Level up your skills
Our MA in communication studies focuses on new communication technologies (like artificial intelligence and UX applications), social media management, and organizational communication to provide innovative, relevant coursework and hands-on experience. Update or upgrade your professional communication skills and develop valuable new ones with a master’s degree in communication studies from Tarleton.
- Designed for experienced professionals and recent graduates
- Flexible and accessible
- No GRE requirement
- 30-hour program
- No thesis
- Mix of face-to-face evening classes and online or hybrid classes
- Includes certificates in Organizational Communication and Social Media Strategy
- Tailored to your educational needs and career goals
A Future-Ready Degree
You will examine the role of communication at the intersection of organizational and technical applications, including computer-mediated communication. Yes, that means artificial intelligence, social media, and user experience (UX) considerations. You’ll study current with emerging tools and trends in communication to expand your knowledge and job skills while staying ahead of the curve in an ever-changing social media landscape and job market.
You’ll Learn
Develop advanced knowledge and skills in applying computer-mediated strategies and organizational communication tools and technologies to real-world situations.
- How communication shapes management styles and informs organizational culture
- How to effectively identify and direct small-group interactions with organizations.
- How to create and evaluate social media campaigns and content
- How to counsel organizations in ethical communication and communication planning
- How to consult and evaluate communication research and big data for decision-making
- How to develop communication that enhances the user experience
- How to integrate technology into your communication efforts
Sample Courses
Our courses are informed by theory and practiced in real-world applications:
- New Communication Technology — keep up-to-date and on the cutting edge from mobile tech to AI to social media to whatever comes next
- Social Media Analytics — apply your digital analytics skills to measure campaign effectiveness and enhance user experiences
- Organizational Communication Theory — connect the dots from observation and research to internal and external communication in action
- Social Media Campaigns — construct plans and targeted content based on trends and research
- Communication Ethics — feel confident navigating organizational decisions and counseling management on ethics
- Communication Pedagogy — prepare to teach college comm courses
- And specialized courses and independent study options with your faculty mentors
Careers and Beyond
With knowledge and skills in social media tools and analytics, applied communication theory and innovative communication strategies, our communication master’s graduates are well prepared for a variety of jobs, such as:
- Social Media Manager
- Public Relations Director
- Internal Communications Specialist
- Training and Development Specialist
- Travel and Tourism Promoter
- Business Leaders
- Marketing Director
- Communications Manager
Specialized Certificates
Explore our 9-hour certificates.
Texas Social Media Research Institute
Texas Social Media Research Institute (TSMRI) researches social media policy development, social media partnerships, and community engagement.
The Journal of Social Media in Society
Our peer-reviewed, open-access online journal features scholarly articles and book reviews exploring social media and its impact on society.
Graduate Faculty Spotlight
Jennifer Edwards, Ed.D.
Professor of Communication Studies
Jennifer Edwards earned her Ed.D. in Higher Education from Sam Houston State University. She directs the Texas Social Media Research Institute and the Rural Communication Institute. At Tarleton, she teaches graduate courses in new communication technology, social mediated communication, social media campaigns, and undergraduate courses in organizational communication and intercultural communication.
A focused researcher, Dr. Edwards’ work features community and business aspects of communication. She has received numerous federal, state, and local grants focused on communication outreach, health, and rural populations.
Dr. Edwards has partnered with students to explore various fields of research.
Learn more about Tarleton’s Department of Communication Studies.