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Communication Studies, M.A.

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

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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

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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.

This program will teach you how to navigate organizational networks effectively, manage workplace conflict, evaluate workplace programming, and influence clients, coworkers, and administrators across diverse audiences. Improved communication competence in one-on-one and group interactions, along with the proper use of technology to communicate effectively will also be highlighted.

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: Students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.75, and of 3.00 in coursework applied to their graduate program, with a minimum grade of B- in each course.

Graduation Requirement: Students in the Corporate & Organizational Communication Area of Emphasis are not required to take comprehensive examinations.

Course Work: 18 Total Credit Hours
  • Select any COMM courses 400 level or above*
Corporate & Organizational Communication Area of Emphasis: 12 Total Credit Hours
  • Core Courses
    • COMM 650: Applied Communication Theory, 3 credit hours
    • COMM 660: Communication in the Organization, 3 credit hours
  • Electives
    • Any COMM courses at the 400 level or above **
Total Hours: 30

* A maximum of 6 credits may be taken at the 500 level or above from outside the department. Excluded courses include those applied to the Area of Emphasis and COMM 697 and COMM 797.
** Excluding COMM 697, COMM 797, or any course applied to other parts of the Master's program.

Students can earn a maximum of 12 credits at the 400 level for this degree program.  The 12 credit limit is cumulative across both COURSEWORK and AREA OF EMPHASIS. 

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

  • Pay graduate application fee
  • 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
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

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Careers and Employment

Career Outlook

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.

Career Paths

  • Human Resources Professional
  • Training & Development Specialist
  • Administrator
  • Technical Writer
  • Sales
  • Politics/Policy Work
  • College Professor
  • Insurance Agent

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The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

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