Graduate Student
Handbook
MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN COMMUNICATION
Department of Communication, Media and Theatre Arts
Eastern Michigan University
124 Quirk Building
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
734.487.3131
www.emich.edu/cmta
December, 2013
This handbook is for current Communication graduate students in the Communication, Media and Theatre Arts
Department at Eastern Michigan University. Careful reading will familiarize you with the requirements of the
program, advising and policies, and will provide forms and other helpful resources. This guide is a supplement to,
not a substitute for, the University Graduate Catalog.
1 Table of Contents
Master of Arts in Communication – Mission Statement and Program Student Learning Outcomes .................................... 3 Admissions Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 Program Requirements ......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Advising and your Program of Study ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Graduate Advisor: .............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Planning your Program of Study: ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Graduate Course Offerings by Semester ............................................................................................................................... 6 Course Descriptions ............................................................................................................................................................... 6 Terminal Requirement ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 Forming your Committee: ................................................................................................................................................. 8 Thesis: ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Timeline for completion of a Thesis: ............................................................................................................................. 9 Outline for Thesis Proposal .......................................................................................................................................... 10 Professional Project: ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 Timeline for completion of a Project: .......................................................................................................................... 11 Outline for Project Proposal ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Exam: ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Timeline for Completing the Exam: ............................................................................................................................. 13 Ethics and Graduate Education ........................................................................................................................................... 14 Research Ethics and Human Subjects: ............................................................................................................................. 14 Plagiarism: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Graduate Assistantships ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 Faculty Bios .......................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Resources and Helpful Links ................................................................................................................................................ 19 Appendix A: Program of Study ............................................................................................................................................ 20 Appendix B: Degree Requirement Approval Form ............................................................................................................. 21 Appendix C: Thesis/Project Proposal Approval Forms ........................................................................................................ 22 Appendix D: Thesis Approval Form ..................................................................................................................................... 24 Appendix E: Project Approval Form .................................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix F: Exam Approval Form ....................................................................................................................................... 26 2 Master of Arts in Communication – Mission Statement and
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Program Mission Statement
The Master of Arts in Communication prepares students for study at the Ph.D. level, teaching, and
other professional careers. The program provides balanced education in communication studies to
equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply theory and research in both
academic and professional contexts. Our goal is to promote excellence in ethical and responsible
communication that results in students becoming effective communicators and citizens of society.
Programmatic Student Learning Outcomes
•
•
•
•
•
Students will explicate the traditions and contemporary expressions of scholarship within the
discipline
Students will articulate the uniqueness and contributions of the communication discipline
Students will apply quantitative and/or qualitative research techniques to communication
phenomena
Students will critically assess academic scholarship
Students will demonstrate professional standards in the presentation of their work
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must:
1. Meet the admission requirements for the Graduate School and be accepted in the program by
the department
2. Have at least a minor or equivalent in communication or speech
3. Have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.7 (exceptions on recommendation of area
faculty)
4. In the case of international students, have a minimum TOEFL score (see the admissions web
site at www.emich.edu/admissions for minimum scores)
3 Program Requirements
Master of Arts in Communication, Non-Concentration Track
•
•
•
Early in their graduate work, students must prepare an official program of study in consultation with an
assigned graduate advisor and file it with the Office of Records and Registration
Students must successfully meet all conditions as stipulated upon entry into the program
Students must complete at least 30 hours of approved coursework with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Research and Theory Requirements (9 hours)
Course
CTAC 600 Communication Inquiry
CTAC 677 Communication Research
CTAC 678 Communication Theory
Credit Hours
3
3
3
*Restricted Electives (15-21 hours) – Choose from the following CTAC courses:
Course
CTAC 640 Theories of Persuasion
CTAC 641 Rhetorical Theory
CTAC 642 Communication and Negotiation
CTAC 643 Communication Activism and Change
CTAC 644 Communication and Conflict Resolution
CTAC 645 Interpersonal Communication
CTAC 647 Intercultural Communication
CTAC 648 Organizational Communication
CTAC 649 Small Group Communication
CTAC 650 Community Communication
CTAC 652 Health Communication
CTAC 693/694/695 Seminar in Communication and Theatre Arts
CTAC 679/680/681 Special Topics
CTAC 697/698/699 Independent Study
Credit Hours
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1/2/3
1/2/3
1/2/3
*Other courses may be substituted for the above with faculty advisor approval
Terminal Requirements (0-6 Hours)
Option
Comprehensive Exam
CTAC 692 Degree Requirement (Thesis)
CTAC 692 Degree Requirement (Project)
Credit Hours
None
6
3
4 Advising and your Program of Study
Graduate Advisor:
All graduate students are assigned an initial advisor at the time of admission. Your advisor will help
you select courses and assist you in filing a Program of Study (described below).
