Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication

Program of Study

The Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication is a broad-based program for students seeking graduate education across a spectrum of communication approaches.  The program allows students options to explore their needs, interests and goals ranging from development of communication skills to entrepreneurial communication.

Through their coursework, students learn to bring critical analysis, creative insights, rhetorical sophistication and technological competence to their endeavors in communication and self-expression. The curriculum prepares students for careers as effective, strategically oriented communications professionals by providing them with a set of essential management communication skills enhanced by knowledge of new communication technologies.

The M.A. in Contemporary Communication produces graduates who can write clear, purposeful, audience-orientated communications and apply creative approaches to communications planning and problem solving.  Job opportunities for students who complete the program include positions in public relations, organizational communication, and website development-some of the most rapidly-growing segments of the professional communication field.

In addition to the face-to-face course offerings at Notre Dame’s main campus, the Contemporary Communications program now has a fully only option for students interested in exploring this mode of course delivery.  The online program provides learners with flexible degree completion options that allow them to further their educations while continuing to pursue their careers and lives. Students may complete the degree totally through face-to-face courses, totally through online courses, or through a combination of both. Consultation with an advisor will help the students determine which mode is best. 

Program Objectives

• integrate computer skills and creativity in media with art, communication, English and philosophy
• write clear, purposeful targeted communications
• apply creative approaches to communication planning and problem solving
• coordinate the production of visually effective and informative print, graphic and electronic communication
• exhibit a solid grounding in communication theories
• employ research techniques, applications and organizational methods and skills in advancing technologies
• demonstrate a comprehension of the language and complexities of communication modes: visual, written and oral
• develop skills to pursue professional careers in areas of communication or in fields of creative expression

Curriculum

Students must maintain a 3.0 (B) cumulative grade point average to remain in good academic standing.  Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 will be placed on probationary status.  More than 2 grades of C or C+ will result in dismissal from the program.

Locations


Offered on the main campus in Baltimore and online.


Core Requirements - 2 courses

IDS 510 Approaches to Communicating in Contemporary Culture
CST 515 Technology in Contemporary Communication

Area Requirements - 3 courses


Three courses, one in each of three of the following areas: Art, Communication Arts, Computer Studies, English and Philosophy

Electives - 5 courses


Five elective courses are required, and should be chosen with the advisor based on the student's interests in creative or strategic communications.

Courses Offered

Required:
IDS 510 Approaches to Communicating in Contemporary Culture
CST 515 Technology in Contemporary Communication

COM electives:
COM 505 Managerial Communication
COM 507 Film Themes
COM 509 Media Criticism
COM 515 Cross-Cultural Communication
COM 517 Communication and Gender
COM 520 Media Technology Management
COM 565 Communication Campaigns
COM 620 Public Relations Management

CST electives:
CST 511 Topics in Information Systems
CST 554 Principles & Issues in Info Systems
CST 580 Managing Info in Web-Based World
CST 593 Web Page Design
CST 595 Multimedia Applications

ENG electives:
ENG 503 Managerial Writing
ENG 512 Topics in Contemporary Literature
ENG 514 Rhetoric and Style
ENG 535 Postmodern Fiction

ART electives:
ART 509 Graduate Photography Workshop
ART 511 Topics in Western Art
ART 512 Topics in American Art

PHL electives:
PHL 521 Ethical Issues in Management
PHL 524 Critical Theories of Race
PHL 532 Culture and Its Philosophical Context

IDS electives:
IDS 512 Writing Workshop
IDS 600 Colloquium in Contemporary Communication

Track Requirements

The remaining courses for the completion of the degree will depend upon which track the student chooses.

The Colloquium Project Track requires 18 additional credits, for a total of 33 credits in the program. Students in this track complete a master's project or thesis in conjunction with taking IDS-600 (Colloquium in Contemporary Communication). In addition to IDS-600, five more courses from the list below should be chosen in consultation with the student's graduate advisor. Two of these courses may be taken from other graduate programs with approval of the graduate advisor.

After completing at least 27 credits, a student may apply for participation in IDS-600. To take IDS-600, students must have received no grade lower than B throughout the program, and must submit a formal project proposal by the required deadline (October 15 is the deadline for a spring project; March 15 is the deadline for a fall project). The graduate project should reflect the student's particular interest in one of the Contemporary Communication fields.