克利夫兰州立大学

The master's degree program provides graduate education in communication theory and methodology for students who seek to: 1) apply communication strategies in professional settings and/or 2) pursue doctoral studies in communication. The program is directed primarily toward the development of communication scholars and specialists, i.e., individuals who are able to apply communication theory and advanced research methodology to the analysis and solution of a variety of communication problems. The program emphasizes the ability to synthesize and interpret research in socially useful ways while also allowing for specialization in various research areas. The key words "applied theory and methodology" emphasize that students are expected to utilize their education in the pursuit of their individual career objectives.

Communication techniques and problem-solving strategies are incorporated into this program to provide an effective background for individuals in careers such as communication campaigns media or communication consulting, media analysis, and organizational communication. Business or management personnel who need experience in communication problem solving will also find the program useful. Recent graduates of the program are employed in such diverse fields as advertising/public relations campaigns, marketing analysis, broadcast programming and sales, government, non-profit organizations, personnel/administration, and content marketing. Others have continued with doctoral studies at major U.S. universities.

AREAS OF STUDY

Communication Technology
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Communication
Organizational Communication

COMMUNICATION RESEARCH

Communication research involves the scientific study of communication in order to help individuals and institutions meet the changing needs of today's society. The members of the department faculty have published hundreds of articles and book chapters, more than twenty books, and have received many grants and Fulbright Fellowships. Areas of expertise include communication technologies, media analytics, strategic communication, conflict management, health communication, and media audience analysis.

Graduate students are encouraged to work as research interns with faculty. Students also are encouraged to present their work at professional conventions and to coauthor papers for both scholarly and trade publications. Recent research projects involving graduate students include:

Cognitive and emotional responses to media content and form,
Mass media and interpersonal influences on career aspirations of teenagers,
Bullying behavior in the workplace,
Accounts of unexpected events in organizations,
Media effect on political beliefs,
Advertising influences on consumers cognitions,
How TV violence affects gender, ethnic, and racial stereotypes,
Effects of community characteristics on newspaper reporting styles,
Credibility ratings of online news content, and
Communication deficiencies in interpersonal and organizational contexts

Graduate students also work at the Communication Research Center or Media Engagement and Digital Interaction Center on research projects for clients that include regional and national marketing/research agencies.