The University of South Dakota

Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders

Our program emphasizes communication that invites and embraces diversity. Our students have varied backgrounds and undergraduate majors, including communication, business, English, mass communication, counseling, and education.

We prepare students for leadership positions in business, public administration or education; specific focus is on careers in management, personnel, marketing, organizational consulting, human resources development and academic administration. Our program also includes preparation for doctoral work, and for teaching in the communication field at public school or college level.

Master of Arts Degree

Graduate students are encouraged to design individually-tailored programs of study to meet your career goals. Course work is offered in two areas of specialization: Organizational Communication and General Communication Studies. Within each of the these areas, a student pursuing a graduate degree may select between two tracts: 

• Plan A (thesis and oral defense): Plan A requires no less than 30 semester credit hours, with a minimum of 18 credit hours of course work in their major department, an additional 4 to 6 credit hours of thesis, and a minimum of 6 hours outside the major area. Plan A is recommended for students who have an interest in research and pursuing a doctorate degree in Communication Studies.
• Plan B (comprehensive exam and portfolio): Plan B requires no less than 32 semester credit hours, with a minimum of 18 credit hours in the major department and a minimum of 8 credit hours outside the major area. 

Application Process

To apply to our M.A. program, please first visit the graduate school page. Application requirements, forms, and directions are provided online. Once all of your materials are received by the graduate school, your packet will be forwarded to the Department of Communication Studies for review. 

Requirements for acceptance into the M.A. program:

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale
• Completion of a minimum of 15 credit hours of undergraduate Communication Studies or a related discipline
• 2-4 page personal statement of purpose that includes the student's philosophy regarding the value and goals of higher education
• January 30 application deadline

Once you have been accepted into the Communication Studies M.A. program, your application will be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship. Positions for teaching assistantships will be filled no later than March 15.

For additional information, please see the Graduate School catalog or contact:

Terry Robertson, Department Chair, Associate Professor
605-677-6208
troberts@usd.edu 

Carolyn Prentice, Director of the Graduate Program
605-677-5912
carolyn.prentice@usd.edu