Master of Arts in Communication

The Master of Arts (M.A.) graduate program in the Department of Communication is a comprehensive 30-unit course of study reflecting the breadth of the communication discipline. The graduate program is rooted in the diverse backgrounds and interests of the department faculty. The program also reflects the faculty's commitment to a program grounded in the traditional as well as contemporary approaches to the study of rhetoric, culture, and communication studies.

The program is committed to providing a quality education to students in two primary categories: (1) students pursuing an advanced degree in preparation for further graduate study and/or for teaching in higher education, and (2) students pursuing a graduate degree that will further equip them with knowledge and skills in the discipline of rhetoric, culture, and communication studies.

Our degree program involves 30 units of intensive study covering a range of communication topics including: Communication Theory, Rhetorical Theory, Communication Science Research Methods, Argumentation, Cultural Communication, Environmental Communication, Organizational Communication, Mediated Communication, Performance Studies, and Rhetorical Criticism.

Our unique curriculum offers a thesis, applied project, or comprehensive examination option to complete the Masters degree.

The Communication M.A. program uses a holistic admission review process that considers standard academic metrics like transcripts, confidential outside assessment like recommendations, demonstrated abilities like the writing sample, and self-offered appraisement and declaration of goals like the statement of purpose. We consider the applicant's fit with our program as well as their demonstrated potential to succeed at advanced study.
For All Students: GRE Not Required

For All Students: 3.0 GPA or Higher (Campus or Cumulative) Required

For All Students: Specific Materials Required via Cal State Apply

Applicants must submit a writing sample. This writing sample should be an academic essay devoted to a sustained analysis of a text, communication phenomenon, or theory. This academic essay should be a mimimum of 3,000 words in length. The essay should demonstrate sound argumentation, logical organization, advance an innovative claim, adhere to a specific style guide (e.g., APA, Chicago, or MLA), and be free of mechanical errors (e.g., grammar, spelling, punctuation). Most applicants supply a revised version of an essay they developed for an undergraduate course.
Applicants must have at least three letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf. The recommendations should speak to the applicant's ability to excel in graduate school. For example, these letters often address reading and writing skills, time and project management skills, and a pattern of initiative, creativity, and/or academic excellence. These letters will be uploaded by the persons writing the recommendation, not by the applicant. When completing the overall application, the applicant will provide the contact information for the recommendation letter writers within Cal State Apply. The university will then contact the letter writers via email, instructing them how to upload the recommendation letter. The applicant need not wait for the recommendation letters to complete the remainder of the application.
Applicants must submit a statement of purpose (note: this is different from a personal history!). Explain why you want to join our Communication M.A. program at California State University, Fresno. The applicant's statement of purpose should be a minimum of 500 words and address the following questions: (a) What goals and objectives do you hope to accomplish by completing a master's degree? (b) How might our program in particular support your goals and objectives? (c) What areas do you want to study and research? Which faculty members do you anticipate working with if you are accepted to our program? (d) What specific academic and/or professional experiences have prepared you for graduate study? and (e) If necessary, account for any areas of your application that do not meet our minimum requirements.
For International Applicants: TOEFL Required

For international students, the program requires a minimum TOEFL CB/PB/IB score of 250/600/100.