You are highly encouraged to consult with your advisor before beginning any graduate coursework.
Not every class is offered each term, or even every year! Your advisor will know what courses will be
offered in the near future, and can help you plan ahead. Please seek out your advisor for support and
advice at the beginning of your program and as needed or requested by your advisor throughout your
time here at EMU.
You may keep your initial assigned advisor as your permanent advisor or change to another member
of the graduate faculty. The choice of advisor is yours dependent, of course, on the faculty member’s
consent. Usually students select a professor whose interests coincide with theirs and from whom they
have taken at least one class. If you do change advisors, please be sure to notify your advisor and
the department Graduate Coordinator of any change. Your permanent advisor will guide your
program of study and will help you complete forms and meet deadlines.
Planning your Program of Study:
The Master of Arts in Communication program is designed to help students develop fully their
individual interests and abilities. The Program of Study is the contractual agreement that makes this
possible.
The Program of Study must be filed within the first 12 hours of course work and should be filed after
two to three courses are completed. Prompt filing of the Program of Study helps to insure that
students take required courses when they are available and that they enroll in courses that will satisfy
their degree requirements.
Each student, in consultation with his or her advisor, selects the appropriate coursework and terminal
degree requirement that in combination, meets the minimum required 30 hours for the degree. All
courses included in the degree program must be listed on the Program of Study.
Students submit the signed Program of Study form to the Department Graduate Coordinator, where it
is then forwarded to the Graduate School. The student and the Advisor should keep a copy of the
Program of Study for their records.
The Program of Study can be changed with the approval of the advisor, and then a new form must be
submitted to the department Graduate Coordinator.
See Appendix A for a copy of the Program of Study form.
5 Graduate Course Offerings by Semester
CTAC 600, Communication Inquiry will be offered every Fall
CTAC 677, Communication Research will be offered every Winter
CTAC 687, Communication Theory will be offered every Winter
Other CTAC course offerings are scheduled out three semesters in advance. Consult with your
advisor for a current schedule of course offerings slated for future semesters.
At least one online course will be offered every year during the summer.
Course Descriptions
CTAC 600 Communication Inquiry: Communication Inquiry explores the questions, methods and
assumptions employed by scholars in communication. The course focuses on current literature,
theoretical frames and basic approaches to research.
CTAC 677 Communication Research: An introduction to the nature and value of research in studying
human communication, including the philosophies of science and processes of inquiry, formulating
research questions/ hypotheses, role of theory in research design, measurement validity and
reliability, survey research, experiment design, textural analysis, and qualitative methods.
CTAC 678 Communication Theory: A critical examination of fundamental processes, principles, and
practices designed to explain, theoretically, a broad range of communication phenomena.
CTAC 640 Theories of Persuasion: A review of contemporary research and theories of persuasion.
CTAC 641 Rhetorical Theory: A study of selected rhetorical theories from the classical age to the
present with a view of discovering the methods and objectives of rhetoricians and relating them to
society and its problems.
CTAC 642 Communication and Negotiation: The theory, application and analysis of negotiation
strategies used in settings such as public policy, commerce, international relations, and collective
bargaining.
CTAC 643 Communication Activism and Change: An examination of communication theory and
practice in activism and change.
CTAC 644 Communication and Conflict Resolution: The theory, application and analysis of
communication strategies for conflict management in interpersonal, small-group and organizational
settings.
CTAC 645 Interpersonal Communication: This course provides an examination of Theories, research
methods, and current developments in the area of interpersonal communication. Theories and
developments discussed represent a cross-section of perspectives and assumptions about human
communication and are generally recognized as among the most important and highly cited in the
field.
6 CTAC 647 Intercultural Communication: An examination of communication dynamics in diverse
societies and between different cultural communities. The interactions among communication,
culture, identity, and perception are explored. The course includes integration of theory with research
and practice.
CTAC 648 Organizational Communication: This course will examine the development of
organizational communication as a field of academic study, including the major questions that have
guided and challenged research in this area. Students will survey a broad range of organizational
communication theories, methods and related research.
CTAC 649 Small Group Communication: This course will examine the development of small group
communication as a field of academic study, including the major questions that have guided and
challenged research in this area. Students will survey a broad range of small group communication
theories, methods and related research.
CTAC 650 Community Communication: An exploration of such communication problems as
communicator acceptability, social coordination and outcome achievement from the perspective of
the community context.
