 Areas
of Study [BACK
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Master of Science program in Communication at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
offers you the opportunity to study in one of four concentrations in communication:
- Media
Advertising
-
Interpersonal / Organizational Communication
- Mass
Communication: Journalism
(print & electronic)
- Public
Relations
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You will
find the program structured to offer you professional development as well as preparation
for future study at an advanced level, if advanced study is your goal.
The department's
professional programs are nationally accredited and offer you a blend of general
communication plus specialization in one of the four concentrations. Depending
on your goals and interests, both thesis and nonthesis options are available.
Courses offer a broad background; independent work can be arranged to enrich your
special interests that may not be covered by an established course. Reasons
to Study with Us [BACK
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Our graduates
report the program prepares them well for jobs in their fields.
- Reports
from our theses and comprehensive papers have been presented at national meetings;
some have been published in national journals.
- Our
graduates in Ph.D. Programs across the country report they are competitive and
well-prepared.
- Our
faculty maintain close ties with professional organizations.
- Our
broadcasting faculty has strong working relationships with local network affiliates.
- Our
electronic equipment is very close to state of the art and is continually being
upgraded.
- Our
journalism students win awards in national competitions and publish in regional
media.
- Our
advertising concentration focuses on present and future challenges in integrated
marketing communication.
- Our
interpersonal/organizational communication graduates find excellent jobs in diverse
areas such as consulting, counseling, health care, the ministry, sales, government,
charitable organizations, and education.
- Our
Speech and Debate Team is nationally recognized, winning competitions throughout
the country.
Financial
Support [BACK
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The
department offers financial assistance to qualified students through assistantships
that provide a full waiver of tuition and fees (except for $67.50) as well as a stipend
of ~$8,100 for the academic year (10 months, not including summers).
[Fees and stipends are subject to change without
notice.]
For continuing graduate students, tuition waivers are available for summer
study. Students who are accepted for assistantships gain experience in supervised
teaching or in some of the technical areas associated with the program. A 20-hour
per week commitment is expected.
For
all graduate students, the university provides access to both dial-in and on-line
internet service and to a multi-purpose athletic facility. During times when the
university is not in session, continuing graduate students may apply for permission
to check out materials from the university library. Assistantships
are offered based on the quality of each student's academic and professional background
and the needs of the department, rather than on financial need. Students
who complete their assistantships are required to file a completed checkout
clearance form with the Department Head.
Admission
Requirements [BACK
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must be admitted to the Graduate School (forms
here) of the University before they can be admitted to the Communication Master
of Science program. Multiple
requirements govern admission to the Communication program (form
here). Higher scores in one category may offset lower scores in another, but
for unconditional admission: - GPA
of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
- a
minimum verbal GRE score close to 470 and evidence of a strong analytical essay.
For applicants who completed the GRE before October 2002, the Department requires
a minimum score of 1270 with a verbal score of 470 (study
guides here).
- TOEFL
score of 600 for international students from a non-English speaking country.
-
12 hours in relevant undergraduate communication courses or the equivalent. Students
without the undergraduate foundation may be admitted but will be expected to complete
9 hours of non-graduate preparatory coursework, either before or during the program.
The 9 hours of undergraduate preparatory work will be specified when you enter
the program and must be completed in courses open only to undergraduate students.
In the Department of Communication these courses will carry 300-level designators.
Relevant professional experience may reduce the undergraduate requirement.
Deadlines
[BACK
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Admission
is available for both fall and spring terms.
We do not offer courses during the summer term in the graduate program.
The University and the Department
of Communication accept applications at any time. Because the evaluation process
is lengthy, international students are advised to submit materials as early as
possible.
For a land-mailed recruitment packet, please contact:
Dr. William R. Davie - wrdavie@louisiana.edu
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Communication
University of
Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette LA 70504-3650 | 
