Communication studies examines the creation, expression, and analysis of messages in our personal, professional, and public lives. Graduate level coursework focuses upon research about how communication is related to social intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in personal, professional and civic settings. Students explore interpersonal communication, organizational communication, rhetoric and criticism, health communication, and communication of diversity and inclusion. Alumni excel in diverse cultural, professional, social, and personal settings as influential leaders, solution-oriented collaborators, highly trained researchers, talented writers, and engaging speakers. <br>The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with a major in Communication Studies comprehensive, non-thesis program provides the greatest flexibility and breadth of understanding. The department assigns all communication studies majors to this comprehensive program. After the first term of course work, the student may request the thesis option. Students may elect to take up to six credits of course work outside of the department, with graduate advisor approval. <br>Students may select communication studies courses that develop expertise in one or more of the following resource areas: organizational communication, rhetorical studies, communication training and development, health communication, interpersonal communication, or instructional communication. Students also may select courses from related disciplines, such as mass communication, education, English, psychology, sociology, and business. The department encourages all students to explore courses that provide a breadth of knowledge about human communication.