Communicology, MA

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Communicology Program offers an innovative MA program emphasizing the central processes and functions of human communication. Through course work and research projects, students develop a cross-situational understanding of theory and research in the department’s three areas emphasis: creating understanding, relational communication, and social influence. Students also have the opportunities to explore other topics of study, such as intercultural communication.

All applicants for the MA program in Communicology must supplement the application and transcripts required by Graduate Division with three letters of recommendation (preferably from professors with whom the applicant has worked) and a one-page statement of goals.

Intended candidates for the MA should have a strong undergraduate preparation in communication or a closely allied discipline. Students who lack this preparation must make up deficiencies either before or during graduate study. In the latter case, the student will be admitted conditionally, pending removal of the deficiencies. Applicants may be interviewed as well. A minimum TOEFL score of 100 (internet)/600 (paper) is needed for students whose native language is not English.

Further details on the MA program is provided on the department website at sci.manoa.hawaii.edu/programs/communicology/comg-ma/. Contact the Graduate Chair for additional information at comgrad@hawaii.edu.

Requirements

The program offers both Plan A (thesis) and Plan B/C (non-thesis: applied project) options. The Plan A thesis program requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of graduate work, at least 27 of which must be in Communicology courses numbered 600 and above, including 6 credit hours of COMG 700 - Thesis Research . The Plan B applied project program requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of graduate work in courses numbered 600 and above, which includes at least 3 credit hours of COMG 600 - Master’s Plan B/C Studies . Communicology courses numbered 400 to 499 and courses from allied disciplines may be counted toward the degree only with prior consent of the Graduate Chair. COMG 601 and COMG 602 are required for both Plan A and Plan B programs. Plan A also requires COMG 702. (COMG 620 does not count towards the degree).

Successful completion of Plan A requires each candidate to present an acceptable thesis and pass a final oral examination based on the thesis. Plan B requires each student to complete an applied research project and pass a final oral examination based on the research project.