36 total credit hours

Core Requirements (3 hours): COM 6001 Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication (3 hours). This course must be taken the first time it is offered after the student is admitted to the graduate program.

Thesis Program (36 hours) - In addition to COM 6001, each student must also take COM 7325 Research and Methods in Communication (3 hours) and complete 24 hours of elective course work, 6 hours of which may consist of a course or courses from other departments within this or other universities, and must have advisor approval. Each student must complete at least 6 hours of thesis credit (SPC 6971) and submit an approved thesis.

Non-Thesis Program (36 hours) - In addition to COM 6001, 33 hours of elective course work are required, 9 of which may be taken as a cognate area of study pending advisor approval and an approved plan of study.

Comprehensive Examinations - All students must pass both written and oral comprehensive examinations.