北德州大學

Graduate Opportunities

The graduate program in Communication Studies at the University of North Texas examines communication and the processes through which humans interact.

In doing so, we facilitate your command of theory and research, development of research capabilities and preparation for a variety of careers or further graduate study.

The Department of Communication Studies offers course work leading to a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies. You can pursue concentrations in interpersonal/organizational communication, performance studies or rhetorical studies.

As you progress through the program, you'll use analytical, critical, qualitative and quantitative methodologies to explore communication from applied and theoretical perspectives. The necessary course work examines gender and diversity issues, narrative and social change, and political and social influence.

Gain new perspectives

Our faculty members are outstanding scholars with diverse approaches to studying communication. Our professors have won awards and research grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and the North Texas chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. They also coach intercollegiate debate; consult for organizations in the community, region and various parts of the nation; direct performances; and hold professional leadership positions. Their research interests include:

• Argumentation studies
• Critical and cultural studies of communication, cultural values, ideologies and politics
• Interpersonal communication
• Narrative studies
• Performance studies
• Rhetorical analysis and criticism of persuasive public communication in historical, political and cultural contexts
• The role of communication in organizations, professions and groups

You'll have opportunities to conduct research with faculty members using the Black Box Theatre and Performance Space, Communication and Social Influence Research Office, Communication Studies Library and Computer Mediated Communication Lab. Opportunities to participate in regional and national festivals, professional conferences and internships may also be available.

A number of other resources are also available exclusively to graduate students. The Graduate Student Writing Support office offers writing help, and the Toulouse Graduate School? offers a wide variety of professional development workshops each semester. Among the workshops is a Thesis Boot Camp. Many of the workshops are available online for your convenience.

Areas of emphasis

Interpersonal/Digital/Organizational Communication

Through examination of the impact of communication theory in multiple interpersonal and organizational contexts, you explore how human communication influences cultures, groups and individuals. The concentration blends theory, research and practical application while fostering development of analytical and applied skills in multiple contexts related to human communication.

Performance studies

As a primary mode of human experience, knowledge and action, performance often provides a strong sense of self and relation to others. This leads to self-expansion and an enriched sense of cultural diversity. This area promotes an understanding of human beings and human cultures through critical, historical and empirical investigations; experiential learning in the classroom; and sharing discoveries with public audiences.

Communication, Culture, and Public Discourse

Through historical, critical and qualitative research, this concentration promotes understanding of communication phenomena. You examine how communication influences the formation and growth of every culture, which allows you to understand and contribute to a culture's development.