CTAC 652 Health Communication: Survey of health communication theory and research. Examines
issues such as patient-provider and everyday communication, broader community-societal discourse,
and organizational and mass health communication.
CTAC 693/694/695 Seminar in Communication and Theatre Arts: A research-oriented course for
graduate majors in communication and theatre arts. The topic is determined by the instructor.
CTAC 679/680/681 Special Topics: Students will investigate a particular topic that is approved by the
Department of Communication, Media and Theatre Arts. Not more than six hours of special topics
may be used on a degree program.
CTAC 697/698/699 Independent Study: An intensive study of one or more problems under the
direction of a faculty member. Department permission required.
7 Terminal Requirement
In partial fulfillment of their graduation requirements, students must complete a culminating
experience: a thesis, professional project, or comprehensive exam. The purpose of this experience is
to provide a summative demonstration of student competencies acquired through Master’s-level
coursework. Thus, the terminal experience should merge theory and practice, extend theoretical
insights, and demonstrate research skills and communication knowledge.
Forming your Committee:
The student and faculty advisor must choose members of the graduate faculty to serve as members
of the student’s terminal committee. The committee should include a minimum of three members of
the graduate faculty. One of the committee members will act as chair. Two of the committee
members must be from the Communication Area. Students may also choose additional members
from allied disciplines around the University.
The purpose of the committee is to provide the range of expertise necessary to advise the student
and to evaluate the thesis, project, or exam to ensure it represents quality work in the discipline of
communication. The Degree Requirement Approval From must be completed and signed by each of
the committee members, and submitted to the Department Graduate Coordinator, as soon as the
terminal option is determined and a committee selected. In particular, the Approval form must be
completed and submitted prior to registering for thesis or project credits (Appendix B).
The thesis and project options both require a written and oral demonstration of competency; the exam
option requires written demonstration only. Responsibility for the direction and supervision of the
terminal experience rests with the committee chair. The procedures for completing each of the
terminal options are outlined in the following sections.
8 Thesis:
The primary audience for a thesis is other communication scholars and students. The goal of the
thesis is to advance and enhance theoretical knowledge within the communication discipline. The
thesis must be written in the format established by the Department and the Graduate School. A copy
of the thesis is put in the University Library. Students intending to continue graduate work may find
the thesis option valuable. For specific information about the thesis, please consult the EMU
Graduate School Thesis Manual:
(http://www.emich.edu/graduate/students/thesis_capstone/forms_thesis/thesis_manual_2012.pdf)
Timeline for completion of a Thesis:
It is highly encouraged that you actually begin thinking about and talking with your advisor about your
thesis at least 2-3 semesters before you intend to graduate.
1-2 semesters BEFORE you intend to graduate:
• Secure your committee
• Register for 3 credits
• Write thesis proposal
• Defend thesis proposal (see Appendix C, Thesis Proposal Approval Form)
• Secure human subjects approval if necessary
• Begin data collection
(Due dates will be established between you and your thesis chair).
Semester you intend to graduate:
• Register for 3 credits
• Collect and analyze data; finish thesis
• Submit thesis draft to committee by October 15 (Fall); February 15 (Winter); June 15 (summer)
• Revise thesis
• Defend thesis (see Appendix D, Thesis Approval Form)
• Submit completed thesis to graduate school by November 15 (Fall); March 15 (Winter); July 15
(summer). **Faculty availability in summer is limited**
9 Outline for Thesis Proposal
If your terminal degree is a master’s thesis, you should submit a proposal to your committee
members for their approval. A thesis proposal clearly identifies a problem, provides scholarly
research conducted on the issue and proposes a possible methodology to investigate the problem.
Your proposal should include the following sections:
Abstract: This is a short summary of your review of literature, methodology and what you expect to
find. It should be approximately 250 words.
Introduction: In this section, include the following information:
- Overview of why your study is important
- Identify the need for this information
- Why others should be interested in this issue
- How you know that the need/purpose exists
- Description of problem and explanation of the scope of the problem
- Contribution to the body of knowledge
- What gap in knowledge is being filled
- Transition to your review of literature
Review of Literature: This section is the major part of the proposal. In this section, previous research
on the topic is presented and discussed – general literature review guidelines:
- Organize your literature review thematically – what are the themes within the area you are
investigating that are important to review for your study?
- Through integrating and synthesizing the literature, explain how these studies shed light on the
issue and relate to the study that you are proposing; this ultimately supports the need for your
research by uncovering what has already been done in the field and identifying the void in research
which your study will fill - Build an argument
- Provide conceptual definitions as necessary
- Provide transition to research questions or hypothesis
- Use APA or MLA style to cite sources
Research Question or Hypothesis: Pose a research question or hypothesis at the end of your review
of literature.
