Department of Communication and Media

Graduate courses in Communication Studies provide students with experience in a range of communication contexts from interpersonal to mass communication and all points in between. Our faculty are active scholars eager to work with graduate students through advising theses, directing independent studies, and other opportunities.  Learn more about our courses and view the course catalog.

2024-2025

COM 568 Special Topics: Influencer Culture (Myers)

In our current digital age, social media influencers have become increasingly more impactful for their ability to shape communication, cultural norms, and business practices. This course offers an intensive exploration of advanced digital media marketing strategies within the creator economy. Students will explore the dynamic relationship between influencers and society with a particular focus on social media trends, audience behavior and analysis, word-of-mouth and affiliate marketing, and brand voice development. In this course, students will investigate the economic and sociocultural dimensions of influencer culture by producing a professional “pitch” for an influencer marketing campaign. The objective of this course is to offer you real-world practice in target audience analysis, influencer selection criteria and outreach strategy, content creation, and evaluation metrics.

COM 502 Communication Research Methods (Kopacz)

An examination of the major issues pertaining to inquiry in human communication, including the nature of inquiry; qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches to communication research; moral and ethical standards for human research; the role of the researcher; and comparisons of academic research. Students will be required to design and execute a research project.

COM 508 Special Topics: Gender and Sexuality in Public Messages

Our understanding and experience of gender and sexuality shape our communication but are also shaped by our communication. How we dress and style our hair communicates information about our gender identity to others while we receive messages about attitudes toward people of differing sexualities through popular media. Communicating with others online differs greatly depending on your gender, and advertisers make assumptions about the sexualities of their audience when putting together campaigns for their products. This course explores how gender and sexuality shape and are shaped public messages and gives students space to practice constructing their own messages to appeal to these diverse audiences. Contexts explored in the class include speeches, popular media, advertising and marketing, news media, interpersonal communication, and social media.

COM 563 Visual Communication

Digital communication these days is overwhelmingly visual. We consume visual content through websites, streaming video, and social media. The most engaging social media content typically consists of visual images. This course equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to create compelling social media visuals in a variety of formats.

COM 565 The Science and Media Connection: Producing and Communicating Science

This course is intended to prepare students to make multimedia products about fundamental scientific phenomena which can be used to educate and teach others. Through both theoretical and practical approaches, students learn skills and concepts that will enable them to complete a series of science-based creative projects and apply these skills toward future use.

In addition to our M.A. in Communication Studies, we also offer a graduate certificate in Digital Media Marketing (DMM) that can be completed as part of your M.A. or on its own. The certificate program is only four courses (i.e., 12 credits) and can be completed as an undergraduate or graduate student. The course offerings for the DMM are 100% online and the requirements can be completed within one calendar year. Most students who complete their M.A. In Communication Studies have the ability to achieve the DMM. All four courses include courses that can also be used to complete their masters. Please note that you do not need to be in the Communications Studies M.A. to enroll in and complete the DMM Certificate. Learn more about our certificate program.

Our alumni choose many different paths upon completing their degrees. We are thankful that many alumni remain active in the COM program by engaging in mentoring relationships with current students, returning for social events, and providing networking opportunities. Read more about what our alumni are doing.

The handbook provides an overview of program options (e.g., thesis vs. non-thesis track), comprehensive exams, degree requirements, and general guidelines to get you ready for success in the M.A. Please download the Graduate Handbook .

Application to the Master of Arts Program in the Department of Communication Studies is made through the Graduate School Office and Sponsored Research. An admission application packet should be obtained online directly from that office and returned to the same office upon completion. Please go to the WCU Graduate page and select "Apply Now" to obtain the packet. Learn more about Admission into our program here.

For information on graduate tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar's Tuition page.

The Department does not offer direct financial aid. It does, however, receive authorization for a limited number of graduate assistantships each year through the Office of the Graduate School and Sponsored Research. The Department makes every effort to direct deserving students toward financial support.