Department of Communication

PROGRAM

It is anticipated that students will enter the program with diverse interests and needs. The program is constructed with the greatest possible flexibility to be responsive to this diversity. 

The core of the Master of Arts in Communication program is a series of four required seminars dealing with 1) rhetorical and communication criticism, 2) rhetorical and communication theory, 3) interpersonal and organizational communication, and, 4) mass communication. In addition, every student is required to take an approved research methodology course. 

Beyond the required core courses, students have a large range of options that allow for the creation of a course of study to meet the individual needs of each student.

Some graduate courses in communication have strong theoretical orientation. These include study of public address history, rhetorical theory and criticism, freedom of expression, mass communication theory, and persuasion theory. Others with a more applied focus include organizational communication, conflict resolution, and communication training and development. 

Students can complete their degree requirements through either a 36-credit course-work program or a 30-credit program that includes a thesis. A thesis is a substantial, largely independent research project for which six graduate credits are normally awarded. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The diversity of programs offered by the Department of Communication is matched by the diversity of careers that its graduates have pursued. Graduates who have wanted to continue their education have been admitted to some of the more prestigious doctoral programs in the country. Graduates teach all educational levels, from elementary school to university, and have moved into a variety of positions in academic administration. Others work in a broad range of businesses and industries in positions that include sales, management, communications, and technical services. Still others have entered the field of law. Surveys and the numerous statements of business leaders have made it abundantly clear that success and advancement in all these areas depend upon the ability to communicate effectively ­ an ability that the graduate program in communication studies at SUNY Brockport is designed to foster. 

PLANNING FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
IN COMMUNICATION AT SUNY BROCKPORT

ADMISSION

Admission to SUNY Brockport and all other units of the State University of New York is based on the academic and personal qualifications of the respective applicants without regard to race/ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran.

Application forms and information describing the credentials required for admission to graduate programs at SUNY Brockport are available from the SUNY Brockport Office of Graduate Admissions, (585) 395-5465 or e-mail at gradadmit@brockport.edu. 

A $50 application fee is required for each application submitted for graduate study. The application fee is non-refundable. Students should send the application, the application fee, and all supporting documentation directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Applications are processed on a continuing basis. 

Students recommended for admission receive official notification of acceptance and a letter from the Office of Graduate Admissions notifying the candidate that he or she is matriculated in the graduate program. 

NON-MATRICULATED STUDY

Students may take courses as a non-matriculated graduate student (not yet accepted as a degree candidate) up to a limit of 12 credits. Students who plan to apply for admission to the graduate program should work directly with the department before engaging in non-matriculated graduate study. The number of credits that can be completed as a non-matriculated student and/or transferred into a graduate program from previous graduate work is limited.