Overview

The Communication Studies M.A. at San Diego State University provides a comprehensive exploration of human interaction, language, and culture within modern society. This programme balances theoretical mastery with practical research skills, ensuring students can analyse complex communication processes across various social and professional contexts.

Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises the importance of communication in shaping quality communities. The school fosters a collaborative environment where postgraduates work alongside faculty on research teams, participate in fieldwork, and contribute to scholarly publications and professional conferences.

Why Communication Studies at San Diego State University?

The university offers a vibrant academic community where faculty are deeply committed to the success and wellbeing of every student. The School of Communication provides unique opportunities for research apprenticeship and close mentorship, allowing students to build meaningful professional relationships.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the Graduate Teaching Associate (GTA) scheme. This competitive opportunity allows students to gain first-hand instructional experience by leading undergraduate classes, supported by an annual stipend and potential fee waivers, bridging the gap between being a student and a professional educator.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured into foundational requirements, advanced methods, and context-specific seminars. Modules may include:

Theory & Research Methods in Communication
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Design
Advanced Communication Theory
Critical & Rhetorical Methods in Communication
Quantitative Methods in Communication Research
Ethnographic Methods in Communication Research
Health Communication Campaigns
Organizational Communication
Intercultural Communication

Careers with Communication Studies

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of high-level career paths in both academic and professional spheres. Many students progress to Ph.D. programmes to pursue careers in higher education and advanced research. The analytical and communication expertise gained also translates effectively into roles within corporate, non-profit, and governmental organisations.

The programme equips individuals to act as change agents in their chosen fields, with alumni finding success in instructional communication, health advocacy, and organisational leadership. The focus on diverse social settings and research collaboration ensures graduates are competitive in the global job market.

Programme Structure

Courses include

Theory & Research Methods in Communication

Advanced Communication Theory

Quantitative Methods in Communication Research

Critical & Rhetorical Methods in Communication

Ethnographic Methods in Communication Research

Conversation Analysis in Communication Research

Organizational Communication

Instructional Communication

Nonverbal Communication

Health Communication

Relational Communication

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Communication Studies View 504 other Masters in Communication Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Cal State Apply Application

Create an SDSU WebPortal Account

Submit Official Transcripts and Diploma/Degree Certificate

Submit Official Test Scores

Submit Program Specific Documents

Applicants who have earned a three-year baccalaureate degree from an international institution, may be considered for admission.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Communication Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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