MS Communication

The Master of Science in Communication at the University of Utah is a research-focused graduate programme designed to develop advanced knowledge of communication theories, research methodologies, and contemporary communication practices. Students can explore areas such as journalism and digital media, critical and cultural studies, science and health communication, and rhetoric while developing the analytical, research, and academic writing skills needed for careers in communication research, media, public affairs, and further doctoral study.

Curriculum Structure

The MS in Communication is designed as a two-year programme requiring a minimum of 30 semester credit hours, including at least 24 hours of content coursework. Students complete COMM 7001: Foundations of Communication I and at least one research methods course. They can choose from three degree-completion options: thesis, project, or non-thesis comprehensive examinations. The department does not prescribe a fixed year-wise list of courses; students develop their programmes of study in consultation with their supervisory committees.

Year 1 – Communication Theory and Research Foundations

Students establish a strong foundation in communication scholarship, research design, and academic inquiry. They complete COMM 7001: Foundations of Communication I, alongside graduate-level seminars and a research methods course. Students also begin exploring their preferred research areas, such as media and technology, cultural communication, science communication, or rhetoric, while working with faculty advisors to plan their academic pathway.

Year 2 – Advanced Research and Specialisation

Students deepen their knowledge through advanced graduate seminars and independent research in their chosen communication areas. Depending on their selected pathway, they complete COMM 6970: Thesis Research – Master's and defend a research thesis, undertake COMM 6930: Project and present an approved project, or complete comprehensive examinations. This stage strengthens their ability to analyse complex communication issues, integrate scholarly literature, and present original academic work.

Focus Areas

• Communicating Science, Health, Environment and Risk (CommSHER): Science communication, health information, environmental sustainability, public understanding of scientific issues, health narratives, and risk communication.

• Critical/Cultural Studies: Cultural identities, social justice, race, gender, ethnicity, class, globalisation, media representation, and the relationship between communication and social power.

• Journalism, Media and Technology: Journalism, digital media, social media, broadcasting, photography, media history, communication technologies, and the social, political, and ethical impact of media.

• Rhetoric: Persuasion, public discourse, political communication, social movements, environmental rhetoric, and communication related to health, legal, cultural, and military issues.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate familiarity with scholarly research across three selected communication competency areas.

• Develop advanced knowledge of communication theories, concepts, and research methodologies.

• Demonstrate the ability to write and speak effectively as an emerging scholar in the communication discipline.

• Apply research methods to investigate contemporary communication issues.

• Critically analyse media, cultural practices, social relationships, and communication processes.

• Organise and integrate academic research to produce a substantial scholarly essay, project, or thesis.

• Develop independent research, critical thinking, and academic presentation skills.

• Apply theoretical knowledge to communication challenges across social, cultural, political, and technological environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The University of Utah does not specify a separate professional accreditation or industry certification for the MS in Communication. The degree is primarily designed as an academic research qualification, providing theoretical and methodological preparation for advanced communication studies and potential doctoral research. Students can select thesis, project, or comprehensive examination pathways according to their academic and research interests.

MS and MA Distinction: Both degrees have the same general academic requirements, but the Master of Arts requires standard proficiency in an approved language other than English. The Master of Science does not have this additional language proficiency requirement.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

• Research Reputation: The Department of Communication was recognised among the top ten programmes for communication research productivity and excellence by Academic Analytics in 2016.

• Faculty Expertise: Students learn from faculty working across communication research, journalism, digital media, cultural studies, science communication, health communication, and rhetoric.

• Research Opportunities: Graduate students can participate in faculty-led research and develop individual research projects across the department's four areas of emphasis.

• Graduate Funding: The department offers teaching and research assistantships, which can include tuition waivers and annual stipends for funded master's students.

• Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers in communication research, journalism, media analysis, public relations, science communication, corporate communication, academic research, and strategic communication.

• Employability Rankings: No specific programme-level QS, Guardian, or graduate employability ranking is published on the official department website.