Communication

Duquesne University’s M.A. in communication is a flexible program that draws from the richness of the communication field to allow you to pursue a number of interests and professional goals.

Working closely with the M.A. program directors, you will choose courses housed in any of the emphasis areas to develop a unique program of study designed to build particular skill sets and capabilities necessary for an ever-changing marketplace.

As you develop competencies in a number of diverse areas—including intercultural and interpersonal communication, organizational communication, argumentation, persuasion, event planning—you will be prepared for careers in both the for-profit and not-for-profit industries, law, public policy or business.

All coursework is delivered in traditional, hybrid and distance-learning formats.

 

Program Information

Our M.A. in Communication is a dynamic and well-rounded curriculum that allows you to dive deep into the parts the communication field that best align with your academic and career goals.

Degree

Master's

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Academic Department

Communication and Rhetorical Studies

Required Credit Hours

30

"Duquesne’s MA in communications program is absolutely incredible. The professors and classes definitely prepare you for the workforce, diving into new ways of thinking about communication, especially in our society as it is today."

—Francesca Malozi

Program Requirements

You must take the following core courses and then choose a concentration area for the remaining requirements.

  • COMM 500 Professional Communication
  • COMM 501 Persuasion in the Marketplace
  • COMM 515 Organizational Communication
  • COMM 522 Communication Research Methods
  • COMM 523 Communication Ethics & Professional Civility
Communication Studies
  • Students select five (5) electives in consultation with advisors.

Rhetoric of Philosophy & Technology
  • COMM 559 Philosophy of Communication
  • COMM 561 Rhetorical Theory
  • COMM 511 Rhetoric of Digital Communication
  • COMM 610 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Cyberspace/
  • COMM 628 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Technology
  • One (1) elective in consultation with advisors.

Graduate Practicum Program

Our internship office walks a humanities education into the marketplace.

We are dedicated to providing you with high-quality internship opportunities to help you make the transition from learning communication in the classroom to practicing communication in the marketplace. The internship at the undergraduate level is mirrored by the practicum at the M.A. level.

The internship office provides you with assistance with resume and interviewing skills and offers a wide variety of communication practicum opportunities. Recent placements have been in organizations such as the following:

  • Alzheimer's Association
  • Bellwether
  • Duquesne University Office of Alumni Relations
  • Mylan
  • Velocity Robotics
  • Visit Pittsburgh
  • Yeshiva Schools

These experiences serve as true internship opportunities, requiring you to create proposals, partake in mid-internship performance appraisals and track weekly time reports.