The Department of Communicology offers a master's degree (M.A.) program emphasizing the central processes and functions of human communication: message processing, interpersonal communication, persuasion/social influence, and intercultural communication. Students in our M.A. program usually have a strong undergraduate background in Communicology, Communication, Psychology, or a related discipline.The Plan A option involves the completion of an original empirical research project overseen by a level 2 or level 3 graduate faculty member. Thesis projects are intended to be scholarly work in the field of communication. A thesis must be initially proposed and later defended to an advisory committee comprised of graduate faculty members (an advisor and two other graduate faculty members). Thesis candidates must present an acceptable written thesis and pass a final oral examination of the thesis.Demonstrate mastery of theories of communication, particularly in the areas of relational, persuasion/social influence, and message processing functions, Demonstrate mastery of fundamentals of research design and analysis in communication.