Communication Studies
Corporate and Organizational
Graduate Program
for Business and Corporate Personnel
The Department of Communication Studies offers a Corporate and Organizational specialization for individuals interested in a career in communication intensive positions in a variety of organizational environments. Career options available to communication specialists are very diverse and often dependent upon advanced education in Communication Studies as specific education and/or experience related to the type of organization involved (large corporation, small business, government, health care, military, education, foundation, service volunteer agency, etc.) Whether the position involves management, sales, public relations, or marketing, success in virtually all positions in the work force is largely dependent on effective communication.
The Corporate and Organizational Communication program is designed to produce a communication generalist with a broad understanding of effective communication in organizational systems. The purpose of the program is to provide education in Communication as it applies to both internal and external communication for college graduates who wish to develop their communication competencies for advancement in their organization or as preparation for opportunities in other organizations. Classes are being offered in Clarksburg, Charleston, Martinsburg, and Parkersburg.
REQUIREMENTS:
A minimum of 36 hours of course work with at least 30 hours in the Department of Communication Studies.
Successful completion of written and oral comprehensive exams. The oral exam may be waived with the approval of the student’s examination committee, Chairperson, and the Coordinator of Graduate Extended Learning Programs.
Students must achieve a grade of “A” or “B” in each graduate class.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The student not desiring a graduate degree may take a 15 hour specialization and be awarded a certificate upon completion. The certificate credits earned may be counted toward a degree completion if the student decides to pursue a graduate degree and is admitted prior to completion of the certificate program. The courses required in this 15 hour program are: Applied Communication Theory; Nonverbal Communication in Organizations: Theory & Research in Organizational Communication; Persuasion; and Gender Communication.
F. Y. I. Classes usually meet on weekends, and other times at a convenient site. Comprehensive exams will also be given at this site. You will take classes in a cohort model. In other words, you will start and finish your class work with the same group of individuals. In order to schedule classes, the Communication Studies Coordinator of Extended Learning will work with you to arrange the best possible dates to meet.
FACULTY:
See The Graduate Faculty section of the On-Campus M.A. Graduate Program
APPLICATION:
An application for graduate school can be accessed on-line at www.arc.wvu.edu or by contacting Kim Beerbower (KBeerbow@wvu.edu).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How long do I have to finish the program?
A. It takes 24 months to finish.
Q. May I count hours taken form WVGC, Marshall , or another graduate school?
A. Yes. You may count up to six hours from another accredited graduate school. (Verify with Dr. Richmond.)
Q. Are there special pitfalls I should watch for?
A. Do not take any courses P/F, CR, S/U, or 900 level courses; they will not count towards this degree. You must maintain a “B” or higher in ALL courses taken toward the degree.
Q. Do I have to check with my advisor before enrolling for an elective course outside of the department?
A. Yes. Contact Virginia Richmond, the Communication Studies program coordinator via e-mail at vrichmon@mix.wvu.edu
Q. Can I take all 36 hours in the COMM Program?
A. YES!
Q. How do I get my 36 hours?
A. Ten courses are offered at a site in your region of the State (30 hours). You will take another six credits (TBA with Dr. Richmond) to reach the program requirement of 36 graduate hours.
COURSES
Communication Studies 602
Interpersonal Communication
Communication Studies 604*
Persuasion
Communication Studies 606*
Organizational Communication
Communication Studies 612
Small Group Communication
Communication Studies 622*
Gender and Communication
Communication Studies 626
Intercultural Communication
Communication Studies 693
Mediated Communication
Communication Studies 694
Seminar in Communication
Communication Studies 695**
Independent Study (by permission only)
Communication Studies 791*
Applied Communication: Theory and Research
Communication Studies 791A*
Applied Nonverbal Communication
Communication 792**
Directed Study: Issues in Contemporary Communication
Communication Studies 794
Training and Development (3-6 hours)
Communication Studies 794
Communibiology
*Required courses
**Permission required. These courses can be considered for credit after a student has completed 15 hours in Communication.
Coordinator: Dr. Virginia P. Richmond
vrichmon@mix.wvu.edu
West Virginia University
Department of Communication Studies
108 Armstrong Hall
PO Box 6293
Morgantown, WV 26506-6293
Phone: 304-293-3905 Fax: 304-293-8667