Graduate Mission Statement

The Communicating Arts Department shares in the mission of the University of Wisconsin-Superior and the University of Wisconsin System. In particular, we share the goals of liberal arts education in blending interdisciplinary theory and practice in each program area (Speech Communication, Mass Communication, and Theatre). We seek to broaden graduate students’ liberal arts coursework, experience, and scholarship along with preparing these advanced students to enter professional careers and pursue advanced study.

The Communicating Arts Graduate Program works closely with all graduate students to develop a custom program plan of study, dependent on individual student goals and career objectives. Each graduate student develops an individual program of courses in close consultation with their graduate advisor. Our flexible curriculum currently includes one required course Communication Theory (COMM 701). We also highly recommend students complete Communication Research (COMM 702). Graduate students receive close, personal attention from our graduate faculty, and are presented opportunities to work with faculty on specific research and creative projects, related to their area of focus in Speech Communication, Mass Communication, and Theatre. The Communicating Arts Graduate Program prides itself in free inquiry and tolerance for new ideas and perspectives, unimpeded by academic politics. Our graduate program comprises a diverse and lively group of faculty who are both demanding and supportive of students. Our overarching characteristic is a love of and dedication to learning, in the best Renaissance tradition.

Master of Arts Degree in Communicating Arts

The M.A. degree program in Communicating Arts is designed to broaden the student’s liberal arts background and to prepare those who wish to enter professional careers in schools, colleges, mass communication industry, educational and community theatres, and in business, industry and government. The three areas of emphasis within the program are Speech Communication, Theatre and Mass Communication.

Prerequisites for Admission

A bachelor's degree in Communication, Speech, Theatre, or Mass Communication is required for admission. Applicants may also be considered if they have an undergraduate minor in one of the communication areas. Students with minors in a communication area may need to take additional undergraduate course work to prepare them for entry into the graduate program.

Students will submit a two- to three-page essay titled "Reason for Graduate Study." This essay will address the applicant’s degree and career goals. It specifically will address how the Communicating Arts Graduate Program is a good fit for the student, as well as the student being a good fit for the program. Students should be specific regarding the fit by referring to coursework, faculty program areas and specializations, academic performance, and career goals. If an applicant has questions about the essay, he or she should contact the director of graduate studies in Communicating Arts.

Application Deadlines

Applications should be postmarked no later than April 1st to be considered for fall semester admission. Applications should be postmarked no later than October 15th to be considered for spring semester admission.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 30 graduate semester hours of approved coursework, with 15 credits at the 700 level.

For international students for whom English is not a first language, Communicating Arts requires a minimum of 550+ (560 preferred) on the TOEFL.

1. Graduate students entering the program must have completed an advanced performance course in their areas of study. (Public speaking, interpretation, acting or media performance.) Students who have not had that experience must take a course as part of this program using COMM 570, 698, 711 or 798.
2. COMM 701 Communication Theory is a required course for all graduate students.
3. Twenty-four credits in Communicating Arts courses numbering 500 and above, with fifteen credits at the 700 level.
4. Six credits in approved courses from a cognate area not previously used in numbers five and six below.
5. Twelve credits (among the cited 24 credits) are within a specialty area, either Speech Communication, Theatre or Mass Communication.
6. These 12 credits must be accomplished (earned) in coursework with a minimum of two Communicating Arts graduate faculty members represented in this instruction.
7. A thesis, research paper or production project (with supporting paper) must be done in conjunction with at least three semester credits either in COMM 780 or 798. If the thesis option is chosen, one copy should be filed in the Communicating Arts office and two copies in the Graduate Studies office for transmittal to the library. The committee for thesis, research papers and production projects must be formed to include a minimum of two Communicating Arts graduate faculty members.