At least 36 hours and a comprehensive written examination and oral defense are required for graduation. All students in Communication Studies must take nine hours of required courses:

CM 7390 Seminar in Professional Development
3 semester hours

CM 8300 Foundations in Communication Studies
3 semester hours

CM 9300 Foundations in Communication Theory
3 semester hours

Students select an additional 15 hours in Communication Studies and 12 elective hours from any graduate program subject to the approval of the Graduate Program Director.  Six hours of thesis credit will be counted towards the degree requirements of those individuals choosing to write a thesis.