The graduate program in communication reflects the varied teaching and research interests of the faculty. Beyond their range of expertise in communication theory and research, faculty members remain united in their dedication to teaching excellence, as demonstrated by the regularity with which they receive teaching commendations and awards. Faculty members from the School of Communication have been elected and continue to serve as officers in major academic societies and professional associations. Faculty members have been and remain prominent in the scholarly journals, serving as editors, associate editors, and, most importantly, authors. A series of journal publications, as well as books, convention papers, and monographs, have established a number of faculty members as nationally as well as internationally recognized leaders in their respective fields.

The School of Communication offers teaching and research assistantships to doctoral students and to master's students (as funding is available). The number and amount of assistantships varies and is competitive. All assistantships also provide assistance with course fees, subject to the availability of funds.

In addition to University fellowships, the College of Communication and Information offers the college-wide teaching fellowship, which is awarded annually.

1. The candidate should apply online to the University Graduate Admissions Office website at http://admissions.fsu.edu. The school application instructions are also available online at http://www.comm.cci.fsu.edu. The applicant should upload their completed forms with supporting documents to the online university application. The school will accept new graduate students for each semester.
2. Minimum criteria to be considered for admission to the master's program include a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last two years of undergraduate work or a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score (verbal plus quantitative) of at least 1000. Minimum criteria to be considered for admission to the doctoral program include a master's GPA of 3.3, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for the last two years of undergraduate work, and a GRE score of 1000. All applicants must submit three letters of recommendation and completed University and school application forms.
   Note: The master's and doctoral programs are highly competitive and admission may require more than the minimum GRE and GPA.
3. Applicants for the doctoral program may be asked to complete an interview with the graduate admissions committee, preferably in person although telephone is acceptable. Under certain conditions a videotaped statement in response to a set of questions provided by the committee could be substituted for the interview.

If the student completed a master's degree in the School of Communication at Florida State University, the master's supervisory committee must have made a written recommendation that the student be approved to continue for the PhD degree at this University.

Foreign students are required to submit GRE scores and a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 or above, computer-based (TOEFL) score of 250 or above and Internet-based TOEFL score of 100 or above. Regardless of TOEFL scores, some foreign students may be required by the International Admissions Office, the graduate admissions committee, or their advisory committee to enroll in the Intensive English Program in order to begin in the program no matter what degrees have been earned in their home countries. If a foreign student has earned an English competency, some of these requirements may be waived.

