Communication

The Master of Arts degree program in Communication is designed to develop the student’s understanding of research methods and communication theory, the ability to conduct basic and applied research, the capacity for critical thinking about communication problems, and the competencies required for service as a professional communicator, teacher, or scholar.

We have an eclectic and engaged group of graduate faculty committed to sharing their experience and insight with their students. The Lowcountry Graduate Center, where our program is housed, is a welcoming environment for students with outstanding classrooms and computer laboratories. Striving for a collaborative experience between student and the faculty, we have established a number of successful learning initiatives, including creative independent-study projects and experiences with communication pedagogy. The graduate program also has a chapter of the College of Charleston Graduate Student Association.

In recent years, our students have presented research to national academic conferences, landed internships with top communication agencies, and have supervised undergraduates (through paid assistantships) in campus offices ranging from Student Media to Institutional Advancement.

The Department of Communication has 3.5 funded graduate assistant positions, awarded to high-performing students who show promise in research and teaching as well as leadership skills.  Two positions are specifically designed for teaching/research assistance that allow students to work with a faculty mentor and work in a classroom setting.  The communication pedagogy program (Comm 699) is another avenue for high-performing students to engage in classroom and research activity through faculty mentorship.

Admissions Criteria

• Transcripts from all academic institutions
• Minimum 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.0 in the major
• A combined GRE score of 300 and AW score of 4
• Acceptable coursework in communication or a closely related discipline
• Two letters of recommendation from academic sources
• A writing sample demonstrating your academic and research capabilities
• A personal statement outlining your background and specific goals
• Personal interview with the program director (or the director’s designee)

Application Deadline:

• Fall: March 1

2012 – 13 Tuition

• in-state
  $455 per credit hour
• out-of-state
  $1,160 per credit hour