Communication Studies, M.A.

This degree allows the student to construct a personalized program that draws from the following areas: rhetorical, interpersonal, organizational, or intercultural communication, performance studies, forensics or instructional communication.

Admission

1. Application for Admission to the University. The office of Enrollment Services processes applications to the University and forwards those meeting University criteria to the Department.
2. Application to the Department. In addition to the University application, prospective students are also required to submit an application and supporting materials directly to the Department. An application form along with detailed instructions are available on-line at the Department’s website (http://www.csulb.edu/depts/comstudies). Generally, the department accepts students who have a minimum 3.0 Overall Undergraduate GPA and a minimum combined score of 900 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (minimum of 400 per section) on August 1, 2011, the GRE revised the test and scoring system. For tests taken after, August 1, 2011, applicants will need a minimum combined score of 297 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections, with no less than 146 on either section. The decision to admit is never based on a single indicator. Students who do not meet these requirements may seek admission through appeal.

General Considerations

1. Requirements
   1. All requirements date from the time at which a student receives approval for Advancement to Candidacy, not from when a student begins graduate study.
   2. The Department requires a minimum of thirty semester hours (including four thesis credits in the Thesis Option) for the Master’s Degree. The University requires a minimum of twenty-four graduate credits be completed in residence.
   3. Students must either pass the Department’s comprehensive examination or write an acceptable thesis.
   4. The Department expects its graduate students to possess the writing skills necessary for advanced study. Fulfill the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). Students should fulfill the GWAR no later than the end of the first semester of graduate study. If you believe you have taken an examination equivalent to fulfillment of the GWAR, consult the Graduate Advisor.
2. Prerequisites
   1. Units obtained fulfilling prerequisites or deficiencies do not count toward the minimum of thirty semester hours needed to complete the Master’s degree.
   2. Students must meet all prerequisites before enrolling in graduate courses, except for COMM 541  or COMM 546 . Individuals may petition for waiver of this rule prior to registering for courses if compelling reasons warrant such a waiver.
   3. Students must comply with all University regulations outlined in the CSULB Catalog.