The Master of Arts degree program in Communication Studies is housed in the Department of Communication Studies. The Communication MA is designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of research methods and theories that explore the nature and functions of human symbolic communication in the areas of communication and rhetorical theory, interpersonal and organizational communication, strategic and mass communication, public discourse, intercultural communication, cultural studies, health communication. The program requires that students select and develop an area of specialization by choosing elective courses, with advisor approval, from either Option. This enables students to pursue intellectual inquiries that interest them while gaining a broader understanding of the communication process.