Methodology: This section should provide a clear systematic presentation of the procedure you will
follow to answer your research question or hypothesis. It is a step by step account of what you expect
to do. It should contain the following sections:
• Participants (or text) - In detail describe who will be the subjects (or text) for your study.
• Instrument (or coding scheme) - In this section, if you are using a survey, you should describe the
questionnaire. If you are doing a content analysis or another methodology with a coding scheme,
describe it.
• Procedures - In this section, provide a step by step account of exactly how you will gather your data.
Timeline: Provide a timeline of tasks to give your committee a sense of the rate at which you plan to
progress. Be specific about when you intend to work on or complete what.
References/Works Cited:
A list of the sources you cited in the proposal. Use APA or MLA style.
10 Professional Project:
The primary audience for a project is practitioners that can make use of communication knowledge
and theory as it can be applied to problems and tasks. The student and his or her committee
determine the format for the project. Generally, a student who intends to put their education to a more
practical use is advised to do a project. A project is still an original communication research endeavor
best expressed in a format other than a traditional thesis. It is NOT intended to be a thesis or
research report that merely escapes the formatting and deadline mandates of the graduate school
The following are various types of projects:
Annotated Bibliography (with a clear purpose, application and audience – would also include
rationale for inclusion and thematic overview)
Training Seminar or Workshop (on a focused, applied communication topic with a complete set of
sources, organizational format, training methods, and fully elaborated content – for a specific applied
audience, ideally in a specific real world, non-hypothetical setting)
Class Curriculum (on an appropriate communication subject area with fully developed course
curriculum, objectives, assignment(s), methods of evaluation, rationale, instructional methods,
literature review and bibliography – clearly targeted class level and appropriately adapted content)
Multi-media Presentation, Campaign, Performance or Report (using one or more alternate media
[as opposed to a written essay] to explore, explain, advocate, critique or illuminate a communication
topic or phenomenon – creation of the actual media product will be the outcome)
Conference Paper and Panel (original conference quality paper along with the development of a
thematic panel of other scholars intended for submission to a communication specific conference at
the local, regional, national or international level – will require the paper, the abstracts for other
panelists papers, the identification of a chair and respondent, the materials developed in the actual
submission of the panel to a conference review board)
Training Manual, Organizational Manual or Book (will require manuscript, intended audience and
publisher [for book], contact and submission materials, [for manual] applied setting and appropriate
format guidelines)
The listed samples are not exclusive – other creative ideas are always encouraged. The main
consideration is that the project makes a substantive, original contribution to your field of study.
Timeline for completion of a Project:
It is highly encouraged that you actually begin thinking about and talking with your advisor about your
project at least one semester before you intend to graduate.
Semester BEFORE you intend to graduate:
• Secure your committee
• Write project proposal
• Defend project proposal (see Appendix C, Project Proposal Approval Form)
Semester you intend to graduate:
• Register for 3 credits
• Finish Project
• Submit project draft to committee by November 15 (Fall); March 15 (Winter); July 15 (summer)
• Revise project
• Defend project (see Appendix E, Project Approval Form)
• Submit completed project to committee by December 15 (Fall); April 15 (Winter); August 15
(summer). **Faculty availability in summer is limited**
11 Outline for Project Proposal
If your terminal degree is a master’s project, you should submit a proposal to your committee
members for their approval. A proposal clearly identifies a description of the project, objectives and its
relevance, provides a review of literature (including scholarly research) conducted on the issue and
proposes a project design. Your proposal should include the following sections:
Project Title:
Provide a concise but descriptive title for your project.
Introduction or Project Rationale:
Provide an introduction and a context for the project you intend to do. In this section, explain why this
project is relevant, important, or necessary. You may also, if you like, address where your idea for
the project came from; however, it is also very important to draw on existing literature to establish a
rationale for developing a project in your chosen area. You should be citing research, and the ideas
and context you offer in this section will be elaborated upon in your literature review section. You
should make it clear that there is a need for your project or explain how you project will fill a particular
need or make a particular contribution.
Project Objectives:
Briefly summarize what your project seeks to accomplish. The objectives give an idea of the types of
areas your project will address.
Literature Review:
In this section you provide an overview of the existing literature in the area you have chosen. It
contextualized your topic and indicates how your project relates to other theories, themes, issues,
and programs within your field of study. You also offer an evaluation of the literature—go beyond
mere description to presenting a themed discussion of the literature and, when applicable, identify
gaps in the research (which can further justify the need for your project). A literature review in a
proposal need not be exhaustive; however, the work you do on your proposal’s literature review will
be invaluable in contextualizing and understanding the best approach to your project (including
intended audience, methods of delivery, etc.). Essentially, in your literature review you are
establishing that you are aware of and understand the major issues related to the topic you selected.