Supervisory Committee and Program of Studies

1. Prior to or during registration for the first semester, students should meet with the coordinator for their emphasis area. The coordinator will help the student plan course work for the first semester.
2. For non-thesis students, the area coordinator will serve as chair of the student's supervisory committee. Students pursuing a thesis must select a major professor or committee chair. This person is usually a specialist in the student's major area. It is the student's responsibility, after consultation with the division head, to secure consent of an eligible faculty member to serve as the major professor,\\ and to work with the major professor to form a committee.
3. No later than the end of the first semester, the student must submit a program of studies to the committee for approval. The program must closely follow the guidelines of the selected major and must meet school and University requirements. The proposed program of studies should be developed with the help and advice of the major professor. If a committee meeting is required, the program of study should be submitted to all committee members at least five days before the committee meets. At the meeting, the committee will discuss and modify the program as necessary.
4. If the student's undergraduate preparation is weak, out of field, or insufficient for work in the area chosen, the admissions committee or supervisory committee may require that the student complete specified undergraduate courses in areas of deficiency. These make-up courses will not normally be credited toward master's requirements.
5. Not more than six semester hours may be transferred from another graduate institution and then only with the approval of the supervisory committee. Not more than six semester hours of directed individual study (COM 5906) may be applied toward the master's degree.
6. With the approval of the supervisory committee, up to six hours of letter-graded 4000-level work may be counted in the master's program. Courses taken at the 4000 level on an S/U basis may not be counted, nor may any work below the 4000 level.
7. The program of studies must be approved by all committee members, the division head, the school director, and the graduate coordinator. The student should provide signed copies to all signatories, with the director's copy filed in the student's folder. Changes in the program of studies or in the composition of the supervisory committee are accomplished with special forms obtained from the school. The forms are signed by all committee members, the division head, the school director, and the graduate coordinator and are attached to the student's original program of studies.
8. A master's program normally requires the equivalent of one and one-half calendar years of full-time course work. Students with weak backgrounds in their chosen area of specialization, or with degrees outside of communication, should expect to spend longer to complete a master's program.
9. Graduate students are required to earn grades of "B–" or better in all courses in their graduate major in order for the courses to be counted toward the degree. A GPA of at least 3.0 must be maintained for all master's work.
10. There is no University-wide residency requirement.
11. Each master's candidate must demonstrate, by term papers or thesis, writing skills that are acceptable to the student's committee.
12. The English proficiency of domestic and foreign students will be evaluated by the student's supervisory committee at least by the end of the student's second semester of residency. If the committee decides that the student's English usage is deficient, the committee will recommend remedial action. If, as a result of remedial action, the student's English proficiency is still considered to be below an acceptable level, the student may be dismissed.
13. There is no school-wide foreign-language requirement. If the student wishes to receive the Master of Arts degree, the University requires: a) Proficiency in a foreign language demonstrated by satisfactory performance on the Graduate School Foreign Language Tests of the Educational Testing Service, or certification by the appropriate language department, or completion of twelve semester hours in a foreign language with an average grade of at least 3.0 ("B"), or four years of a single language in high school; b) six or more semester hours of graduate credit in one or more of the following fields: art; classical language, literature, and civilization; communication (not to include speech correction); English; history; humanities; modern languages and linguistics; music; philosophy; religion; and theatre.
14. Depending on the major area in which the student is enrolled, the student may elect a thesis or non-thesis program. To qualify for the master's degree under the thesis program, the student must complete a minimum of thirty-three semester hours including six hours of thesis credit. At least twenty-four of those hours must be taken on a letter-grade basis.
15. To qualify for the master's degree under the non-thesis program, the student must complete a minimum of thirty-three semester hours (or thirty-six semester hours with the course work option), twenty-seven of which must be on a letter-grade basis, and either pass written and oral comprehensive examinations, and/or a project, or a residency. The non-thesis program is considered a terminal degree (i.e., the student is normally not expected to continue for the doctorate). The supervisory committee may require an oral examination of the project or residency report. Copies of clearance forms are signed and placed in the student's file.
16. Written comprehensive examinations must be completed at least four weeks prior to the end of the semester. The oral defense is limited to a two-week period following the written portion of the comprehensive examination.
17. Students must complete requirements for the master's degree within forty-three semester hours maximum including thesis. Any hours taken beyond forty-three will not be credited toward the master's degree nor can they be counted in a PhD program. The student must complete the master's degree and be recommended for continuation by the supervisory committee before beginning doctoral course work.
18. A prospectus must be approved by all committee members prior to serious research or data collection for a thesis project. Signed copies are to be filed in the student's school and college folders.
19. During registration for the final semester the student should enroll in master's comprehensive examination, master's thesis defense, project, or residency. At the same time, the student should make application for graduation and the diploma.
20. Non-thesis students may be required to take a written comprehensive examination as required in the major area or determined by the supervisory committee. During the first part of the semester, the student should meet with the supervisory committee to determine the nature and content of the examination and to set dates for both written and oral portions.
21. The manuscript and final clearance adviser in the Graduate School must approve the form of the thesis before final preparation. It is recommended that students consult with this adviser early in the preparation stage and obtain a copy of Guidelines and Requirements for Electronic Thesis, Treatise, and Dissertation Writers.
22. Prior to the oral defense of the thesis, an announcement must be sent to The Week Of, published by the Graduate School. This announcement must be published at least two weeks prior to the defense. At least one week prior to the oral defense of a thesis, residency, project, or of comprehensive examinations, the candidate is responsible for notifying all school faculty of the time and place of the defense. Graduate students may also attend the defense. The candidate is responsible for scheduling the oral defense at a time convenient for all the committee members.
23. The defense should be scheduled at least two weeks after copies of the thesis, reports, or examinations have been distributed to committee members. These must be seen by the candidate and the major professor as final copies. The academic calendar in the Registration Guide specifies deadline dates.
24. The major professor will bring to the oral examination the school graduate exam clearance form which is to be signed by all committee members and by the school director.
25. At the office of permanent records, evaluation, and graduation, the candidate will receive a final term degree clearance form which provides space for certification by all parties concerned that all requirements for the degree have been met. After the oral defense, the master's candidate must submit to the manuscript and final clearance adviser this completed form and an electronic copy. Notice the submission deadline published in the Registration Guide. It is courteous to give all members of the committee and the school copies of the thesis. The Graduate School sends the major professor one electronic copy.

