Department

of
Communication Studies
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesotas
Department of Communication
Studies continues a rich heritage
of teaching and research that
began in 1914 under the
leadership of Frank M. Rarig and
H.B. Gislason. Todays graduate
coursework includes a wide range
of interests including: the
criticism of public discourse,
interpersonal communication,
language and gender, discourse
analysis, intercultural
communication, critical analysis
of TV, internet and film, feminist and African-American rhetoric,
communication theory, cultural studies, and rhetorical theory. There are
three areas of concentration available to graduate students: Rhetorical
Studies, Critical Media Studies, and Interpersonal Communication.
Offering both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, the main objective of the graduate
program is to prepare students to become researchers and teachers in
universities and colleges. Through formal coursework, independent study,
directed research projects, and participation in team research supervised by
faculty, students have many opportunities for training and experience. Those
with teaching assistantships acquire extensive teaching experience under the
supervision of senior faculty.
ADDRESS: Ford Hall 225
224 Church Street SE,
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0427
(612)-624-5800
DEPARTMENT WEBSITE: http://www.comm.umn.edu
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Research Opportunities
Collaborative Research
Collaborative research with faculty members can be a valuable learning
experience for students. This research often gives students the opportunity
to produce publications useful when enhancing a student's resume.

Independent Research
Although collaborative
research opportunities abound,
the communication studies
department also makes a
strong commitment to support
students' independent
research. For instance, the
department regularly provides
funds for graduate students to
travel to national and regional
academic conferences to
present their research. The
department also sponsors a number of financial awards to support individual
research projects.

Interdisciplinary Studies
One of the University of Minnesota's great strengths is its size, which allows
and encourages interdisciplinary study to a degree impossible at smaller
institutions. Graduate students can take advantage of the benefits of
interdisciplinary study through participation in one of the Graduate School's
many interdisciplinary graduate groups. Graduate students in
communication studies also find support for their research in some of the
University of Minnesota's other fine programs.
We have connections with the psychology department, the faculty associated
with the doctoral minor in interpersonal relationships research and the
Center for Cognitive Sciences. In the field of rhetorical studies, we have
connections with the Departments of Writing Studies, Philosophy, Cultural
Studies, and Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies.

What We Offer
Fall 2016 Courses
The Communication Studies Department wants to ensure that its students
receive the type of education that they feel passionately about. Given this,
we offer 37 majors for our graduate students with a wide variety of courses.
The courses we will be offering this fall include but are not limited
to: COMM 5611, COMM 5994, COMM 8210, COMM 8333, COMM 8444, COMM
8666, COMM 8777, COMM 8888.
These courses focus on a wide variety of topics ranging from
Rhetorical Theory to Electronic Media.

Our Faculty
Karlyn Kohrs Campbell - rhetorical theory, criticism, women in
communication.
Ronald Walter Greene - rhetorical and cultural studies, citizenship.
Dean. E. Hewes - small group and interpersonal communication.
Susanne M. Jones - nonverbal communication and interaction.
Ascan F. Koerner - marital and family communication.
Laurie Ouellette - critical and cultural media, reality tv.
Mari Pajala - overall media studies.
Mark Pedelty - media ethnography, social change, music.
Gilbert B. Rodman - critical media and cultural studies, popular
culture.
Amy Sheldon - language, gender, and social interaction.
Catherine Squires - media and racial groups in public spheres.
Mary Douglas Vavrus - feminist theory, media studies, media activism.

Communication Studies Degree

Requirements
Rhetorical Studies

Critical Media
Studies

Interpersonal
Communication

Courses in rhetoric and

public address approach
communication as a
humane study. Course work
includes argumentations
and persuasion, critical
media studies, ethics, and
rhetorical theory and
criticism. Students may also
pursue special interests in
Rhetorical philosophy. An
understanding of history,
political science, sociology,
or philosophy may be useful
to the student describing
and evaluating either
historical or contemporary
public discourse.

Critical Media Studies

approaches mediated
communication as a cultural
form that is socially
influential. Coursework in
critical media studies
emphasizes qualitative,
historical, and critical
approaches to the study of
media texts, institutions
and economics. Topics
covered include feminist
media studies, identity,
political economy of media
and popular culture.
Coursework outside of the
department is usually in the
fields of American and
cultural studies.

Course work in
interpersonal
communication has a social
scientific orientation. Most
students focus on
interpersonal
communication and
strategic communication.
Mastery in these areas
allows for further
specialization in conflict,
intercultural
communication, family
communication and gender
studies. Students are
expected to augment their
studies by developing skills
with quantitative research
methods.

For a complete description of degree requirements visit: http://comm.umn.edu/grad

Applying For Admission

Prerequisites
For the master's degree, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college is
required. A master's degree is required for admission to the doctoral
program (all requirements met by the end of the first term in the PhD
program).
We admit students only once during the year, for fall semester of the
following year. To be admitted for the 2016-2017 academic year, submit
your application by December 1, 2015.
In order to apply, you must complete the online application through Apply
Yourself. When using the Apply Yourself system, be sure to choose
"Communication Studies" on the drop-down menu. Additional application
instructions are provided by the Graduate School. International students are
required to provide a TOEFL score and personal writing sample in English.
More information for international students can be found through the
Graduate School.

Admission Requirements
GRE for all applicants / TOEFL exam scores for International Students
Strong statement of purpose telling us exactly why you want a
graduate degree from our department
Three letters of recommendation
Department's Financial Aid Form downloaded, completed, and attached
to your online application under "Graduate Program Additional
Application"
Writing sample of academic nature
Minimum GPA of 3.0

For more information visit: http://cla.umn.edu/comm-studies/graduate/how-apply