communication skills in combination with knowledge or skills in another area or areas.

Students may select either the interdisciplinary program or one of the emphasis areas. The procedures are explained in the department’s Graduate Student Manual. The Graduate Student Manual is available online at: www.andrews.edu/comm/ under Graduate Students.

General Admission Requirements

Graduate Program admission requirements, academic information and graduation procedures are detailed in the Graduate Academic Policies  section of this catalog.

Departmental Admission Requirements

This is a summary of the procedures that a student planning to enroll in the MA should note:

1. At the time of application for admission, students must:
   1. have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
   2. present a resume of current experience.
   3. submit a Statement of Purpose which explains how the relevant disciplines will be integrated to meet his/her career and academic goals.
2. Upon acceptance and registration, the student in conjunction with the graduate advisor will develop a Plan of Study which is based on the student’s Statement of Purpose.
3. In addition to the admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies & Research, the student applying to the Department of Communication must:
   1. have a minimum of 12 semester credits in communication and/or related areas.
   2. have an overall GPA of 2.75
   3. complete any deficiencies at the beginning of the program. These courses are in addition to the regular graduate-degree course work.
   4. demonstrate adequate proficiency in English to succeed in the academic setting. A student can demonstrate such proficiency by obtaining at least a minimum composite score on one of the following exams, with component score(s) at or above those indicated:
      
      • Paper–based TOEFL (ITP) composite score of 600 with no component score lower than 55. An additional written essay exam is required with a minimum score of 80, and an additional speaking evaluation with a score of not less than 3.
      • Internet–based TOEFL (iBT) composite score of 100, with Reading and Listening component scores of at least 15, Writing component score of at least 17, and Speaking component score of at least 18.
      • MELAB composite score of 84 with no component score lower than 80.
      • IELTS [Academic] composite score of 7, with Reading, Listening, and Speaking component scores of at least 6, and a Writing component score of at least 5.
      • PTE [Academic] composite score of 68, with no component score lower than 48.

The exam must be taken within two years prior to enrollment. Students who score below these levels may complete language requirements by enrolling in Intensive English Program courses (ENSL) on campus. Students with a score on the TOEFL ITP of 575-599 (or the equivalent on any of the four other exams) may be eligible for the Language Bridge Program which allows students to take a limited number of degree program courses while completing language proficiency requirements in Intensive English Program courses. Exceptions to these requirements may be granted by the Department of Communication on an individual basis.

Progression

All graduate students need to understand that

• The GRE must be completed in order to register for the second semester courses.
• A student on regular status must, in consultation with the graduate advisor, identify members to serve on a supervisory committee. This committee is selected once students have completed COMM 652 . It determines individual requirements for completion with reference to a student’s Plan of Study.
• A 3.00 GPA per semester must be maintained.
• The Advancement to Candidacy deadline is the semester prior to the student applying for graduation.
• Students are responsible for completing all the required forms.

All required forms are submitted to the coordinator of the Department Graduate Program. On approval, recommendations are made to the Records Office and to the Dean of Graduate Studies. See General Academic Policies  for further details on graduation procedures and degree conferral.

MA Degree Requirements

1. Comply with the standards outlined in the Graduate Academic Policies  section of the bulletin.
2. Select either the interdisciplinary program or one of the emphases and complete a curriculum consisting of a minimum of 40 credits of course work approved by the supervising committee.
3. Pass COMM 670 - Comprehensive Examination  over the areas selected for the degree.
4. Submit and successfully defend a portfolio.