Welcome to the Communications and Training Masters Program
The graduate major in Communications and Training provides an in-depth study leading to specialized knowledge and skills. Students have the opportunity to receive a broad theoretical framework in their field as well as the specific skills needed in the professional world.
The major prepares students as working professionals through three sequences: Communication Studies, Media Communications, and Human Performance and Training. The major also prepares students for further graduate study in the communications and training fields.
Beyond taking the common required courses, students adapt the major to their individual needs and backgrounds by pursuing one of the three sequences and choosing appropriate elective courses. Students plan their specific programs in consultation with their advisors.
Graduates of the program are in career areas such as advertising, cable TV, college teaching, consulting, customer service, film-making, human resource development, instructional design and development, journalism, media management, media writing, public affairs, public relations, TV production/direction, and training.
Recommended Preparation
While admission to the major does not require an undergraduate major in Communications, Media Communications, Human Performance and Training, or a related field, an undergraduate major in one of the following fields is recommended: business, education, media, multimedia, communications, English, psychology, speech, or liberal arts. In addition, students are expected to have demonstrable competence.
Program Objectives for Graduate Students
- Analyze effective message construction across multiple forms of media.
- Interpret and constructively critique message meanings.
- Evaluate useful message design and identify its implications.
- Investigate and evaluate dynamic communication with regard to changing technological, socio-cultural, political, leadership, and economic environments.
- Identify and evaluate multiple aspects of informed and engaged global citizenry.
- Promote modes of inquiry encouraging lifelong and experiential learning.
- Analyze the relationships between communication and culture as a means of fostering intercultural relationships.
- Explore and exemplify ethical and professional communication practices that promote human relations.
- Analyze and use appropriate technology for academic pursuits and investigate current uses of technology and their effective application to daily life.
