The Department of Communication Studies at California State University, Long Beach offers a Master of Arts degree which involves advanced work in communication studies. A student may construct a personalized program that draws from the following areas: rhetoric, interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, instructional, performance studies, or forensics.
Our department offers a Masters of Arts degree in Communication Studies. Our program provides students with advanced instruction in the major theories and research methods in this academic discipline. Our graduates typically go on to doctoral programs or become communication instructors at the community college level. For course descriptions and degree requirements, see the University Catalog: http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/catalog/2011-2012/cla/comm/comm_grad_programs.html
Applications for Fall 2012 are due on February 24, 2012. We do not accept admissions for the spring semester or consider late applications. For more information, please contact the Graduate Advisor, Dr. Marc Rich: marc.rich@csulb.edu
Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or university. The bachelor’s degree does not need to be in the field of communication. However, students with degrees in other areas may be asked to take several prerequisite courses in our 'core' areas. These courses may include: survey of rhetorical theory (300); communication criticism (301); communication theory (306); measurement in communication research (307).
There should be a good fit with the department goals and faculty. We tend to admit students whose educational and professional goals align with our department.
A minimum GPA of 3.00.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 900 combined on the verbal and quantitative sections, with no less than 400 on either section. On August 1, 2011, the GRE revised the test and scoring system. For tests taken after 8/1/11, applicants will need a minimum combined score of 297 on the verbal and quantitative sections, with no less than 146 on either section. See www.ets.org/gre.
For international students, TOEFL scores of 213 (computer version) or 550 (paper version). See http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/iec/ for more information for international admissions.
Application Process
Complete the University application through CSU Mentor (www.csumentor.edu).
Download and complete the department application and personal statement (Application form ).
Program Description and Degree Requirements http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/catalog/2011-2012/cla/comm/comm_grad_programs.html
International Education
http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/iec/
Department Graduate Student Handbook
University Graduate Handbook
http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/projects/grad/handbook/index.html
Petition Forms
If you are a prospective, new, or continuing graduate student with questions, please contact the Graduate Advisor: Dr. Marc Rich (marc.rich@csulb.edu); office: AS 362; Phone: 562-985-8835