Project Design:
In this section you will tell us about what you envision this project involving specifically. You want to
make it clear what you are going to be doing and/or producing for your project. For example, if you
are proposing a training/learning workshop, you need to be specific about your target audience (and
why this is your target audience), the learning materials you will develop as a part of this project
(topics to be covered and why, activities involved, lecture material, etc.), the method through which
you will administer the learning/training workshop and why (face-to-face training at a particular
location, online delivery through a particular organization, etc.), etc.
Timeline:
Provide a timeline of tasks to give your committee a sense of the rate at which you plan to progress.
Be specific about when you intend to work on or complete what.
References/Works Cited:
Include a complete list of all sources you cited in your proposal. Use APA or MLA style.
12 Exam:
The Examination Option is primarily for students who want to spend time studying in their specialized
areas of communication for the purpose of reviewing and learning material over which they can be
tested. The advantage of the exam is that it provides a means for students who want to commit to
memory and apply concepts, principles, and theories that they intend to teach and talk about in their
professional careers.
Timeline for Completing the Exam:
You need to begin thinking about and talking with your advisor about taking the exam in the beginning
of the semester you intend to graduate.
Semester you intend to graduate:
• Secure your committee
• Meet with committee chair to discuss exam criteria
• Obtain questions from committee chair (3 questions total):
o One question from CTAC 677 (Communication Research)
o One question from CTAC 678 (Communication Theory)
o ONE integrated content area question
o Note: Each question may be phrased as one specific question or a series of questions
within a general theme
o You will have one week to complete the exam
• Complete exam questions within the one week period and submit to committee chair – Due
dates:
o Fall semester – Passed Exams due the first Monday in December
o Winter semester – Passed Exams due the first Monday in April
• Summer semester – Exams due the first Monday in June. **Faculty availability in summer is
limited**
• If you fail any portion of the examination, you will have one opportunity to resubmit the “failed”
portion(s) of the exam
• See Appendix F, Exam Approval Form
If you fail to resubmit or again fail any portion of the original exam, you must retake the entire exam
the following semester.
13 Ethics and Graduate Education
Research Ethics and Human Subjects:
All research involving protected or regulated subjects and materials must be in compliance (approved
review or approved exemptions as applicable) with federal, state, and Eastern Michigan University
requirements for the protection of human/animal subjects. The student researcher who prepares the
paper is responsible for obtaining the appropriate forms from the official EMU review board (i.e.,
UHSRC, forms available online), and must receive approval or an approved exemption for the
conduct of the research from the board prior to initiation of the study.
It is the policy of Eastern Michigan University to respect and safeguard the rights and welfare of all
individuals who are involved in its activities, especially where human beings may be participating
as subjects in research, experimental procedures in instruction, or other related activities. To this
end, a University Human Subjects Review Committee has been established to review all research
involving human subjects. It is the policy of the University to comply with the regulations of the
United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Human Research Protections
(Part 46 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as amended).
The University Human Subjects Review Committee (UHSRC) is responsible for developing and
enforcing policies and procedures applicable to research wherein human beings may be at minimal
risk(1) or greater as a consequence of participating in an investigation or experimental procedure.
Graduate student researchers conducting studies that involve human participants should submit
applications to the appropriate college-level committee: Upload materials as follows and submit
one paper copy to the identified office:
College of Arts and Science (http://commons.emich.edu/cashs/), 341 Science Complex
Plagiarism:
It is expected that graduate students will complete their coursework in an honest and ethical manner.
Individual assignments should reflect a student's own work. Academic dishonesty, including all forms
of cheating, data falsification, and/or plagiarism, is taken very seriously. If it is discovered that a
graduate student has plagiarized in a course assignment, the professor will evaluate and determine
the extent and severity of the plagiarism offense. Penalties for an act of academic dishonesty in a
class will range from receiving a failing grade for a particular assignment to receiving a failing grade
for the entire course. In addition, a student may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and
Community Standards for disciplinary action that can result in either a suspension or permanent
dismissal from the university. If it is discovered a student has plagiarized or falsified data in his/her
comprehensive exams, graduate project, or thesis, the student's committee will meet to determine the
appropriate course of action. The Student Conduct Code
(http://www.emich.edu/policies/policy.php?id=124&term=student%20conduct) contains detailed
definitions of what constitutes academic dishonesty, but if you are not sure about whether something
you are doing would be considered academic dishonesty, speak with your advisor, professor, or
project or thesis chair.