Master's Degree in Communication with an Emphasis in Integrated Marketing Communication

Career Goals. This program is designed for students interested in careers that merge advertising, public relations, cross-cultural marketing communication, new communication technologies, and applied research. It provides a foundation for students who wish to pursue professional careers in integrated marketing communication, digital marketing communication and Hispanic marketing communication. The program can also lead to advanced graduate studies.

Educational Goals. The student will follow a course of studies providing: 1) basic knowledge of communication theories, with particular emphasis on those that apply to marketing communication, new communication technologies and Hispanic marketing communication; 2) preparation for professional careers in digital media production using new technologies in marketing and/or management roles; 3) development of fundamental proficiencies in applied research; 4) skills in developing and organizing data/information systems, and facilitating data-based decisions; 5) insights into the coordination of promotional communication, cross-cultural communication initiatives, new technologies and applied research strategies to facilitate organizational and promotional goals; and 6) experience in making formal marketing/management communication presentations.

Areas of Special Knowledge and Skills to be Developed. Depending on career path and specific course of study, the proportion of course work within each of the following will vary: marketing communication techniques, including strategic and performance-based project management, account planning, desktop multimedia applications, and cross-cultural promotions; traditional and new media marketing communication strategies, including advertising and public relations research, marketing communication planning, design, implementation and evaluation; application of research methods to marketing communication, including quasi-experimental and survey design, content analysis, focus groups, database research techniques, and data analysis; digital media applications and digital marketing communication; and computer-mediated communication research skills and tools.

Required Hours. A minimum of thirty-three semester hours are required; thirty-six semester hours are required with a course work-only option. It is possible to complete the program in one academic year, though many students spread the degree requirements across four semesters. Students who have insufficient backgrounds in communication and related subjects at the undergraduate level may be required to take three to nine semester hours of letter-graded undergraduate course work as determined by their supervisory committees. These additional hours will not count toward completion of master's degree requirements.

For specific course requirements, visit the school Web site at http://www.comm.cci.fsu.edu or contact the school.

Master's Degree in Communication with an Emphasis in Media and Communication Studies

Career goals. This program is designed for graduate students interested in studying communication interactions in society. Studies may result in a terminal degree leading to a position in media, a communication-related agency, or other organizations involving political, social, and public sector settings. The program also may serve as preparation for doctoral work in communication, leading to a teaching or research position.

Educational goals. In this master's program, students will be introduced to theory, research methods, historical background, and contemporary social issues pertaining to: 1) human communication, such as interpersonal communication, gender studies, and social interaction, 2) mass media criticism, policy, processes, and effects, and/or 3) political communication, rhetoric, and persuasion

Areas of special knowledge and skills to be developed. By the conclusion of this master's program, students will have knowledge and experience in: applying theory relative to communication studies, rhetoric, and mass communication; using various communication research methods; critically analyzing content and effects of traditional and new media; and identifying key issues in developing tools for analysis of political, public, and advocacy communication campaigns and strategies

Required Hours. Thirty-three semester hours as a minimum are required; thirty-six semester hours may be required with the course work-only option. Students who have completed insufficient course work in communication at the undergraduate level (e.g., students who did not major in a communication-related area) may be required to take six to twelve semester hours of letter-graded, undergraduate course work as determined by their supervisory committee. These additional hours will not count toward completion of the thirty-three semester hours.

For specific course requirements, visit the school Web site at http://www.comm.cci.fsu.edu, or contact the school.

