Degrees Offered

Undergraduate Degree Program

Bachelor's Degree Program

The communication program teaches students to communicate effectively and ethically in a rapidly changing world characterized by diversity in gender, culture and belief. It offers a comprehensive background in the discipline in preparation for employment or further education. Students majoring in other disciplines find communication electives valuable additions to their programs.

The program is both theoretical and pragmatic, designed to prepare students for the professional workplace or for advanced study.

Choose from three concentrations offered through the Communication department:

Public Relations and Organizational Communication

COM F431 Public Relations Campaigns
COM F433 Public Relations Theory and Practice
COM F445 Organizational Communication
*COM F353 Conflict, Mediation and Communication
*COM F441 Persuasion
*COM F467 Communication Activism, Advocacy and Social Movements

Science and Environmental Communication

COM F211 Introduction to Science Communication: Theory & Practice
COM F312 Science Communication & the Environment
COM F313 Science & Intersectionality: Race, Gender and Sexuality
*COM F410 Public Engagement in Science Communication
*COM F462 Communication in Health Contexts ¹

Social Interaction

COM F331 Advanced Group Communication
COM F422 Communication in Interpersonal Relationships ¹
COM F445 Organizational Communication ¹
*COM F353 Conflict, Mediation and Communication
*COM F462 Communication in Health Contexts ¹

* recommended electives
¹Do not take these classes if considering the B.A./M.A. To maintain that option, only take them in the last year.

Arctic Village

Featured Course

COM F467 Communication Activism, Advocacy and Social Movements
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

This course will delve into activism and social change from a local and global perspective in order to enhance students’ perspectives of social change as it manifests via communication. This course will also introduce and analyze activist rhetoric, strategies for social justice and methods for communicative organizing.

Common Minors for Communication Majors

Minor in Communication

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Department of Communication at UAF also offer minors in Communication, Global Studies and Science and Environmental Communication.

Communication

Global Studies

Graduate Degree Program

Master's Degree in Professional Communication

The communication program prepares students to handle the challenges of communicating effectively and ethically in a rapidly changing world characterized by diversity in gender, cultural background and belief.

The M.A. in professional communication provides advanced education for individuals in or pursuing communication related careers in public/nonprofit organizations, media organizations, health care organizations or in higher education. Students take courses that focus on organizational communication theory and practices.

The program is both theoretically and pragmatically oriented to prepare students for the professional workplace or for doctoral study in organizations.

Learn more about what a MA in Professional Communication can do for you:

Members of the public attended UAF Lab Open House before the 2018 Alaska National Lab Day hosted at the Fairbanks campus.

Research

Faculty Research Areas

Faculty maintain active research agendas in a variety of communication sub-disciplines, including but not limited to gender, health, organizational, public relations, science, interpersonal, and activism communication.

Graduate Student Research

Graduate students are encouraged to work with faculty mentors to submit their research for publication and conference.

Course Work in Research Methods

Students are given hands on experience in qualitative and quantitative methods.

Teaching

Curriculum Development

Graduate students on TAships work with faculty mentors to develop curriculum for public speaking and group communication.

Classroom Management

Graduate students on TAships work with faculty mentors to facilitate public speaking and group communication.

Assessment of Student Learning

Graduate students on TAships work with faculty mentors to assess student performance and provide opportunities for improvement.

Jesslyn McGowan from Bethel presents to her English class at UAF's Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel.

Associate Professor Ute Kaden meets with education major Bennett Wong during Bennett's internship at Tanana Middle School during the spring 2015 semester.

Career Development

Internships

Students are encouraged to work internships in the community to get hands-on experience.

Portfolio Development

Classes are designed to ensure practical application of theory.

Leadership

Graduate students are encouraged to take on leadership opportunities through the speaking center and across the university.

TA Positions

Teaching Assistantships are available to full-time graduate students. For further information, please contact the Communication Department Chair, Amy May, amay11@alaska.edu or 907-474-7761.

Graduate assistants can be paid for a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session. Students with assistantships must be registered for at least nine credits during the fall and spring semesters and six credits during the summer (no audits).

Teaching assistantships include a tuition payment by the university:

For no more than 10 credits if the workload is 15 to 20 hours per week.
For no more than 5 credits if the workload is 10 to 14 hours per week.
If the assistantship appointment begins on or before the first day of instruction and ends on or after the last day of final examinations for that semester (16 or more weeks).`

Students

Top 10 Graduate Program FAQs

Are there comprehensive exams?

In place of a comprehensive exam, MA students will complete a research prospectus with their committee.

Is the GRE a requirement for admission?

No. The GRE is not required for admission. If scores are submitted, they will not be considered when evaluating a student's application.

Do you have to write a Master’s thesis?

Students have the option to write a thesis or complete a project.

Is there training for teaching?

Yes, as part of their teaching assistantship appointment, graduate students are required to take our mentored teaching course each semester. In addition, students are required to attend and participate in an orientation prior to the start of the semester.

Do graduate students teach their own courses?

Yes. Full-time graduate students on a teaching assistantship are required to teach either one or two sections of public speaking or group communication. Although these courses have a standardized curriculum, individual instructors have the flexibility to customize their courses.

Do you have to have an undergraduate degree in Communication to enter the graduate program?

No, students have a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.

Can the graduate program be completed on a part-time basis?

Yes, the Master’s program can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. The majority of classes are offered during the late afternoon or early evening hours to accommodate those who work during the day.

What are the minimum requirements to enter the program?

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above, a , and a writing sample are required as part of the application for graduate study.

Can the graduate program be completed via distance education?

Yes. We offer both in-person and completely virtual MA program options. We also provide a fully virtual option for Teaching Assistants.

What type of career does a MA in Communication prepare me for after graduation?

A MA degree in Communication prepares you to work in a variety of career fields, including marketing, training and development, and public relations. Students earning their MA also have the skills necessary to competitively compete for admission to a doctoral studies program.

Apply to Graduate School

Communication Graduate Student Handbook

Dates & Deadlines

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