2013-2014

Applied Communication, Master of Arts

School of Communication

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

We designed this plan to provide students with advanced skills in communication analysis, problem-solving, critical-thinking, research, theoretical application, and written communication.

  • Available Emphasis Areas:
  • Communication Studies - Emphasis (beginning Fall 2014) (ending Summer 2017)
  • Documentary Studies - Emphasis (beginning Fall 2014)

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 36
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required
Research Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • GRE® Revised General Test
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • A writing sample
    • A personal statement or essay
    • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Master's Requirements

  • Take the following 36 units:

    • COM 600, COM 601, and COM 698 (9 units)
    • Select either the Thesis Option or the Project Option (27 Units)
    Thesis Option
    • Additional coursework selected with your advisor; this can include, with advisor approval, up to 9 units of coursework outside of Communication and Communication Studies and no more than 6 units of individualized studies as independent studies, directed readings, and research. (21 units)
    • COM 699, be aware that you may end up taking more than the 6 units you can count toward your degree because you must enroll each fall and spring semester while you work on your thesis. You must enroll for at least 3 units the semester in which you will graduate, including summer, regardless of the number of units already taken. (6 units)
    Project Option
    • Additional coursework selected with your advisor; this can include, with advisor approval, up to 9 units of coursework outside of Communication and Communication Studies and no more than 6 units of individualized studies as independent studies, directed readings, and research. (24 units)
    • COM 690 (3 units)

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.