College of Arts and Sciences
Communication Studies (M.A.)
College of Arts and Sciences
Communication Studies (M.A.)
Earn Your M.A. in Communication Studies at NMSU.
Pursue a distinguished career in human interaction with the Master of Arts in Communication Studies at New Mexico State University. Our M.A. program offers a social-scientific approach, blending quantitative and qualitative research to explore communication across interpersonal, organizational, political, cultural, health and mediated contexts.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 36
Delivery Format
In-person and 100% online.
Career Pathways
Graduates with a Master of Arts in Communication Studies can pursue a variety of roles in the communications field. Common job titles include:
- College instructor / lecturer
- Corporate communications specialist
- Public relations manager
- Media relations specialist
- Social media strategist
- Leadership communication consultant
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in Communication Studies? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.A. in Communication Studies at NMSU?
Flexible Completion Options
Choose between a thesis, applied project, or comprehensive exam track — each requiring 36 credit hours, inclusive of coursework and capstone experience.
Strong Foundational Curriculum
Graduate students begin with Research Methods (Quantitative or Qualitative) and Theories of Communication, followed by core courses spanning political, organizational, cultural, and interpersonal
Customizable Coursework
After core essentials, tailor your education through elective courses in leadership, health communication, persuasion, nonverbal communication, and technology — all shaped by your academic interests.
Career-Enhancing Opportunities
Engage in real-world experiences via doctoral-level internships, professional colloquia, and research presentations. Qualifying students may also serve as Graduate Teaching Assistants.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The department offers a thesis, comprehensive exam, and applied project options in its Masters of Arts program. All options require a minimum of 36 credits, which includes not only Communication Studies courses but at least one course from outside the department. The thesis option requires at least 30 credits of coursework, six credits of thesis hours (COMM 5999 Master's Thesis), and an oral defense of the thesis and coursework. The comprehensive exam option requires 36 credits of coursework, plus six hours of written examination, followed by an oral defense. The applied project option requires at least 30 credits of coursework, six credits of project hours (COMM 5994 MA Project), and an oral defense of the project and coursework. All options require a minimum of 30 credit hours of Communication Studies courses.
Take classes like:
- COMM 5110 Theories of Communication
- COMM 5210 Political Communication
- COMM 5510 Organizational Communication
- COMM 5130 Quantitative Research Methods
- COMM 5710 Communication and Culture
- COMM 5610 Interpersonal Communication
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.