Supervisory Committee and Program of Studies

1. A provisional adviser is assigned to the student at the time of acceptance into the program. During the student's first semester in the program, the provisional adviser will assist the student in registering for courses and may be a source of information for the student concerning choice of major professor, cognate area, program of studies, and registration for the second semester.
2. By the midpoint of the second semester, the student must designate a major professor who has consented to serve in that capacity. The major professor will take over the advising duties of the provisional adviser, will be the student's principal adviser in choosing members for the doctoral supervisory committee, and will assist the student in developing a preliminary program of studies. Faculty members holding doctoral directive status (DDS) are eligible to serve as major professors.
3. The doctoral supervisory committee approves the program of studies, reviews and approves any proposed revisions to the program of studies, and designs and evaluates the doctoral preliminary examination. Members of the committee must be selected by the student prior to end of the student's second semester of enrollment. The members of this committee will be decided by mutual agreement among the student, the major professor, and the prospective committee members. Doctoral supervisory committees have a minimum of four members: three from within the School of Communication plus one outside member. At least three members must hold DDS. The outside member of the committee must be from a different department at FSU. This outside member serves as the University's representative-at-large who reports directly to the dean of the college and to the dean of the graduate school; accordingly, the outside member must hold university graduate faculty status, and also hold DDS if status is available in their school.
4. Early in the student's course work, a proposed program of studies is completed. The program of studies is a document detailing the courses that a student will take in the doctoral program, as well as a timeline for completing those courses. Before the beginning of the third semester of enrollment, the student must submit for approval a program of studies to the doctoral supervisory committee, the director of doctoral studies, the school director. Additionally, the student must submit a statement of purpose, detailing the student's major areas of interests, degree completion schedule, and career goals.
5. At the end of a student's course work but before preliminary exams are taken, the doctoral supervisory committee will meet with the student to complete a final review of the program of studies. All changes will be reviewed and a final, corrected version of the program of studies is signed and sent to the director of doctoral studies for the additional signatures.
6. The doctoral program often requires seven or eight semesters of full-time course work beyond the master's degree and at least one year of dissertation work. Students with a master's degree from a discipline other than communication should expect to spend more time completing the doctoral program.
7. According to University policy, all graduate students are required to earn grades of B- or better in all courses in order for the courses to be counted toward the degree. In addition, a grade point average of at least 3.0 (out of a possible 4.0) must be maintained for all PhD work.
8. All doctoral students must be continuously enrolled on the University campus or in one of its centers for a minimum of twenty-four semester hours during one academic year. The academic year is defined as enrollment in any period of 12 consecutive months.
9. Prior to the preliminary examinations, every doctoral student is required to submit an original scholarly paper to an appropriate journal and/or a state, regional, or national convention.
10. The English proficiency of domestic and foreign students will be evaluated by the student's doctoral supervisory committee at least by the end of the student's second semester of residency. If the committee decides that the student's English usage is deficient, the committee will recommend remedial action. If, as a result of remedial action, the student's English proficiency is still considered to be below an acceptable level, the student may be dismissed.
11. There is no school-wide foreign language requirement.
12. The progress of all students in the PhD program is reviewed annually at the conclusion of the spring semester by the director of doctoral studies, in consultation with the doctoral Program Committee or the student's supervisory committee.
13. At the end of course work, students will enroll for and complete COM 8964 Doctoral Preliminary Examination (0 credit hours). The purpose of the preliminary examination is to determine if the student is sufficiently prepared to continue with the original, independent scholarly work required to complete a doctoral dissertation. The preliminary examination may not be taken if the student has one or more incomplete grades pending.
