Master of Arts in Communication - Interpersonal Communication/Social Influence

Interpersonal communication focuses on examining the interactions between individuals, which may take the form of dyadic relationships (e.g., romantic partners, or provider/patient) as well as individuals within a social network (e.g., work, church, family and supportive others). Faculty members in our department have examined how interpersonal communication can be influenced by (a) the medium, such as computer-mediated communication and social media, (b) the process, such as deception, conflict, and psychological factors influencing persuasion and argumentation processes, and (c) the dynamics of interpersonal coordination, such as identity construction, self-presentation, and social support. The social influence domain includes persuasion, compliance gaining, interpersonal influence, and societal change effects that may involve risk, crisis, political, and/or health campaigns within social and/or mass mediated contexts. Research typically investigates theory-driven approaches to various cognitive, affective, and motivational processes associated with how people think of, feel about, and respond to a range of influence experiences. Study within the department often focuses on the methods sources employ to manipulate targets in various contexts, as well as the means by which those targets resist, adapt to, and respond to such influence.

Applicants must submit a transcript from the college or university where they earned their most recent degree in order to be considered for admission. For example, if you have both a bachelor's and a master's degree, you must provide a copy of the transcript from your master's degree. If you are currently in a degree program and will earn that degree before the semester you are applying for, you must submit a transcript from your current institution.
Scoring 6.5 or higher on the IELTS, Scoring 79 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)
Attending at least two years and graduating from a high school in the United States or another country where English is the first language.
Completing at least 24 credit hours at an accredited college or university in the United States or another country where English is the first language.
Earning a bachelor's degree (or higher) at an accredited university in the United States or another country where English is the first language.