Program Overview
The masters in communication studies at the University of Kansas is a research-intensive program designed to train the next generation of scholars in human communication. The program’s primary mission is to develop students’ ability to conduct original research, with the majority of MA graduates go on to pursue doctoral study in communication or a related field. Others apply their advanced training to careers in business, legal consulting, politics, organizational communication, and related fields.
Students work within one of two research areas — Relationships & Social Interaction, or Rhetoric & Political Communication — and work closely with faculty mentors to develop expertise in theory, research design, and scholarly writing. Through a combination of seminars, independent research, and collaborative scholarship, students build the skills to produce rigorous, theory-driven research that contributes to the broader field of communication.
KU’s MA in Communication Studies is part of a department recognized for its openness to innovative, interdisciplinary scholarship. Faculty were among the first in the discipline to develop courses and research focused on organizational rhetoric, and the department consistently ranks among the highest in graduate student satisfaction surveys across the field.
Rooted in a tradition of excellence, KU’s communication studies masters programs provide a supportive, research-intensive environment where students engage with faculty on topics such as political communication, rhetorical theory, strategic messaging, media culture, social influence, and interpersonal dynamics. Faculty expertise spans rhetorical and political communication as well as relationships and social interaction, allowing students to pursue specialized scholarly interests within a comprehensive master of communication studies framework.
Students in KU’s masters in communication studies program choose between two concentrations:
- Rhetorical and Political Communication
- Relationships and Social Interaction
Both tracks emphasize theoretical depth, methodological rigor, and application. Students gain experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, rhetorical criticism, and social scientific inquiry. The program culminates in one of two options:
- Thesis: Designed for students pursuing doctoral study or research careers, this option requires completion of an original written thesis and a final oral thesis defense, in addition to the 30-credit-hour curriculum.
- Exam: Designed for students focused on applying advanced communication knowledge in professional contexts, this option requires students to pass both a written and oral comprehensive examination in their final semester, covering their two areas of concentration.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Communication Studies, MAKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Master of Communication Studies is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Master’s in Communication Studies Learning Outcomes
Graduates of KU’s masters in communication studies program will:
- Conduct original, ethical, and publishable research in Communication Studies independently and/or in research teams.
- Demonstrate competence in at least one method for conducting research in Communication Studies.
- Demonstrate an understanding of humanistic or social science theories in Communication Studies.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how communication is shaped by and in turn shapes factors such as race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, age, ability, geography, and/or culture.
- Demonstrate competence in effective, ethical, and inclusive instruction within Communication Studies.
These outcomes reflect the expectations of top-tier communication studies graduate programs, emphasizing both scholarly rigor and applied expertise.
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Communication Studies?
Graduates from KU’s masters in communication studies program pursue diverse career paths across academic, nonprofit, corporate, media, and governmental sectors. According to Lightcast labor market data, professionals with advanced training in communication experience competitive earning potential and steady demand.
Career paths include:
- Public relations specialist
- Communication strategist
- Media analyst
- Corporate trainer
- Political communication consultant
- College instructor
- Organizational communication specialist
Demand remains strong for professionals skilled in research design, rhetorical analysis, and evidence-based messaging. Common communication studies masters jobs emphasize leadership, audience analysis, and data-informed communication strategy. For students considering long-term academic careers, this masters in communication provides essential preparation for doctoral programs nationwide.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Funding is a significant strength of the KU Communication Studies MA program. Almost all MA students are funded through the department as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) or Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs). Funding packages include a competitive stipend, full tuition coverage, and health care benefits.
In addition, GTAs and GRAs receive annual travel support to attend academic conferences, and the department awards approximately $25,000 per year in graduate awards recognizing excellence in research, teaching, and service.
For more information on tuition rates and funding opportunities, visit KU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.
Admission Requirements
To apply to the masters in communication studies program, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (communication or related field preferred)
- Provide official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Include a statement of purpose academic and career goals
- Submit three letters of recommendation indicating academic interests and how they relate to faculty research areas, including naming specific faculty of interest
- Provide a writing sample of academic work, such as a senior thesis, seminar paper, or master’s thesis
- Resume/CV
- TOEFL or IELTS scores required for non-native English speakers
Visit the Department of Communication Studies for more information.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students enrolled in KU’s masters in communication studies benefit from a dynamic intellectual community and extensive research opportunities. The program prioritizes mentorship, collaborative inquiry, and professional development. Opportunities include:
- Collaborative research projects with faculty in political rhetoric, digital media, health communication, and interpersonal studies
- Presentation opportunities at regional and national academic conferences
- Training in advanced qualitative and quantitative methodologies
- Thesis research or comprehensive exam pathways aligned with career goals
Master’s in Communication Studies Sample Courses
Coursework in KU’s communication studies masters programs includes core seminars, research methodology courses, and specialized electives aligned with each concentration. Sample courses include:
- Communication Research: Historical and Descriptive
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Seminar in Rhetorical Criticism
- Organizing Identity, Identification, and Stigma
Students in the masters in communication studies engage deeply with theory, research, and applied scholarship throughout the curriculum. View the full curriculum in the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Communication Studies Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The deadline to apply for fall semester admissions is Jan. 6.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.