Communication

Overview

The MA in Communication  from Northern Arizona University provides students with advanced skills in communication analysis, problem solving, critical thinking, research, theoretical application, argumentation, and written communication.  

Students choose from either the MA in Communication (with no emphasis) or the MA in Communication with an emphasis in Documentary Studies.

The MA in Communication provides a foundation of the basic research methods, theories, and standards of argument in the academic study of communication.  Students explore theories and research in a variety of communicative contexts with an emphasis on the application of concepts, theories, and research to real-world issues.  

Students will be able to access, understand, evaluate, and apply research, concepts, and theories.  Students will engage in original research and/or the application of existing research, concepts, and theories to specific situations for the purpose of problem-solving and/or evaluation, including effective message design.  

Students will learn the expectations of academic argument in communication as well as how to effectively communicate their findings to diverse audiences.  

The MA in Communication (with no emphasis) will be of relevance to working professionals in a variety of fields, educators, activists, and those preparing to pursue a PhD in Communication, Communication Studies, Rhetoric, or related disciplines.

Career

How people communicate with each other influences problems confronting business, government, schools, families, and social relationships. At a time when relationships of all kinds are mediated by technology, good communication is more critical than ever. If you want to advance your understanding of how communication affects finding solutions to complex issues in a complex world, then this Master of Arts in Applied Communication may be for you.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:

• Hospital public information officer

• Public relations professional

• Speech writer

• Internal communications manager

• Market research analyst

With further education, one of these paths is possible:

• Attorney

• University faculty