14. Supervisory committees in our school have been given great latitude in determining the nature and content of the exams. The content covered on the exam is determined by the full committee. Typically, the outside member of the committee provides questions covering the cognate area of study. The nature of the exam is likewise determined by the supervisory committee. Regardless of the testing environment(s) selected by the committee, the exam will consist of a minimum of twelve hours of written examination. The committee is given an opportunity to further examine the student's performance through the oral portion of the doctoral preliminary examination. The oral portion of the exam must occur between 7 and 14 calendar days following submission of the written portion to all committee members.
15. Successful completion of the doctoral preliminary examination must occur at least six months prior to the degree being granted.
16. All work for the doctoral degree must be completed within five calendar years after the time the student passes the doctoral preliminary examination, or the student must pass a new preliminary examination.
17. Upon satisfactory completion of the preliminary examination the student is admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree and is eligible to enroll for dissertation credits. Upon a student's admission to candidacy, the role of the doctoral supervising committee shifts to oversight of the student's dissertation process: proposal defense and approval, guidance during dissertation completion, and defense and approval of the dissertation. Given this shift in responsibilities, the student may seek to change the composition of the doctoral supervising committee. All requirements for the committee's makeup noted above remain in effect (see 3 above).
18. Upon admission to candidacy, the student must register for dissertation credits (COM 6980r) each term in which a substantial amount of work is being done on the dissertation. Students must register for a minimum of twenty-four hours of dissertation credit in their program. The student must carry a minimum of two dissertation credits during every semester in which (s)he is using and requiring university facilities or requires faculty supervision. As noted above, enrollment in COM6980 is not possible until a passing grade is recorded for COM 8964, Doctoral Preliminary Examination.
19. A dissertation prospectus must be approved by all committee members prior to research or data collection for a dissertation. The purpose of the dissertation prospectus is to provide the committee members with a description of the proposed dissertation study, so they can determine the soundness and feasibility of and the student's preparedness to accomplish the proposed project.
20. With the major professor's approval, the student must enroll in COM 8985, Dissertation Defense (0 semester hours) for the semester in which the dissertation project will be completed and defended. The defense must be scheduled no later than one month prior to the final submission deadline published by the Office of Graduate Studies.
21. The manuscript and final clearance adviser in the Graduate School must approve the formatting of the final dissertation. The student should consult with the clearance adviser early in the preparation stage and closely follow the formatting rules set out in the Guidelines and Requirements for Electronic Thesis, Treatise, and Dissertation Writers publication.
22. Prior to the oral defense of the dissertation, an announcement must be sent to The Week of, published by the Graduate School and Research. This announcement must be published at least two weeks prior to the defense. At least one week prior to the oral defense, the candidate is responsible for notifying all school faculty of the time and place of the defense. Graduate students may also attend the defense. The candidate is responsible for scheduling the oral defense at a time convenient for all committee members.
23. A draft of the dissertation must be sent to the outside committee member at least four weeks prior to the oral defense. The defense should be scheduled at least two weeks after final copies of the dissertation have been distributed to committee members. The major professor will bring to the oral examination the school graduate exam clearance form, which is to be signed by all committee members and by the school director.
24. The Final Term Degree Clearance form provides spaces for certification by all parties concerned that all requirements for the degree have been met. The form must be signed by the major professor, school director, and dean of the College following the oral defense. The doctoral candidate must submit the form to the manuscript clearance adviser in the Graduate School after all signatures have been acquired and by the published final approval deadline.
25. After final approval by the supervisory committee, the student must submit the final manuscript electronically to the manuscript clearance adviser in the Office of Graduate Studies. In addition to the electronic copy of the document, students must submit one original signed signature page, one paper copy of the title page, and several other forms requested by the Graduate School. Additionally, as a courtesy, the student should give all members of the supervisory committee copies of the dissertation. The library sends the major professor one CD-ROM copy of the dissertation as well.

