The master’s degree in communications is designed for the professional educator who is employed full-time in the education setting (e.g., teacher, school administrator, education specialist). It is a non-thesis program designed for the individual who wishes to apply the principles of communication to teaching academic disciplines. Classes are taught four weeks each summer in Charleston, Clarksburg, Martinsburg, Parkersburg, and Wheeling.

Admission Requirements

To graduate with the M.A. degree in Communication in Instruction, students must complete 36 hours of coursework and pass a comprehensive exam. All students must complete COMM 600 Communication in the Classroom and COMM 619 Communication and Affect in Instruction.

Of the 36 hours, 30 of the hours must be completed in the Department. All 36 hours of coursework may be taken in Communication Studies, but students may be able to transfer in 6 credits from another accredited program or university. An overall Grade Point Average of 3.00 is required for graduation.

Course Content

Students will study Communication in the Classroom, Interpersonal Communication, Theory and Research in Persuasion, Nonverbal Communication, Communication Apprehension and Avoidance, Small Group Theory and Practice, Media in Communication and Instruction, Communication and Affect in Instruction, Communication in the Educational Organization, Communication Problems of Children, Gender and Communication, Intercultural Communication, and Health Communication.

For detailed program information, please visit the Instructional Communication Homepage.