Please note that the information presented here is intended to help you answer any questions you might have about our program requirements. However, requirements of the University’s Graduate School, the College of Communication and Fine Arts, and the Communication Department are subject to change. In planning any course of study or degree program, you should consult your advisor and the Graduate School Catalog.

In addition to the requirements listed here, you should read the University of Memphis the information on Graduate School requirements and regulations, the information in each semester’s schedule of classes, announcements posted on the Department’s Home Page and notices posted on the board outside the Main Office, Room 212, Art and Communication Building. Remember: requirements of the University’s Graduate School, the College of Communication and Fine Arts, and the Communication Department are subject to change. In planning any course of study or degree program, you should consult your advisor and the Graduate Catalog.

1. MA students must successfully complete a minimum of 36 hours of graduate courses (only 2 C’s are allowed in a graduate program). Seventy percent of your course work must be at the 7000 level or above. In other words, for a 36-hour degree, no more than 10 credits may be at the 6000 level. No courses below the 6000 level will count for academic credit.
2. You must successfully complete (B- or above) two of the following core courses (Descriptions of each are in the Graduate Catalog):
• COMM 7321 Communication Theory
• COMM 7350 Rhetorical Theory
• COMM 7804 Seminar in Media Theory and Criticism
3. All MA students with a concentration in Film and Video Production must take 3 credits of COMM 7892 Film and Video Production before beginning their final special project.
4. The thesis, special project, and practicum all carry academic credit, which counts toward the minimum 36-hour requirement.
5. Up to 9 hours outside the department may be applied to the minimum hour requirement with the approval of your MA committee.
6. Up to 6 semester hours earned at another institution may be applied to the minimum hour requirement with the approval of your MA committee. See the Transfer Credit form from the Graduate School for complete information. Note that while the Graduate School allows 12 semester hours to be transferred in, our Department allows only 6.

Remember: You must be aware of and meet all requirements of the Graduate School.