Purdue University - Fort Wayne

Professional Communication (M.A.)

Program Requirements

Introductory Course: Credits 3

• COM 50000 - Introduction To Graduate Studies In Communication Cr. 3.

Communication Methods: Credits 3

Choose at least one course from the following list:

• COM 58200 - Descriptive/Experimental Research in Communication Cr. 3.
• COM 58400 - Historical/Critical Research in Communication Cr. 3.
• COM 58500 - Qualitative Methods in Communication Research Cr. 3.

Theory Core: Credits 9

Choose at least three courses from the following list:

• COM 51200 - Theories of Interpersonal Communication Cr. 3.
• COM 51800 - Theories of Persuasion Cr. 3.
• COM 52000 - Small Group Communication Cr. 3.
• COM 52100 - Theories of Rhetoric Cr. 3.
• COM 52700 - Introduction to Cultural Studies Cr. 3.
• COM 55900 - Current Trends in Mass Communication Research Cr. 3.
• COM 57400 - Organizational Communication Cr. 3.

Specialization Courses: Credits 21

Choose at least three and up to seven of the following courses:

• COM 50200 - Classroom Communication Cr. 3.
• COM 50700 - Introduction to Semiotics Cr. 3.
• COM 50800 - Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction Cr. 3.
• COM 51500 - Persuasion in Social Movements Cr. 3.
• COM 51700 - Communication in Politics Cr. 3.
• COM 52200 - History and Criticism of Public Communication Cr. 3.
• COM 52300 - Communication in Personal Relationships Cr. 3.
• COM 53100 - Special Topics in Mass Communication Cr. 3.
• COM 55700 - Legal Dimensions of Communication Cr. 3.
• COM 56000 - Rhetorical Dimensions of Mass Media Cr. 3.
• COM 57600 - Health Communication Cr. 3.
• COM 59000 - Directed Study of Special Problems Cr. 1-3.
• COM 59700 - Special Topics in Communication Cr. 3.
• COM 69800 - Research MA or MS Thesis Cr. 1-18.

Cognate Studies: Credits 12

• You may apply to count up to four courses for 12 credits toward your specialization area.
• Courses are to be selected with the approval of your advisor or advising committee from graduate-level courses in communication or other disciplines.
• Undergraduate-level coursework will not count toward cognate studies, even if you completed this coursework while seeking another graduate degree.

Total Minimum Credits: 36

Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

• Articulate the historical traditions of the discipline
• Demonstrate an awareness and skillful use of the use of new technologies relevant to their major
• Explain communication concepts and theories relevant to the major
• Explain, evaluate, and apply the processes involved in productive conflict in the contexts (interpersonal, small group, organizational, mediated, and public) relevant to their major
• Demonstrate awareness of diverse perspectives
• Read, speak, write, and listen competently
• Demonstrate the ability to be critically engaged citizens

• Communication and Diversity Trainer
• Communications Director
• Editor
• Elected Official
• Film Producer
• Human Resources Professional
• Marketing Manager
• Newscaster
• Public Relations Professional
• Social Media Manager
• Writer