PhD in Communication

The School of Communication offers two PhD program emphases: mass communications and speech communication. The general requirements of each are similar. The primary differences between the two emphasis areas are: 1) the nature of the courses taken by the students, 2) the different faculty members traditionally associated with each, and 3) the emphasis area distinction itself, which may be of importance to students based on future career plans.

Note: The two emphasis areas are represented by different administrative codes in FSU records system; so, students should designate their chosen emphasis area during the application process.

Minimum Required Hours: Minimum course requirements are determined by the doctoral supervisory committee in accordance with school and university requirements. Students may receive credit for master's course work approved by their supervisory committee. Both programs include twenty-four semester hours for the dissertation.

Required Cognate: An outside cognate of twelve semester hours approved by the doctoral supervisory committee is required.

Teaching/Research: Students must complete five semester hours of COM 5911r or COM 5940r. Teaching and research should be an ongoing activity throughout the doctoral program, but no more than five semester hours of supervised teaching or research may apply toward the degree.

Special Note: All communication doctoral students must register for the required communication research colloquium (COM 5920) during every semester of full-time course work.

For specific course requirements, visit the Web site at http://www.comm.cci.fsu.edu or contact the school.

Program Overview

Beginning with a common set of foundational courses, students will encounter a range of philosophical, theoretical, and methodological approaches to communication scholarship. A major goal of the program is for students to gain knowledge of and an appreciation for the complexities and interdependencies within communication inquiry. To that end, students will gain a theoretical grounding in the broad communication discipline and then will pursue more advanced study through doctoral-level seminars, directed independent studies, and supervised research experiences within one of two subfields: mass communication or speech communication. Students will be actively mentored to present the results of their work at regional and national conferences, culminating in publication in refereed outlets. Additionally, most students will have the opportunity to develop teaching and classroom management skills through our funded assistantship program.

Program Objectives

This program is primarily designed for students who are interested in pursuing academic teaching and research careers within the communication discipline. However, some may choose to use the degree to launch a career in one of the various communication-related industries, research, consultancy, not-for-profit organizations, or governmental affairs. Regardless of the student's chosen career path, the primary objective for all will be to become an independent and original scholar.

The educational goals of the program are to provide students with advanced knowledge of or experience in: 1) communication theory and inquiry; 2) selected extant communication literatures; 3) research methods applicable in either theoretical or applied settings to the study of selected communication texts, processes, audiences, systems, organizations, or effects; 4) research design and data/textual analysis; and 5) teaching undergraduate students at a state-supported university.

Mass Communication

Career Goals: Teach mass communication in a college or university; management position within a communication or research organization; consultant in media, research, or marketing.

Additional Educational Goals: Knowledge of mass communication theories and research; training in research design, statistics, and computing; experience with various methods for basic and applied communication research; study of mass media institutions, their management, regulation, and evolving technologies; opportunity to teach undergraduate communication courses.

Skills to be Developed: Statistics, research design, and microcomputing; quantitative and qualitative research methods; effective written communication.

Speech Communication

Career Goals: Designed for students interested in college or university teaching and research.

Educational Goals: Acquainting students with the major academic areas of the field of communication: communication-rhetorical theory, persuasion-theory and practice, interpersonal, small group theory and practices, includes public speaking and debate.

Skills to be Developed: Ability to teach at college or university level with pertinent skills in instructional planning, evaluation, etc.; ability to conduct independent research.

Areas of Special Knowledge: Required for all graduates to have a working knowledge of items listed under 'Educational Goals' above with an emphasis on one, or perhaps two, of those areas.

Certificates

The School of Communication offers graduate level certificates in Hispanic Marketing Communication, Project Management, and Digital Video Production. Contact the school for more information.

ADV—Advertising

COM—Communication

MMC—Mass Media Communication

RTV—Radio-Television

SED—Speech Education

SPC—Speech Communication

VIC—Visual Communication

ADV 5415. Hispanic Marketing Communication (3). This course prepares professionals to field the increasing number of positions that require marketing expertise to serve the US Hispanic market.

ADV 5416. Multicultural Marketing Communication (3). Prerequisites: ADV 5415 and COM 5331. This graduate seminar is the capstone course for those students pursuing a degree in Integrated Marketing Communication with an emphasis on Hispanic Marketing Communication. The course explores consumer behavior similarities and differences among Hispanic, Asian, African-American, and Non-Hispanic White cultural market segments in the United States. The course also provides opportunities for original research into issues of culture and marketing communication.

ADV 5503. Media Consumer Behavior (3). Research and analysis of consumer behavior.

ADV 5505. Media Market Research (3). Prerequisite: COM 5331. Measurement of electronic media audiences, with emphasis on broadcast/cable ratings. Review of quantitative and qualitative methods used in research on electronic media and entertainment technologies.

ADV 5605. Account Planning (3). This course prepares students to connect consumers with advertising and marketing in public relations and other communication fields.

ADV 5701. Communication Career Futures (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: At least one semester of the graduate program. This course is directed to Communication graduate students who intend to pursue applied, non-academic careers upon completion of their degree. The course assists students in setting up job-search strategies, preparing documentation for seeking employment, developing job-related oral communication field skills, and understanding career opportunities in the communication field.

COM 5126. Organizational Communication Theory and Practice (3). The course provides an overview of the major organizational communication theorists and shows students how they can be used to diagnose and solve communication and performance problems.

