Graduate Programs in Organizational Communication
The Department of Organizational Communication offers the Master of Science (31 hours) and the Masters of Arts (34 hours, thesis track) in Organizational Communication. The program focuses on the application of communication theory, research, and skills in organizational settings. The purpose of studying organizational communication is to understand how the strategic use of messages, meanings, and information maintain complex organizations. The program, which is both theoretically and experientially oriented, provides students with communication competencies needed in every career and industry. The program prepares individuals:
- to enter areas of business, industry, government, and entertainment
where knowledge of and competence in communication
is essential;
- to enter other vocations where communication is of prime importance (e.g., the ministry, law, public service);
- to continue the study of communication at the doctoral level; and to teach speech communication at the secondary or college level.
We offer training in such areas as:
- Conflict Resolution
- Managerial Communication
- Leadership Communication
- Persuasion
- Intercultural Communication
- Team Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Healthcare Communication
- Communication Training & Development
- Organizational Change Communication
- Organizational Learning
Degree Programs
"Weekender" Program
Courses are taught in a unique weekend format to meet the needs of employed professionals who are seeking advancement, desiring additional professional development, or considering a career change. The typical weekend courses meet five times during a semester, with the first meeting on a Friday evening and the final meeting on a Saturday. The middle three weekends meet Friday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A schedule of alternate weekends allows students to take up to two weekend courses per semester. Additional evening courses are offered for students who can attend. The entire program can be finished through weekend and independent, directed study courses.
Requirements for Admission
- Applicants must meet the Murray State University requirements (see Chapter 2).
Additional departmental requirements are as follows:
Unconditional:- An overall GPA of 3.0 with at least a minor in communication, business, or related field.
Conditional:-
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.50.
- Conditional students may be required to complete certain undergraduate courses before beginning the program. After beginning the program, conditional students will undergo a review after their first nine hours and are admitted to full standing after completion of B or better work and approval of the graduate coordinator.
International students entering the organizational communication program from the Murray State University English as Second Language program (ESL) must have completed Level 6 and must score at least a 500 on the TOEFL paper-based test or 178 on the computer-based test. International students who have not completed the ESL program must score at least a 550 on the TOEFL paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test.
Graduate Assistantships
The Department of Organizational Communication relies heavily on the skills and commitment of five graduate assistants who each facilitate five labs in conjunction with the mass lectures of our basic courses – Introduction to Public Speaking and Introduction to Interpersonal Communication. Approximately 350 students are served each semester through this format. The graduate students are identified in MSU undergraduate and graduate courses and / or through referral from other universities. The selection process requires candidates to complete an application form, provide three letters of recommendation and undergo an interview with the Director of the Basic Courses. Graduate assistant responsibilities include:
- Attendance at a weekly planning meeting with lecturers
- Attendance at each of the mass lectures during the first semester
- Participation and completion of COM 672 – Communication in the Educational Environment
- Conducting labs (evaluating speeches & journals and facilitating discussions & activities)
For more information, contact: Professor Mickey Miller, Director of
the Basic Courses (270) 809-5309
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