M.A. in Communication Studies

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Georgia State University

Program Overview

Georgia State University's M.A. with a concentration in Communication Studies provides advanced study of speech communication, mass communication, media research and public discourse. Designed for students interested in understanding how communication shapes society, the programme explores areas such as interpersonal communication, international media, journalism, strategic communication, public relations, social media and audience studies, preparing graduates for professional careers or further academic research.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires a minimum of 36 credit hours and offers two pathways: a research thesis option and a course-intensive option. Students develop a foundation in communication theory and research before pursuing specialized coursework and practical academic experiences.

Year 1: Students begin by developing a strong understanding of communication theories, research perspectives and the relationship between media and society through the programme's core coursework. They explore topics across speech communication, mass communication, rhetoric, public argument and audience research while selecting Communication Studies courses aligned with interests such as interpersonal communication, journalism, public relations and media effects.

Year 2: Students advance into specialized Communication Studies coursework and experiential learning, applying their knowledge to contemporary communication issues through academic research and analysis. Those following the research thesis option complete a research prospectus, undertake six credit hours of thesis research and defend their completed thesis, while students on the course-intensive pathway complete additional experiential learning coursework and an approved research paper.

Focus Areas

Interpersonal Communication, International Media, Journalism, Strategic Communication, Public Relations, Social Media, Media Effects, Audience Studies, Health Communication, Global Communication, Rhetoric and Public Argument.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced knowledge of speech and mass communication, critically evaluate media representations and public discourse, understand the influence of communication on society and culture, apply qualitative and social scientific research perspectives, analyse audience behaviour and media effects, and conduct independent academic research into contemporary communication issues.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme provides multidisciplinary academic and research preparation for careers in political communication, health communication, corporate communication, journalism and public relations. Its emphasis on communication research, media analysis, persuasive practices and public discourse supports professional development across communication-related industries. The university's programme page does not specify a dedicated external professional accreditation for this degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Georgia State University offers an advantageous location in Atlanta, a major media and business centre. The Department of Communication highlights its proximity to major organizations, including CNN, Turner Broadcasting System, Edelman and Fortune 500 companies, giving students opportunities to explore professional networks and industry connections. The university does not publish a specific employment rate or programme-level employability ranking for this concentration.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Georgia State University combines advanced communication research with opportunities to gain practical experience through departmental activities, research support and graduate assistantships. Students can strengthen their academic writing, presentation and analytical abilities through the Communication Lab, while eligible master's students can apply for assistantships involving departmental laboratory work and faculty research. Atlanta's media environment also provides opportunities to connect classroom knowledge with professional communication industries.

Students can benefit from the following opportunities and resources:

Graduate Research Assistantships: Eligible master's students can apply for assistantship positions involving work in departmental laboratories and research support for faculty members. The department advertises a tuition waiver and a stipend currently listed at $6,000 for master's assistantship recipients.
Communication Lab: Students can access graduate-level tutoring for academic writing, brainstorming, research-paper development, grammar, AP/MLA/APA formatting and speech presentations.
Faculty Research Collaboration: Assistantship opportunities may involve working with faculty members on research projects and contributing to department-wide research activities.
Laboratory and Departmental Support: Available assistantship responsibilities can include laboratory work, advising support and equipment checkout services.
Professional Networking: The department highlights its proximity to CNN, Turner Broadcasting System, Edelman and other major companies in Atlanta, creating opportunities to explore communication-related professional environments.
Academic Research: The thesis pathway allows students to develop an independent research project, prepare a thesis prospectus and defend their completed research.
University Library: Students can access Georgia State University's library resources to support academic research, scholarly reading and writing.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the M.A. in Communication Studies can pursue professional opportunities across media, journalism, public relations, corporate communication, healthcare communication and political communication. The programme's emphasis on research, audience analysis, persuasive communication and media studies prepares students to work in roles that require strong analytical, writing and communication abilities.

Potential Career Opportunities: Public Relations Specialist, Corporate Communications Specialist, Media Research Analyst, Journalism Researcher.

Students can strengthen their professional development through the following university resources and opportunities:

University Career Services: Students can access career counselling, resume and cover-letter reviews, mock interviews, job-search guidance and professional development appointments.
Handshake Career Platform: Provides access to employers hiring for full-time, part-time and internship positions, along with career fairs and recruitment opportunities.
Industry Connections: The Department of Communication highlights connections with Atlanta's media environment, including CNN, Turner Broadcasting System and Edelman, providing opportunities for professional networking and industry exposure.
Graduate Assistantships: Eligible master's students can gain departmental and research experience while receiving a tuition waiver and a stipend through competitive assistantship opportunities.
Research and Academic Development: Students following the thesis pathway gain experience in independent research, academic writing and presenting and defending their findings.
Employment Outcomes: The university does not publish a specific graduate employment rate or average salary for this concentration. Therefore, programme-specific employment and salary figures cannot be confirmed from official sources.
Professional Recognition: The programme develops transferable communication and research expertise, although no dedicated professional accreditation is specified by the university.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates interested in advancing their academic and research careers can pursue a Ph.D. in Communication at Georgia State University. The doctoral programme offers opportunities to develop advanced research expertise in areas such as Media and Society, Rhetoric and Politics, communication theory, media studies and public discourse. Students who complete the M.A. research thesis pathway will have a particularly relevant foundation for doctoral-level research and academic careers.