This degree allows the student to construct a personalized program that draws from the following areas: rhetorical, interpersonal, organizational, or intercultural communication, performance studies, forensics or instructional communication.
Admission
1. Application for Admission to the University. The office of Enrollment Services processes applications to the University (forms available through that office) and forwards those meeting University criteria to the Department.
2. Application to the Department. In addition to the University application, prospective students are also required to submit an application and supporting materials directly to the Department. An application form along with detailed instructions are available on-line at the Department's website (http://www.csulb.edu/depts/comstudies). Generally, the department accepts students who have a minimum 3.0 Overall Undergraduate GPA and a minimum combined score of 900 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (minimum of 400 per section). The decision to admit is never based on a single indicator. Students who do not meet these requirements may seek admission through appeal.
3. Admissions Appeal Policy. Students whose GPA and/or GRE scores are below the minimum may seek admission through an appeal letter to the Graduate Advisor. The Graduate Advisor shall distribute copies of any appeal letters to the Graduate Committee. The Graduate Committee shall consider the merits of each appeal letter and determine whether an exception ought to be made with regard to the GPA and/or GRE requirements. The decision of the Graduate Committee is final. Students who are not accepted into the program may not enroll in graduate courses in the Department of Communication Studies. Graduate courses taken through Open University will not apply to the student's degree program in the Department of Communication Studies.
4. Teaching Associateships and Graduate Assistantships. Employment as a Teaching Associate or Graduate Assistant falls under the jurisdiction of the Personnel Committee of the Department. The positions pay approximately $950.00 per month. Tuition is not waived. Interested students should send letters of application, transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation to: Chair, Department of Communication Studies, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., MHB-717, Long Beach, CA 90840-2407.
5. Advising. Consult the Graduate Advisor to plan a program of study and to receive information regarding Department procedures prior to enrollment. The Graduate Advisor and/or a faculty mentor will guide students through their programs.
General Considerations
Prerequisites
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies (or its equivalent) from a fully-accredited college or university must have approved coursework in the following:
Requirements
These requirements are those listed in the 1996-97 University Catalog and thus are relevant to students advancing to candidacy during or after Fall 1995. For requirements applicable to students advancing to candidacy prior to Fall 1995, consult appropriate University Catalog.
Any questions not answered in these pages should be directed to the Department Graduate Advisor.
Students may apply the following graduate courses in Communication Studies toward the Master’s Degree: COMM 531, 541, 546, 590, 600, 610, 611, 614, 620, 625, 630, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 646, 648, 649, 650, 697, 698
COMM 300, 301, 306, 307, 309, and 330.