14 Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships in the Communication area (both full and part-time) are available each
academic year in both Teaching and Forensics. Selected Graduate Teaching Assistants will teach
one or two courses of CTAC 124-Foundations of Speech Communication each semester. Graduate
Forensic Assistants will assist with coaching and travel.
Communication Teaching Graduate Applications must be submitted by February 15th.
Application Requirements:
(1) Complete the Graduate Assistant Application form
(http://www.emich.edu/cmta/communication/ga_application_rec_forms.pdf)
(2) Write a “Letter of Interest (250 word essay describing why you are interested in a graduate
teaching or forensics assistantship at EMU and describing your academic interests)
(3) Secure TWO recommendation forms
(4) 3.0 GPA is required; 3.5 GPA is preferred
(5) Interview with the Basic Course Director, Dr. Doris Fields (Graduate Teaching Assistant
applicants only)
Please return the application form, letter of interest, and recommendations to:
CMTA Graduate Coordinator
124 Quirk Building
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
The Communication, Media and Theatre Arts department adheres to the Eastern Michigan University
Graduate School Policy for eligibility for Graduate Assistants:
1. Each Graduate Assistant must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited
college or university, or recognized international institution of higher education.
2. The GA applicant must be full or conditionally (conditions 1, 2 or 3) admitted to a graduate
program of study. Applicants with condition 4 status because of low grade-point average are
NOT ELIGIBLE for assistantships. Students with admission for continuing education, nondegree and teacher certification are also not eligible for a graduate assistantship.
3. The undergraduate grade-point average must be at least equal to the average of students
already admitted to the college's degree programs. Once admitted and awarded a GA, a 3.0
graduate grade-point average must be maintained to continue satisfactory progress toward
completing the program of study.
4. International students must have an F-1 or J-1 visa or official work permit to be a GA.
15 5. Need-Based/Work-Study GA applicants must also complete the required financial aid forms
through the Office of Financial Aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
must be submitted by March 1 for priority consideration for the following Fall semester. Even if
a student qualifies for a WS-GA position, there are a limited number of positions available
across campus. Final approval is granted through the Graduate School.
6. A GA award WILL impact other financial aid.
The Graduate School website provides additional requirements and policies
(www.emich.edu/graduate/students/ga/
16 Faculty Bios
Byron Bond, Ph.D., Professor of Communication, began his professional career as an announcer,
writer, and sales representative for WLKM Radio in Three Rivers, Michigan. His teaching career
began at Three Rivers High School, where he taught a wide variety of speech and theatre course,
coached debate and forensics, and directed numerous theatrical productions. He obtained a
teaching position at Vincennes University, where he progressed to the rank of full professor. While
maintaining a partial teaching responsibility, he also held administrative positions including,
Coordinator of the Penitentiary Program, Director of Personnel, Administrative Specialist for
Academic Transfer Programs, Dean of Extended Instructional Services, and Assistant Vice-president
for Extended Instructional Services. He also maintained the rank of full professor as he became the
Executive Director of the Division of Lifelong Learning at Indiana State.
Jessica Elton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication, received her Ph.D. in health
communication from Purdue University, her M.A. in intercultural communication from University of
Denver, and her B.A. in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her areas of expertise include
cultural constructions of health, women’s health issues, and end of life decision making. She also
spent two years working for the Emergency Communication Branch at the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, where she conducted research on media messages
related to public health emergencies and helped coordinate research projects examining emergency
preparedness. Dr. Elton has presented her research at international, national, and regional
conferences, and she is currently working on several journal articles.
Doris Fields, Ph.D., Professor of Communication, joined the faculty in 1997 and holds a doctorate in
Communication Education from Wayne State University. Dr. Fields adds the perceptive of
Interracial/Interethnic communication to the graduate program. Her research focuses on the
enhancement of communication strategies between individuals of different racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Research interests include Intercultural Communication, Interracial/Interethnic Communication,
Persuasion, and Interpersonal Communication.
Jack Kay, Ph.D., Professor of Communication, specializes in political communication, extremist
communication, and communication and social justice. He began his academic career as a Director
of Debate and Forensics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and his teaching and administrative
career spans 33 years at the numerous universities. Dr. Kay’s research interests include Hate in
Cyberspace, Anti-Semitism on the Internet, and Presidential Election Campaigns. His publications
include the book Argumentation: Inquiry and Advocacy, and multiple book chapters, journal articles,
and newspaper editorials.
