Master of Arts in Communication Studies

The graduate program in Communication Studies at Sacramento State is a rigorous, methods-driven program designed to increase theoretical and applied understanding of human communication.

We are excited to foster an inclusive learning environment with students and faculty from all walks of life. In particular, we welcome students of all identities and cultural backgrounds, including international and first generation students.
A Master's degree can lead to doctoral or other professional education, or to advanced positions in business, public service, or government. The graduate program in Communication Studies is guided by two interrelated goals. First, that each student has the opportunity to study and conduct original communication research consistent with individual interests and abilities. Second, each student develops and follows a coherent, rigorous plan of study within the field of communication. Accordingly, a structured advising procedure has been established in the Department to help accomplish these two goals (see The Graduate Document, available from the Department, for details). As an integral part of a plan of study, each student will designate a series of courses to be completed for their degree with the assistance of their advisor and the approval of the Graduate Committee. A statement outlining the logic of the chosen courses will be required and will be reviewed by the Graduate Committee.

Admission as a classified graduate student in Communication Studies is based on the assessment of individual credentials by the Graduate Committee, but requires at least:
a 3.0 overall GPA or 3.25 GPA in the last 60 units completed,
a clearly written statement of purpose for pursuing this particular MA degree. This statement is part of the application to the graduate program and should explain the applicant's career and academic goals, specifying how the program will help to accomplish these goals, and explaining the applicant's motivation for pursuing those goals,
a clearly written personal statement reflecting why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate education and how they have prepared, as well as any personal contextual factors that would help the graduate committee assess the application package,
three letters of recommendation indicating the applicant's abilities and potential for completing graduate work successfully. These letters should assess at least the student's abilities to perform well in academic courses, to conduct research independently, to express ideas well in writing and orally, and to think critically, analytically, and creatively,
an online intake form available on the department website that includes a short Analytic Essay allowing applicants to demonstrate their ability to analyze a communication problem and craft an argument,
at least one substantive example of writing that indicates research, analytical, and/or creative abilities,
an earned baccalaureate degree, and
(Optional) Graduate Record Exam (GRE) verbal, quantitative, and analytical scores.
TOEFL iBT: 80
TOEFL PBT: 550
IELTS: 6.5