Master of Arts (M.A.) Major in Communication Studies (Non-thesis Option) | Texas State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 25-1122.00

Skills

Reading ComprehensionSpeakingActive ListeningInstructingWritingActive LearningLearning StrategiesCritical Thinking

Knowledge

English LanguageEducation and TrainingCommunications and MediaPsychologyComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionSpeech ClarityWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningSpeech RecognitionNear VisionProblem Sensitivity

Tasks

Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

Technology

Document management softwareMusic or sound editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareVideo creation and editing software

Tools

Audio compressorsAudio mixersAudio monitorsAudio speakersBroadcast camerasBroadcast mixing boardsCarousel slide projectorsChannel frequency tunersCompact digital camerasCompact disk CD playersComputer data input scannersComputer laser printersComputer projectorsConference telephonesDesktop computers

Work Values

RelationshipsAchievementIndependenceRecognitionWorking ConditionsSupport

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium25-1122.00	Communications Teachers, Postsecondary	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Master's Degree)

Departmental and program-level educational strategy — set and champion through curriculum governance, accreditation processes, and institutional planning committees.
Junior faculty and graduate teaching assistants — mentor and develop through structured observation, formative feedback, and modeling of evidence-based pedagogy.
Communications discipline standards and emerging research agendas — shape by publishing influential scholarship and contributing to national professional associations.
Program assessment frameworks measuring student learning outcomes — design, implement, and continuously improve across undergraduate and graduate communications degrees.
Cross-institutional partnerships with media organizations, public affairs bodies, and professional associations — negotiate and steward to expand experiential learning opportunities for students.
Departmental resource allocation, scheduling, and faculty coordination — oversee to sustain high-quality instructional delivery across a diverse portfolio of communications courses.
Persuasion and negotiation competencies — exercise at the administrative level to secure funding, faculty lines, and curricular approvals from institutional leadership.
Innovative instructional technologies including desktop publishing, graphics software, and advanced video platforms — evaluate and champion for adoption across a postsecondary communications department.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives embedded in communications pedagogy — lead institutionally, integrating perspectives from sociology, anthropology, and intercultural communication scholarship.
Complex organizational challenges affecting program reputation and student outcomes — resolve through strategic judgment and systemic problem-solving at the college or university level.

Course Pathway

30 courses in this program

Program Requirements

Courses required to complete this program

COMM 5301Quantitative Research Methods in Communication

3 cr

COMM 5302Rhetorical Methods

3 cr

COMM 5303Qualitative Research Methods in Communication

3 cr

COMM 5304Work/Life Intersections

3 cr

COMM 5307The Dark Side of Communication

3 cr

COMM 5309Proseminar in Communication Research Methods

3 cr

COMM 5312Intercultural Communication

3 cr

COMM 5313Relational Communication

3 cr

COMM 5314Family Communication

3 cr

COMM 5315Directed Research in Communication Studies

3 cr

COMM 5318Interpersonal Communication

3 cr

COMM 5319Organizational Communication

3 cr

COMM 5321Communication Assessment

3 cr

COMM 5324Seminar in Instructional Communication

3 cr

COMM 5325Seminar in Human Communication Theory

3 cr

COMM 5327Contemporary Rhetorical Theory

3 cr

COMM 5330Nonverbal Communication

3 cr

COMM 5331Persuasive Communication

3 cr

COMM 5332Communication and Technology

3 cr

COMM 5333Health Communication

3 cr

COMM 5342Historical Rhetoric and Social Influence

3 cr

COMM 5343Contemporary Rhetoric and Social Influence

3 cr

COMM 5344American Speeches

3 cr

COMM 5345Political Communication

3 cr

COMM 5347Small Group Communication

3 cr

COMM 5355Media Criticism

3 cr

COMM 5356Gender and Communication

3 cr

COMM 5371Communication Training and Development

3 cr

COMM 5372Organizational Communication Analysis and Development

3 cr

COMM 5374Organizational Rhetoric

3 cr

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.