COM 5127. Assessing Organizational Communication (3). Introduces students to the methods of assessing organizational communication including survey, feedback methodology, assessment, and related issues in applied research.

COM 5305r. Interactive Communication Research (1–3). Engage in primary and secondary research on interactive media developments, uses, and effects. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

COM 5312. Research Methods in Communication (3). Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods.

COM 5314. Measurement of Listener-Viewer Attitude and Response (3). Quantitative and qualitative research methods, with particular emphasis on surveys, for measuring mass audiences.

COM 5316. Statistical Methods in Communication Research (3). Prerequisite: COM 5312. Statistical methodologies for communication research.

COM 5317. Content Analysis in Communication Research (3). Content analysis methodologies for communication research.

COM 5331. Computers in Communication Research (3). Application of computers to the analysis of communication research data. Use of microcomputers to build and manage quantitative research databases. Emphasis on SPSS/PC+. Graphing and report writing.

COM 5336r. Interactive-Media Programming and Design (3). Conceptualization and development of an interactive media product (i.e., interactive compact disc, video-disc, or online service module) for the consumer, business, and/or educational market. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours. A maximum of six hours may apply to the master's degree.

COM 5337. Interactive Programming and Design for CD-ROM (3). Prerequisite: COM 5338. This course introduces the art and science of designing interactive communication. Its focus is the production of computer-based digital media to effectively communicate with disparate audiences utilizing CD-ROM technology. A required final project is intended to demonstrate the ability to accomplish these goals by combining media and creating a CD-ROM as a deliverable.

COM 5338. Web Site Usability and Design (3). Prerequisite: COM 4470 or equivalent. This course covers human-computer interaction, design concepts, and usability research techniques. The course includes a series of papers and projects focusing on visual design, audience analysis, technology, and usability analysis in order to select displays, layout, typeface, color and metaphor. The course helps students gain an understanding of how the above-mentioned techniques are used to help focus content and select the most appropriate interface for the needs of the target audience.

COM 5339. Interactive Programming and Design for the Web (3). Prerequisite: COM 5338. This course, a continuation of COM 5337, focuses on the critical evaluation of existing Web sites based on information presented from readings and the analysis of the possibilities (and limitations) of Web-based communication. Through the study of tools and techniques commonly used to develop Web pages, animation and interactive modules, students complete a Web site as a deliverable.

COM 5340. Historical-Critical Methods of Research (3). Review of historical methods, resources, and critical approaches in communication research.

COM 5401. Analysis of Communication Theory (3). Analyzes the field of communication through the study of key theories of human communication research.

COM 5450. Introduction to Project Management (3). This course covers the processes, tools and techniques for managing projects of any size while preparing students to sit for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam.

COM 5451. Advanced Topics in Project Management (3). This course covers the theories of several important project managers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including Edward Deming, Peter Drucker, Thomas Peters, Eli Goldratt, Philip Crosby and others.

COM 5467. System Thinking and Project Management (3). This course provides background and comparisons of strategic planning, and system thinking theories are presented. Project and management issues also are discussed.

COM 5469. Communication Planning and Dispute Resolution (3). Corequisite: COM 4465. Course introduces students to the theory and practice of alternative dispute resolution.

COM 5526. Marketing Communication Management (3). This course addresses the principles and procedures for communications planning for marketing and culminates in the development of an integrated marketing plan for e-business.

COM 5546. Political Communication (3). Course provides students with insight into roots and bases of political communication.

COM 5906r. Directed Individual Study (3). (S/U grade only.) May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours; duplicate registration allowed. School approval required.

COM 5911r. Supervised Research (1–5). (S/U grade only.) School approval required. May be repeated to a maximum of five semester hours; duplicate registration allowed. A maximum of three hours may apply to the master's degree.

COM 5920r. Colloquium in Communication (0–1). (S/U grade only.) A series of lectures given by faculty, advanced graduate students, and visiting scholars. Required of all doctoral students. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

COM 5940r. Supervised Teaching (1–5). (S/U grade only.) School approval required. May be repeated to a maximum of five semester hours; duplicate registration is not allowed. A maximum of three semester hours may apply to the master's degree.

