Master of Arts in Communication (Thesis Option)

NA On Campus Masters Program

University of Kentucky

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Communication (Thesis Option) at the University of Kentucky offers an excellent opportunity to explore how communication shapes relationships, organisations, media and society. Designed for students interested in advanced communication research and professional development, the programme combines theoretical knowledge, research methods and specialised coursework, allowing students to develop an individual academic focus and complete an original thesis under faculty guidance.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires 30 credit hours, including 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of master's residence research. Students complete core courses and select electives in consultation with an academic advisor.

Core areas of study and coursework:

Communication Theory (CI 651): Explores important communication theories and concepts, helping students understand how communication operates across interpersonal, organisational and mass media settings.
Quantitative Research Methods in Communication (CI 665): Develops students' ability to design research, collect data and apply quantitative methods to investigate communication-related questions.
Gathering, Analyzing and Using Educational Data (EDP 557): Introduces approaches to collecting, interpreting and applying data to support evidence-based research.
Proseminar in Interpersonal Communication (CI 631): Examines communication between individuals, relationships and social interactions. Students may alternatively choose Mass Communication Theory or Mass Communication and Society, depending on their academic interests.

Thesis Research: Students undertake independent research in a selected communication area, work with faculty advisors and complete an oral examination to defend their thesis.

Focus Areas

Interpersonal Communication, Mass Communication, Media Studies, Health Communication, Organisational Communication, Communication Theory, Communication Research Methods and Communication and Society.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced knowledge of communication theories, apply quantitative research methods, analyse communication practices across different settings, interpret research data, develop independent research skills, prepare academic research papers and communicate research findings effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme focuses on advanced academic and research preparation in communication. The official programme information does not identify a specific professional accreditation for this master's degree.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

The University of Kentucky's Communication programme has recognised research strengths, particularly in health communication. The university's programme information highlights national recognition for its health communication research, including a sixth-place ranking reported by the National Communication Association.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The thesis option places a strong emphasis on independent research, academic collaboration and practical investigation. Students work closely with experienced faculty members to develop research questions, select appropriate methodologies, analyse communication data and produce an original thesis. The programme also provides opportunities to engage with research activities and graduate-level academic work across the College of Communication and Information.

Students can strengthen their practical and research experience through the following opportunities:

Independent Thesis Research: Conduct an original research project on a communication-related topic under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Research Methods Training: Apply quantitative research techniques through CI 665, Quantitative Research Methods in Communication, and develop skills in gathering and analysing research data.
Graduate Research Publications: Explore research produced by graduate students through UKnowledge's Communication Graduate Research collection, which includes studies on crisis communication, social media and misinformation.
Faculty Research Collaboration: Work with faculty members whose research interests include interpersonal communication, media studies, health communication and organisational communication.
Research Assistantships: Eligible students may explore graduate research assistantship opportunities, gaining experience in academic research and scholarly activities.
University Libraries and Research Resources: Access the university's library collections and UKnowledge research repository to support literature reviews, academic research and thesis preparation.
Academic Research Facilities: Use the College of Communication and Information's academic resources and graduate research environment to support specialised communication studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Arts in Communication (Thesis Option) prepares graduates for opportunities in communication research, media, public relations, organisational communication and strategic messaging. Its combination of theoretical understanding, research methodology and independent thesis work is particularly valuable for students interested in research-oriented professional positions or further academic study.

Potential career opportunities include:

Communication Researcher
Public Relations Specialist
Corporate Communications Specialist
Media and Communications Analyst

Career development and graduate opportunities at the University of Kentucky include:

Graduate Career Advising: The Graduate School provides personalised career guidance for master's students, helping them explore academic and non-academic career opportunities and develop career plans.
Professional Development: Students can access career development resources, workshops and guidance through the Stuckert Career Center.
CV and Resume Support: Graduate students can receive assistance with preparing and improving professional documents, including resumes, CVs and cover letters.
Employment and Internship Resources: Students can explore employment opportunities, internships and professional connections through university career resources.
Research Opportunities: The College's research environment and graduate assistantship opportunities can help students develop experience relevant to academic and research careers.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: The university does not provide a specific employment rate or average salary for graduates of the MA Communication Thesis Option. Salary expectations will depend on the graduate's position, experience, industry and location.
Industry Partnerships: The official programme sources reviewed do not identify specific industry partners or guaranteed employer placements for this thesis option.
Long-term Academic Value: The research training, thesis experience and oral defence provide a valuable foundation for doctoral-level research and other advanced academic opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates interested in continuing their academic journey can pursue a PhD in Communication at the University of Kentucky. The doctoral programme offers opportunities to specialise in Media Studies, Interpersonal Communication and Health Communication, with developing research areas including Risk Sciences and Instructional Communication. Students can build on their master's thesis experience to undertake advanced research, contribute to academic publications and prepare for careers in university teaching and research.