Department of Communication Studies

Graduate Program

From the Director of Graduate Studies

Welcome to the Applied Communication program in the Department of Communication Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). We believe you will find the program academically challenging, intellectually stimulating, and extremely pertinent to your career goals.

This is a program designed to prepare you for stellar professional performance and for the rigors of further advanced level study.

We welcome you to the community, the university, and the department.

Nancy Rhodes, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies

Description

The Department of Communication Studies at IUPUI offers an M.A. in Applied Communication with optional concentrations in corporate communication, health communication, and media. This unique applied program provides students with theoretical understanding of communication processes as well as competencies and skills necessary to address specific communication issues and problems by applying discipline-specific knowledge. The program readies the advanced student for professional career paths and future academic pursuits.

Classes are generally small and interactive with an emphasis on application of theory. Opportunities for multidisciplinary and independent study are also available. The graduate faculty possesses academic expertise and applied experiences from regional and national institutions and organizations.

The goal of this unique applied program is to provide students with the competencies and skills necessary to address specific communication issues and problems in the workplace and in the community. The primary intellectual goal of the program is to increase understanding of the theoretical implications of discipline-specific knowledge, and to enhance understanding and predict human interaction relative to realistic, applied outcomes in contemporary situations. A practical goal of the program is to educate professionals who grasp the complexities of communication problems and who are able to develop and execute strategies and create programs to address such issues.

In accomplishing these goals, the program will provide advanced study of communication principles applicable to personal and organizational settings. The program will offer residents of Indiana, surrounding states, and national and international students the opportunity to pursue graduate work in applied communication. The program provides an excellent foundation for doctoral studies. It is also well suited for students wishing to pursue combined advanced degree programs in such areas as medicine, medical humanities, business, law, and philanthropy.

Apply Now for 2012 Consideration!
Click here to apply http://www.iupui.edu/~gradoff/admissions/

The following 2012 deadlines must be observed in order to receive consideration for fall 2012 admission:

January 15, 2012 - Priority consideration for Fall semester and to be considered for University Fellowships and other financial support
April 1, 2012 - Fall regular admission Admission Requirements

Applicants should have:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

2. Official transcripts from all Universities and Colleges attended. Please send3. Three letters of recommendation from academic sources (completed online or mail to CA 425 University Blvd, CA 309A, Indianapoils, IN 46202)

4. A 2-3 page personal statement explaining both how prior education and experience make the applicant a good candidate as well as how the candidate plans to apply this degree to future career and academic goals. In addition, evidence of strong analytical and writing skills, a background in research methods, and experience in the analysis of communication phenomena are highly recommended. (completed online)

5. If you applying as an international student, the Office of International Affairs (OIA) will finalize your admission and assist you with obtaining a visa, if necessary. OIA will conduct a final review of your application to determine that all institutional and USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service) requirements have been met. OIA may contact you for additional information. In the meantime, please visit their web site at http://iapply.iupui.edu/ to be sure that you have satisfied all admission requirements for international students. Please do not apply for your visa or make travel plans until you receive a formal confirmation of admission from OIA and your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS2019). If you have any visa-related questions, please direct your questions to the OIA office at 317-274-7000 or oiagrad@iupui.edu . Registration for international students takes place during the new student orientation sponsored by OIA just before the beginning of the term.

All about the GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test with satisfactory scores in the three areas is required for applicants who wish to be considered for University fellowships, but not required for admission to the program.

Applicants should submit the following:

1. Completed online application for Indiana University Graduate School. To apply, go to http://www.iupui.edu/~gradoff/admissions/

2. Application fee of $50.00 USD, $60.00 USD for international students. This fee is subject to change. Payment is made online with a credit card.

3. GRE scores are not required for admission to the program; however GRE scores may be submitted if an applicant feels the scores will enhance his/her application.

4. An applicant wishing to be considered for scholarships or fellowship support should note that strong scores on the GRE General Test ARE REQUIRED and may have a positive impact on his/her application.

5. International students must submit TOEFL scores. Information about TOEFL can be obtained from the International Affairs Office http://iapply.iupui.edu/

Fellowships

Incoming students with the highest qualifications will be nominated by the Graduate Director for University Fellowships. These fellowships offer full-time students one year of financial support. All the graduate programs on the IUPUI campus compete for these fellowships, and programs are allowed up to four fellows per year depending on situational constraints such as budget. In addition to this campus-wide program of financial support, the Department of Communication Studies may offer a limited number of research assistantships and teaching opportunities. Students must apply to the department in early spring by the published deadline before the assistantship year.
Students working on the applied learning project or the thesis may apply for Grants-in-Aid of Research through IUPUI. These grants are intended to cover expenses incurred in the research required for the project or thesis, including travel to libraries and archive holding materials not otherwise available. Go to http://www.iupui.edu/~scentral/grads/general.html to find out more about grant opportunities.

Academic Advising

Upon entry, or when the student completes 12 credits in the program, each student should select an academic advisor. Dr. Dobris, the Director of Graduate Studies can advise you until you make a permanent selection and also assist you in selecting and securing an academic advisor. The academic advisor will guide you in planning your M.A. program, maintain contact with you throughout your program, assist and guide you in selection of courses, internship opportunities and independent study work. The advisor will also assist in developing a committee for the student’s final comprehensive examination and thesis or ALP.

Time Limit

Students must complete all requirements for the M.A. degree within five years.

Course Load

The normal course load for full-time students is 3 courses (9 credit hours) each semester. For part-time students it is 1-2 courses (3-6 credits) each semester. Course loads may vary for students with Assistantships and Fellowships.

Questions

For general questions or more information about graduate school, go to www.iupui.edu/~gradoff

For general questions on departmental requirements, contact Dr. Rhodes rhodesn@iupui.edu or Jill Cobb, Graduate Program Assistant jiacobb@iupui.edu

Mail Correspondence To:

Graduate Program
Department of Communication Studies
425 University Blvd.
Cavanaugh Hall, Room 309-A
Indpls, IN 46202