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The Communication Studies Department offers a Master of Arts degree in the academic discipline of Communication Studies. Our program is designed to train scholars, educators, and applied experts by providing advanced instruction in the fundamental theories and research methods of communication studies. We offer students a balanced foundation in the discipline rather than limited areas of specialty, but students are encouraged to choose elective courses to enhance their programs of study. After earning their master’s degree at ������, graduates are prepared scholars, and many go on to earn doctoral degrees. To learn more about the program, see the and list of Graduate Faculty. For policies and procedures of our graduate program, please refer to the .

Graduate Courses

In addition to a series of two (2) core courses in rhetorical theories and methods, and two (2) core courses in social science theories and methods, we offer elective courses in the following areas: conflict management, gender and family dynamics, instructional communication, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, performance studies, persuasion, popular culture, public address, and rhetorical criticism. 

Each semester we offer two (2) required core courses and one to three (1-3) elective courses.

The program is 30 units. Most students finish in two (2) years by taking two or three (2-3) courses per semester. For more information about courses, see the .

Admission Requirements

Successful applicants must provide evidence of:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or university posted by the start of the Fall semester. The bachelor’s degree does not need to be in the field of communication; however, students with degrees in other areas may be asked to take several prerequisite courses.
2. Good fit with the department goals and faculty.
3. A minimum GPA of 3.0.
4. Three letters of recommendation from professors (preferred), teachers, or academic mentors who can judge intellectual aptitude and work ethic. To fulfil this requirement, recommenders must complete a general recommendation form—found on Cal State Apply—and are also encouraged, though not required, to provide an accompanying letter.
5. For international students, either a TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based version) or 550 (paper version); other exam formats like the IELTS are also accepted. International applicants should apply through Cal State Apply and be sure to submit an for admission instead of the general graduate application. For more information on international admissions, visit International Enrollment Management.

Note: Due to anticipated delays in processing, international applicants are encouraged to initiate their application processes by the early consideration deadline listed below.

Application Deadlines and Materials Needed

Early consideration deadline for the Fall 2026 term: February 15, 2026

Final deadline to apply for the Fall 2026 term: April 1, 2026

Applicants must complete a University Application using 

International students must apply to the University through 

Please direct any questions about your application to the Graduate Advisor, Dr. Christopher Duerringer

Application Materials

Cal State Apply application materials include:

• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation - Required
• CV/ Résumé - Required
• Statement of Purpose - Required
• Unofficial Transcripts - Required
• Writing Sample - Optional

The Department of Communication Studies asks that applicants also adhere to these guidelines when submitting their application materials: 

• Of the three (3) required Letters of Recommendation, two (2) of your letters, if not all three, should be from academic references (i.e., professors, teachers, or academic mentors) who can judge your intellectual aptitude and work ethic and attest to your potential for graduate study. Again, recommenders must complete a general recommendation form—found on Cal State Apply—and are also encouraged to submit an accompanying letter.
• For your Statement of Purpose, please provide an essay, not to exceed two (2) double-spaced pages, that helps us understand why you are interested in joining our graduate program and addresses your background, education in communication studies, research interests, and future career aspirations in academia.

Assistantships*

Students in good standing are eligible to be hired as both a Teaching Associate and Graduate Assistant with a total combined hours of no more than 20 per week. 

Teaching Associates*

Students in good standing are eligible to be hired for teaching associate positions (TA). Typically, TAs receive a stipend of up to $668.00 to $682.00 per month, per 3-unit course, paid out in six months.  If qualified, TAs typically teach multiple sections of lower division activity sections including interpersonal communication, public speaking, and argumentation and debate. 

Graduate Assistants*

Students in good standing are also eligible to be hired as graduate assistants (GA). GAs will perform a combination of duties which may include assisting professors with large lecture courses, assisting with department programs such as the Hauth Center, interACT Troupe, or Speech and Debate. The stipend for a GA position can range from $668.00 to $1075.00 per month depending on hours assigned.  This is paid out in four months.

* These positions do not include a waiver for tuition or fees. Additional funding opportunities may be available through our Centers and Programs.

*Please see the following link for a complete description and requirement of duties: /college-of-liberal-arts/open-student-positions

*Pages 22-24 of the Graduate Handbook details how to remain in “good standing”

* These positions are not guaranteed.

Program Costs

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. To understand how this breaks down into a cost per semester, please see the tuition schedule for the University . For more information about paying for college, see

State University Grant

The State University Grant (SUG) program provides need-based awards to eligible undergraduate and graduate/postbaccalaureate students who are California residents or otherwise determined as eligible, such as AB 540-eligible students. When you apply for financial aid via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application (CADA) you are considered for a SUG by your campus.