Communication Studies, M.A.
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The M.A. in Communication Studies with a focus on Corporate and Organizational Communication from WVU's Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is designed to create leaders who can communicate strategically with diverse audiences. You'll learn to apply fundamental communication theories directly to real-world workplace scenarios, developing innovative strategies for effective solutions. Gain the skills to respond to conflicts and crises that organizations may encounter, and become adept at strategic communication.
Cost:
$705 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
Two years
Dates:
Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
Leverage Communication Strategies to Accelerate Your Career
The Master of Arts in Communication Studies
is designed for working professionals who want to enhance their communication
skills to advance in the workplace. After completing our program,
you will succeed in the workplace by having developed strong workplace communication,
writing, and critical thinking skills. The workplace of the 21st century is based
on information exchange and effectively engaging multiple information sources
and receivers in an increasingly crowded and connected digital landscape. Our program
prepares you to meet those demands.
Some real-world examples of what you will be equipped to do in your career are:
- Navigate organizational networks effectively
- Manage workplace conflict
- Evaluate workplace programming
- Influence clients, coworkers, and administrators across diverse audiences
- Improve communication competence in one-on-one and group interactions
- Use technology to communicate effectively
Curriculum
After completing the program, you will be able to:
- Acquire a general understanding of Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts
- Identify, analyze, and critique Communication-related problems using Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts, and prescribe Communication-based solutions to these problems
- Design, conduct, and interpret original Communication-based research
- Propose ways in which Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts can enhance personal, social, and professional relationships
- Develop the ability to encode and decode messages effectively across communication contexts
Meet the Faculty
Credit Hours: Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours in Communication
Studies at the 400 level or above. A maximum of 6 credits may be taken at the 500
level or above from outside the department.
Grade Point Average: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and minimum grade of B- in all courses applied
to the graduate program.
Core Courses, 6 credit hours
- COMM 700: Survey of Human Communication Theory
- COMM 701: Graduate Research Methods
Elective Credits, 24 credit hours
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university (B.A., B.S., or equivalent), with a minimum GPA of 2.75. We encourage applications from those who have a GPA less than 2.75, as they may be accepted as a provisional student, who can then be admitted to the program after completing two graduate courses with a grade of B or better.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and send to: WVU Hub P.O. Box 6004 Morgantown, WV 26506
- Or electronically send to GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
The program does not require GRE/GMAT scores or letters of recommendation.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education.
Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website.
Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while
pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living
expenses. Visit the
Estimate Costs and Aid webpage
to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.
Students are encouraged to:
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please
note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start
of each academic year.
Connect with Our Team
Jessica Carr Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-6841 Jessica.Carr1@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
The workplace of the 21st century is based on information exchange – on developing
core communication literacies to effectively engage multiple information sources
and receivers in an increasingly crowded and connected digital landscape. Our
program prepares graduates to meet those demands and assume a variety of professional roles in educational, organizational, health, governmental, or media institutions.
Career Paths
- Human Resources Professional
- Training & Development Specialist
- Administrator
- Technical Writer
- Sales
- Politics/Policy Work
- College Professor
- Insurance Agent