THE CURRICULUM
The Master of Arts in Applied Communication at Northern Arizona University consists of 36 semester credits, including 9 credits of required courses, 21 or 24 credits of other courses (up to 9 of which can be in related fields outside of communication, with advisor approval), and either 6 credits for a thesis or 3 credits for a project.
The following 9 credits are required courses for all students in the degree program:
COM 600 Communication Theory and Application (3 credits). Overview of the major theories guiding the study of communication including the development, function and application of these theories.
COM 601 Research Methods in Communication (3 credits). Introduction to research planning and design, methods of inquiry, and presentation of research results in the field of communication.
COM 698 Seminar in Communication Theory (3 credits; variable topics, may be repeated for credit when the topic differs). In-depth research seminar on a selected topic stressing the application of theory to solve contemporary problems. Seminars offered in previous semesters have focused on topics such as communication ethics, environmental communication, rhetorical criticism, tourism, and media representations of Native Americans.
The following are elective courses (you can also take, with advisor approval, up to 9 credits of electives outside of SC/COM):
SC 503 Classroom Communication (3 credits)
SC 524 Gender and Communication (3 credits)
SC 560 Rhetorical Theory (3 credits)
SC 565 American Political Communication (3 credits)
SC 568 Communication, Technology, and Society (3 credits)
SC 572 Organizational Communication (3 credits)
SC 575 Health Communication (3 credits)
SC 577 Mediation and Conflict Management (3 credits)
SC 599 Contemporary Developments (3 credits)*^
SC 623 Intercultural Communication Theory (3 credits)
SC 685 Independent Research (1-6 credits)
SC 697 Independent Study (1-3 credits)
COM 599 Contemporary Developments (3 credits)*^
COM 530 Cultural, Psychological, and Social Aspects of Dress (3 credits)
COM 685 Independent Research (1-6 credits)
COM 697 Independent Study (1-3 credits)
COM 698 Seminar in Communication Theory (3 credits)*
* Denotes variable topics courses that can be repeated for credit under a different topic.
^ Recent topics in COM/SC 599 include performance studies, public culture, quantitative methods, and mass communication and human behavior.
Students will be required to complete a thesis (COM 699, for at least 6 credits) or a graduate project (COM 690, for at least 3 credits).
A thesis will follow the guidelines identified in the Graduate Catalog and promote the appropriate use of scholarly rules for collecting, interpreting, and judging data as well as presenting findings. A thesis involves original research that adds to the body of knowledge. (If you chose the thesis option, you will complete 21 credits of electives.)
The project often involves the application of selected theories and research to a practical problem that confront working professionals, but is flexible enough to allow for a wide range of options involving original research, application of existing research, or creative endeavors. (If you chose the project option, you will typically complete 24 credits of electives.)
For more detailed information, download the M.A. in Applied Communication Handbook (pdf).
Contact Us
If you have questions about graduate study in Communication, at NAU or in general, please contact the MAAC Graduate Coordinator.
Updated 02 November 2010