COM 5946r. Communication Residency (1–6). (S/U grade only.) This course will provide work experience to apply and extend knowledge learned within the master's program.

COM 5971r. Thesis (1–12). (S/U grade only.) A minimum of six (6) semester hours of credit is required.

COM 6400r. Seminar in Communication Theory (3). Analysis of existing theoretical perspectives and new developments in communication theory. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours. Duplicate registration is allowed.

COM 6403r. Advanced Problems in Communication Theory and Research (2–8). May be repeated to a maximum of eight semester hours; duplicate registration allowed. School approval required.

COM 6900. Preparation for the Preliminary Examination (2–4). (S/U grade only.) Doctoral students only. School approval required. To be taken in the semester preceding preliminary examination.

COM 6931r. Special Topics in Communication Research (3). Survey, analysis, and practicum of research in specialized topics relating to the process and effects of communication in the aural, oral, or mass media mode. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours. Duplicate registration is allowed.

COM 6980r. Dissertation (1–12). (S/U grade only.)

COM 8964r. Preliminary Doctoral Examination (0). (P/F grade only.)

COM 8966r. Master's Comprehensive Examination (0). (P/F grade only.)

COM 8976r. Master's Thesis Defense (0). (P/F grade only.)

COM 8985r. Dissertation Defense (0). (P/F grade only.)

MMC 5305. Comparative Systems of Mass Communication (3). An examination of various international and national mass communication systems and the elements which determine the type of systems currently operating throughout the world.

MMC 5600. Mass Communication Theory and Effects (3). An analysis of historical and current theories of mass communication with an emphasis on media effects.

MMC 6469. The Diffusion of Innovations (3). This course is an examination of various theoretical and practical issues pertaining to communication's roles in the diffusion of innovations.

MMC 6920r. Colloquium in Mass Communication (3). A survey of issues of immediate interest and consequence to the area of mass communication. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours. Duplicate registration is allowed.

RTV 5253. New Communication Technology: Theory and Research (3). Survey of key concepts and theoretical approaches in research on new communication technology.

RTV 5325. Documentary Video Production (3). This course offers instruction in the theory and practice of production of non-fiction documentary video. Students produce a final video product and a research paper after studying the documentary tradition, theory and history.

RTV 5702. Communication Regulation and Policy (3). Course studies laws, regulations and policies for broadcasting, cable, telephone, and computer-communication industries.

RTV 6425r. Advanced Seminar in New Communication Technologies (3–6). A doctoral-level seminar in the use of new communication technologies for information and entertainment. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

SED 5346. Teaching Oral Communication Courses (3). This seminar examines the critical and practical dimensions of evaluating student's speeches and presentations. Current research and theory on college level instruction is also explored.

SPC 5234. Classical Theories of Rhetoric (3). Students examine the origins of rhetorical theory during the classical period of Greece and Rome. Focus rests on the rhetorical theories of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian.

SPC 5442. Group Dynamics and Leadership (3). A review of important concepts and research in group process and group leadership.

SPC 5545. Studies in Persuasion (3). Lecture, readings, and discussion of human behavior theories as applied to persuasive communication.

SPC 5614. Criticism of Contemporary Public Address (3). A critical examination of principal speakers to and for the public.

SPC 5635. Rhetoric of Race Relations (3). Criticism of selected speakers and speeches since 1954, studied against a background of social, political, and intellectual issues.

SPC 5655. Political Rhetoric: Language and Persuasion (3). Study of the styles and modes of persuasion, language, and rhetoric used in the political arena.

SPC 6236. Contemporary Rhetorical Theory and Criticism (3). Prerequisite: SPC 5234. Analysis of major theories of public communication and their application as critical tools.

SPC 6306. Contemporary Topics in Interpersonal Communication (3). A forum for the in-depth examination of topics related to interpersonal communication theory and research. Topics include self-concept, verbal and nonverbal coding, listening, etc.

SPC 6920r. Colloquium in Speech Communication (3). A survey of issues of immediate interest and consequence to the area of speech communication. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours; duplicate registration allowed.

VIC 5006. Visual Communication (3). This laboratory focuses on the creation and analysis of visual messages. Emphasis is placed on visual literacy, message construction and interpretation, as well as on design principles.