Jeannette Kindred, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication, joined the faculty in 2006 and
holds a doctorate in communication from Wayne State University. She primarily engages in
qualitative research (employing case study analysis and interview methodologies). She teaches
Organizational Communication, Small Group Communication, Capstone (undergrad) and
Communication Inquiry and Organizational Communication (graduate). Research interests include
communication education, the scholarship of teaching and learning, Academic Service-Learning,
organizational communication issues related to non-profits, and assessment of student learning.
17 Dennis Patrick, Ph.D., Professor of Communication, joined the faculty in 1996. He specializes in
interpersonal and family communication, and holds a doctorate in communication from University of
Texas at Austin. His research focuses on communication in “discourse dependent” families. Dr.
Patrick has presented his research at numerous national and regional communication conferences.
His work has been published in Parents and Children Communicating with Society, Gender
Actualized: Cases in Communicatively Constructing Realities, Child Welfare, and others. Dr. Patrick
teaches graduate courses in interpersonal and family communication and undergraduate courses in
communication theory, nonverbal communication, and gender communication. He also serves as the
undergraduate advising coordinator for the department.
Ray Quiel, MA, Assistant Professor of Communication, has taught at EMU since 1973. He teaches
undergraduate and graduate courses in rhetorical criticism and rhetorical theory, and is currently the
Director of Debate and Emeritus Director of Forensics. Professor Quiel’s research interests include
environmental rhetoric, debate and sports communication.
Donald Ritzenhein, Ph.D., Professor of Communication, earned his doctorate from Wayne State
University where his dissertation was a study of the information needs of alumni who make donations
to their alma mater. He has professional experience in human resources, negotiation, administration,
and fund raising. Dr. Ritzenhein teaches persuasion, nonprofit communication, foundations of
communication, and the capstone course for undergraduate majors. His research and professional
interests include political communication, speech composition, fundraising, and organizational
communication.
Nick Romerhausen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication, and holds a doctorate in
communication from Wayne State University. He joined the faculty in 2011 and is currently the
Director of Individual Events for EMU’s nationally recognized forensic team. He teaches a variety of
courses in public advocacy and research methods. His research interests include critical
communication pedagogy practices, international student experiences, forensics pedagogy, Latino/a
studies, automethodologies, citizenship studies, and visual rhetoric.
Tsai-Shan (Sam) Shen, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication, joined the faculty in 2006
and holds a doctorate in interpersonal communication from Arizona State University. He adds the
perspective of a quantitative researcher to the department. His research is consistent with his
training as a quantitative, experimental, researcher. He has extensive experience with both
univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Research interests include face management,
relational initiation and maintenance, emotions and communication, conflict management, and
nonverbal communication.
Kathleen Stacey, Ph.D., Professor of Communication and CMTA Interim Department Head, teaches
a wide variety of communication courses, including small group communication, research methods
and communication capstone. Her research interests include academic service-learning and foster
care/adoption issues as well as communication within educational systems.
Michael Tew, Ph.D., Professor of Communication and Director of the Center for the Study of Equality
and Human Rights. Dr. Tew has expertise in rhetoric and public sphere research. His research
typically applies qualitative and critical methods. He teaches graduate coursework in public
communication/criticism and community communication, as well as Communication Inquiry. His
current research agenda emphasizes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender issues and advocacy
as well as other dimensions of social justice.
