Communication Studies - Graduate
Communication Studies
Communication studies is an academic discipline that concerns human communication–both verbal and nonverbal. It deals with a variety of issues related to these processes, including the sharing of meaning, the encoding and decoding of messages, and the development of relationships using communication in a variety of contexts.Our department focuses on interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, nonverbal communication, and theories of communication, among other areas.
The online master's degree and certificate programs are a great opportunity for secondary school teachers, community and small college instructors, human resources managers, nonprofit and community advocates, and those in management positions to advance their careers.
SHSU ranked #8 on the Best Online Master's in Communication Studies list!
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Master of Arts
The online communication studies graduate degree program focuses on advanced topics in the field, including conflict resolution, health communication, gendered communication, computer mediated communication, organizational communication, and interpersonal and family communication. These areas of study exemplify common topics in communication research. The MA program is designed for aspiring doctoral students in communication studies and is also beneficial for professionals wishing to advance their careers.
18-Hour Graduate Certificate
In addition to the master’s degree, the department offers an 18-hour certificate program for those who wish to advance their careers. The certificate is a great option for high school teachers with a graduate degree who are looking to teach dual credit communication courses.
See What Our Alumni Have to Say
Matthew Wald
My time with the graduate program at SHSU has proven invaluable to me. I remember being so nervous when I started my first semester. Every professor however provided me with care and guidance to facilitate my journey through each and every class. I learned critical information about Communications that has and will continue to positively influence both my personal and professional relationships and careers.... The program is diverse and inclusive. I particularly enjoyed our group discussions that we participated in throughout multiple courses despite preferring to typically work in solitude. I was introduced to views and opinions that expanded and questioned my own, and helped me to personally formulate and change mine. I use what I have learned through this program on a daily basis and cannot wait to continue to utilize what the staff has taught me in forging and strengthening relationships in my everyday life. From my family, friends, and career advancement, the Graduate Communications program at SHSU has provided me with the tools necessary to succeed in every avenue.
Margaret Smallwood
I have another master's, and I cannot tell you how much more I enjoyed the Sam Houston program. It's a real gem. Getting my master's in communication studies was a long-time goal of mine, and when I started the Sam Houston program in 2018, I was both excited and nervous. The program was tremendously valuable to me professionally and personally.... I had majored in comm studies as an undergraduate, but in all the years since, the field had grown exponentially. With every class I took at Sam Houston, I felt like I was not only learning valuable information that is relevant to my career and personal life, but I really got how relevant the information is. Anyone who knows me knows I don't emote a lot, but the professors are fantastic. I felt like they not only were knowledgeable, but also very compassionate and kind people as well. When I ran into a rough patch, which you always do with graduate work, the SHSU professors were there for me. They approached me as a human, not a number, and were both challenging and supportive.