Degree Requirements for the Communication Studies
Graduate Program
Rules for Doctoral Comprehensive Exams
What you need to know to be ready for your comprehensive examps.
Master's Degree with Thesis Requirements
To complete the MA degree with Thesis, students are required to take CMS 081M in the first semester and 30 hours (24 hours of course work and 6 hours of thesis). The 24 hours of course work must include 6 hours in CMS outside of the major area of study; 6 hours outside of CMS, and two 3 hour thesis courses (698A and B) that are not taken in the same semester.
Student Responsibilities
Graduate students are responsible for knowing degree requirements and enrolling in courses that fit their degree program, for knowing University regulations concerning the standard of work required for continuance in the Graduate School, and for knowing University and departmental regulations of employment as a TA or AI.
Doctoral Program Requirements
To complete the Doctoral degree, students are required to take 45 hours of course work (courses to fulfill this requirement are determined by the student and the advisor) plus one zero hour course, CMS 081M (in the first semester), comprehensive exam, and at least 6 hours of dissertation.
Goal of the Doctoral Degree
The doctoral program in Communication Studies at the University of Texas is devoted to increasing understanding of the processes and effects of communication. As a result, doctoral students may specialize in one of several academic concentrations:
Master's Degree with Report Requirements
A master's degree with a Report is considered a terminal degree by the UT Communication Studies Department. A student with this degree from our department is not eligible to apply for the doctoral program. A report is library research, an extended literature review, a cap stone project. It does not usually require original data gathered by the student.
MA Dual Degree Programs
The Dual Degree Program is structured so that students can earn two master's degrees simultaneously in approximately three years. The College of Communication offers dual degree M.A. programs which may include a specialization in Advertising, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Journalism, Radio-Television-Film, or Communication Studies.
Evaluation of Student Progress
The faculty of each program annually review the progress of each student in the program. The review usually takes place during the Spring semester. Students are informed of their progress by the Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee. A copy of the letter is also placed in the student's file in the Graduate Coordinator's Office.