18 Resources and Helpful Links
Financial aid/scholarships, general:
http://www.emich.edu/graduate/admissions/financialassistance/
Graduate Assistantships at EMU, general information:
http://www.emich.edu/graduate/students/ga/
Graduate Assistant Application and Recommendation Form
http://www.emich.edu/cmta/communication/ga_application_rec_forms.pdf
Graduate Research Fair Information:
http://www.emich.edu/graduate/research/research_fair/index.php
National Communication Association
http://www.natcom.org
Plagiarism Tutorial
http://www.lib.usm.edu/legacy/plag/plagiarismtutorial.php
Scholarships, College of Arts and Sciences:
http://www.emich.edu/cas/students/scholarships.php
Student Travel Fund Guidelines, College of Arts and Sciences
http://www.emich.edu/cas/faculty/studenttravelapp.pdf
Thesis information, including a link to the Graduate School Thesis Handbook
http://www.emich.edu/graduate/students/thesis_capstone/thesis.php
19 Appendix A: Program of Study
Eastern Michigan University
Communication, Media and Theatre Arts Department
COMMUNICATION GRADUATE PROGRAM
PROGRAM OF STUDY
Master of Arts in Communication
Student’s Name______________________________________
E# _________________________________
Graduate Advisor _____________________________________
Date of Approval _____________________
Anticipated Date of Completion __________________________
Research and Theory Requirements (9 hours)
COURSE
SEMESTER/YEAR
HOURS
GRADE
CTAC 600 Communication Inquiry
3
CTAC 677 Communication
3
Research
CTAC 678 Communication Theory
3
*Restricted Electives (15-21 Hours selected from 600 level CTAC courses in consultation with the
graduate advisor)
COURSE
SEMESTER/YEAR
HOURS
GRADE
Research and Degree Requirements – Select one Option: (0-6 hours)
COURSE
SEMESTER/YEAR
PROJECT: Take CTAC 692
Degree Requirement ONCE
THESIS: Take CTAC 692 Degree
Requirement TWICE
Exam (No credit)
HOURS
GRADE
3
3
3
0
*Courses from outside the area or outside the department may be substituted for the Restricted
Electives with faculty advisor approval
Total: 30 hours
STUDENT’S SIGNATURE
DATE
ADVISOR’S SIGNATURE
*Submit completed form to Department Graduate Coordinator
DATE
20 Appendix B: Degree Requirement Approval Form
DEGREE REQUIREMENT APPROVAL FORM
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION, MEDIA AND THEATRE ARTS
STUDENT_________________________________________________ E#____________________________
DEGREE
_________MA
AREA
_____Communication
_________MFA
_____Theatre Arts
_____Arts Administration
_____DTFY
_____IPS
PROGRAM OF STUDY ON FILE
DEGREE REQUIREMENT
_____Yes
_____No (if no, please attach program of study)
ENROLLING IN
_____Exam
_____ 690 (1 Credit)
_____Thesis
_____ 691 (2 Credits)
_____Project
_____ 692 (3 credits)
SEMESTER/YEAR ENROLLING
Fall_______ Winter_______
Summer_______
COMMITTEE
Signature
Date
Chairperson
________________________________________________________
Committee Member
________________________________________________________
Committee Member
________________________________________________________
Student
________________________________________________________
Graduate Coordinator
________________________________________________________
Comments:
21 Appendix C: Thesis/Project Proposal Approval Forms
The Thesis Proposal Approval Form can be found at the EMU Graduate School Web Site:
http://www.emich.edu/graduate/students/thesis_capstone/forms_thesis/2013masters_thesis_proposal
_approval.pdf
22 ____________ (date)
PROPOSAL APPROVAL FORM
FOR MASTER’S PROJECT IN COMMUNICATION
Name of Student: _______________________________________________________________________
Tentative Title of Project: _________________________________________________________________
The Project advisor and other committee members have read and approved the above-mentioned student’s
project proposal.
Project Chair:
__________________________________
(Print Name)
________________________________________
(Signature)
Project Committee Member #2:
__________________________________
(Print Name)
_________________________________________
(Signature)
Project Committee Member #3:
__________________________________
(Print Name)
_________________________________________
(Signature)
One copy of this document should be given to the student, one copy to the Project Chair, and one copy to the
Department Graduate Coordinator, to be placed in the student’s file.
23 Appendix D: Thesis Approval Form
The Thesis Approval Form can be found at the EMU Graduate School Web Site:
http://www.emich.edu/graduate/students/thesis_capstone/forms_thesis/2012masters_thesis_doc_app
roval.pdf
24 Appendix E: Project Approval Form
Department of Communication, Media and Theatre Arts
Master of Arts in Communication
PROJECT
Approval Form
Student’s Name________________________________________________________
E#___________________________________________________________________
TITLE OF PROJECT
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
PROJECT APPROVAL
COMMITTEE SIGNATURES
Chair__________________________________________________Date____________
Committee Members:
______________________________________________________Date____________
Signature
______________________________________________________Date____________
Signature
(Forward a copy to the Department Graduate Coordinator)
______________________________________________________________________
Department Graduate Coordinator Signature
Date Received
25 Appendix F: Exam Approval Form
Department of Communication, Media and Theatre Arts
Master of Arts in Communication
EXAM
Approval Form
Student’s Name________________________________________________________
E#___________________________________________________________________
Exam Questions Successfully Completed
______
Communication Theory
______
Communication Research
______
Integrated Content Area Question
EXAM APPROVAL
COMMITTEE SIGNATURES
Chair__________________________________________________Date____________
Signature
Committee Members:
______________________________________________________Date____________
Signature
______________________________________________________Date____________
Signature
(Forward a copy to the Department Graduate Coordinator)
______________________________________________________________________
Department Graduate Coordinator Signature
Date Received 26