MS—Applied Communication
Graduate Program Chairs
John Chetro-Szivos, PhD
Randy Howe, EdD
Graduate Committee
Robert Carr, PhD
Viera Lorencova, PhD
Charles Sides, PhD
Program Objectives
The Master of Science in Applied Communication Program at Fitchburg State College will provide a course of study examining the relationship between theory and effective communication practice in interpersonal, organizational, public and mass communication contexts. Upon graduation a student will be prepared to assume leadership roles in organizations, their community, or in the academy where they can promote the effective and ethical practice of communication.
Students choose from concentrations in:
- Applied Communication Studies
- Technical and Professional Writing
- Instructional Technology (offered at Rollins Griffith Teacher Center, Dorchester)
- Library Media (offered at Rollins Griffith Teacher Center, Dorchester)
Program Description
Courses are designed to prepare students to pursue careers in a broad range of media, business, public, and educational organizations; or to continue their graduate education beyond the master's level.
- Courses are conveniently offered in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate life-work schedules
- Distance learning opportunities are available for some courses
- The faculty includes experienced communications media practitioners and a community of scholars drawn from a wide variety of interests in the field of communications
Admissions Standards and Criteria
To apply for enrollment in the Master of Science in Applied Communication Program, a student must submit documents as outlined in the graduate admissions section as well as:
- Two or more years of experience with communication media technology for specific concentrations
- A possible departmental interview
Program Requirements
The Master of Science Degree in Applied Communication Program requires a total of 36 semester credit hours as follows:
Applied Communication Studies Track
Objectives
The Applied Communication Studies Track is designed to provide a solid foundation in the theories and concepts of communications which can be applied within business, industry, government, non-profit, and health services.
Technical and Professional Writing Track*
Objectives
The Technical and Professional Writing track is designed to provide knowledge and skills necessary to develop print and online communications materials within business, industry, government and journalistic enterprises.
*Note: This program utilizes a cohort model and will commence when sufficient enrollment is secured.
Instructional Technology Track (offered in the greater Boston area)
Objectives
The Instructional Technology track equips teachers and interested professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective development and management of media technology in school settings.
This program is designed to:
- Update teacher's technological skills with innovative curricula and courses
- Build on teacher's curriculum-based knowledge and equip them with skills for presenting information to students in new, innovative and creative methodologies
- Enable teachers to incorporate technology into their classroom curricula
- Assist teachers and other professionals in meeting the requirements for certification as a Unified Media Specialist
Library Media Track (offered in the greater Boston area)
Objectives
The Library Media track equips teachers with training in library and information science, and in media technology.
This program is designed to:
- Develop skills for operating library media centers
- Provide knowledge of the new information technologies
- Forge selection and utilization competencies for print and non-print media
- Assist educators in meeting the requirements for certification as a School Library Media Specialists.
Programs of Study
Applied Communication Studies Track
Required
COMM 7011 Foundations of Communications Studies 3 S.H.
COMM 8011 Interpersonal Communications 3 S.H.
COMM 8013 Applied Rhetoric 3 S.H.
COMM 9110 Communications Research Methods 3 S.H.
COMM 9120 Legal and Ethical Issues in Communication 3 S.H.
COMM 9130 Organizational Communication 3 S.H.
Subtotal 18 S.H.
Electives (choose four)
COMM xxxx Political Communication 3 S.H.
COMM 7012 Training and Development 3 S.H.
COMM xxxx Documentation Design 3 S.H.
COMM 8012 Intercultural Communication 3 S.H.
COMM 9010 Contemporary Issues in Communication 3 S.H.
COMM 9072 Persuasion in Context 3 S.H.
Additional elective offerings may be available
Subtotal 12 S.H.
Practicum or Thesis (choose one)
COMM 9200 Practicum in Communication 6 S.H.
COMM 9980 Thesis in Communication 6 S.H.
Subtotal 6 S.H.
>Degree Total 36 S.H.
Technical and Professional Writing Track
Required
COMM 7011 Foundations of Communications Studies 3 S.H.
COMM 9010 Contemporary Issues in Communication 3 S.H.
COMM 9110 Communications Research 3 S.H.
COMM 9120 Legal and Ethical Issues in Communication 3 S.H.
Subtotal 12 S.H.
Electives
COMM 7000 Writing Workshop 1 3 S.H.
COMM 7500 Writing Workshop 2 3 S.H.
COMM 8300 Writing Workshop 3 3 S.H.
COMM 8400 Writing Workshop 4 3 S.H.
COMM 8500 Philosophical Issues in Professional Writing 3 S.H.
COMM 9090 Interactive Design and Analysis in Communications Media 3 crs.
Subtotal 18 S.H.
Practicum or Thesis (choose one)
COMM 9200 Practicum in Communication 6 S.H.
COMM 9980 Thesis in Communication 6 S.H.
Subtotal 6 S.H.
Degree Total 36 S.H.
Library Media Track (offered in the greater Boston area)
Required
COMM 7011 Foundations of Communications Studies 3 S.H.
COMM 9010 Communications Technology Forecasting 3 S.H.
COMM 9110 Communications Research 3 S.H.
COMM 9120 Legal and Ethical Issues in Communication 3 S.H.
Subtotal 12 S.H.
Electives - Partial Listing (choose six)
COMM 7253 HTML: Developing a Third Generation Web Site 3 S.H.
COMM 8000 Administration of School/Library Media Centers 3 S.H.
COMM 8250 Advanced Studies in Children's and Young Adults Literature 3 S.H.
COMM 8600 Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials 3 S.H.
COMM 9030 Instructional Design and Analysis in Comm Media 3 S.H.
COMM 9090 Interactive Multimedia 3 S.H.
COMM 9975 Clinical Experience 3 S.H.
Subtotal 18 S.H.
Practicum or Thesis (choose one)
COMM 9200 Practicum in Communication 6 S.H.
COMM 9980 Thesis in Communication 6 S.H.
Subtotal 6 S.H.
Degree Total 36 S.H.
Certificate Options
Certificate of Achievement
As an alternative to the full master's degree, students completing COMM 9010, COMM 9120, COMM 9140, and COMM 9110, and two additional courses totaling 18 credit hours in Communications Media Management with a cumulative average of 3.0 or better may be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.
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