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Department of Psychology and Communication

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Master of Arts in Communication Flyer and Instuctions to Apply

About Our Program:

The Master of Arts in Communication at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) provides practical and applied knowledge combining the right amount of theory and practice to enable graduates to understand the role, performance, impact and potential for improvement of communication practices in both binational and international contexts.

Our Communication faculty offers a diverse number of courses in two areas of concentration not available in most graduate programs in communication in the country: Border and Latin American Media Studies and Organizational Communication in Transnational Settings. The first track prepares students to pursue doctoral studies and research careers or practical work in journalism and national or international organizations. The second area of concentration, while also preparing students to pursue doctoral studies in communication or related areas, offers practical training in organizational communication useful to work in the public or private sector planning, administering and evaluating communication practices and strategies.

The thesis option of the program consists of 9 hours of required course work in communication theory and research methods, 9 hours in one of two areas of concentration (Border and Latin American Media Studies or Organizational Communication in Transnational Settings), 6 hours of advanced electives and 6 thesis hours. The non-thesis option consists of 9 hours of required courses in communication theory and research methods, 15 hours in one of two areas of concentration (Border and Latin American Media Studies or Organizational Communication in Transnational Settings), and 12 hours of advanced electives.

Why TAMIU

TAMIU’s strategic location along the U.S.-Mexico border provides an exceptional laboratory for exploring the importance of journalism, as well as mass, political and organizational communication in a region where two nations meet and where economic asymmetries and major cultural differences affect and transform human interaction. Graduates will develop an understanding of the unique role language (Spanish and English) and culture play in shaping communication along an international border.

TAMIU is a member of the prestigious Texas A&M University System. The University is accredited by the Texas Education Agency and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Our faculty is trained in many different fields and specializations, providing you the chance to explore any number of research topics. You will learn from them the scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills that will help you achieve a competitive edge.

Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Communication, the student must complete the following requirements prior to the application deadline:

  1. Completed application for graduate studies at www.applytexas.org
  2. Submit transcripts from all colleges/universities attended to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.
  3. Submit a personal statement (approximately 500 words) describing the reasons the student has for wanting to enroll in the program and explaining his/her academic profile and trajectory.
  4. Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.50 or higher. The GRE will not be required for admission to the Master of Arts in Communication.
  5. Submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources. Letters must come from outside the TAMIU Communication faculty.
  6. Submitted a writing sample of scholarly or professional work.

In addition, the admissions committee may request a personal interview with the applicant. International Students must also submit adequate TOEFL scores and financial documentation.

Thesis Plan

Required Courses

  • COMM 5301 Communication Theories
  • COMM 5302 Quantitative Methods In Communication
  • COMM 5303 Qualitative Methods In Communication

Area of Concentration

Select one of the following:

1) Border and Latin American Media Studies

Three courses chosen from:

  • COMM 5310 Media, culture, and identity in the US-Mexico border
  • COMM 5311 Border journalism
  • COMM 5312 Mexican and Latino Cinema
  • COMM 5313 Ethnography and Documentary Prod in the Border Region
  • COMM 5320 Media flows and audiences in the Americas
  • COMM 5321 Political Communication in Comparative Perspective
2) Organizational Communication in Transnational Settings

Three courses chosen from:

  • COMM 5330 Organizational Communication
  • COMM 5331 Intercultural Training in Organizations
  • COMM 5332 Managing Organizational Conflict
  • COMM 5333 Organizational Culture, Climate, and Communication
  • COMM 5334 Advertising
  • COMM 5335 Group/Team Dynamics
  • COMM 5336 Ethical Issues in Organizations
  • COMM 5337 Leadership Communication

Advanced Electives

Two 5000-level graduate courses chosen from:

  • COMM
  • CRIJ
  • HIST
  • LLTC
  • LLTS
  • PSCI
  • PADM
  • SOCI
  • SPAN

Thesis

  • COMM 5398 Thesis I
  • COMM 5399 Thesis II

Total: 30 SCH

Non-Thesis plan

The requirements for the non-thesis option are satisfied by completing additional semester hours of coursework in lieu of the thesis. Thirty-six credit hours are required, and you are allowed to take general electives at the 500-level to complete the degree.

How to Apply

In order to qualify for admission to the Master of Arts in Communication, you must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.50 or higher. Graduate admission tests like the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) are not required for admission to the program.

  1. The first thing you need to do is to fill out and submit the Graduate Admissions Application. In Texas, there is only one website where all prospective students interested in any graduate program in the state need to fill out and submit the application.
    1. On the Apply Texas website, you will be required to create a profile and fill out the application form (don’t use the option for transcripts and essays on this website; that paperwork you need to send or deliver directly to TAMIU’s Office of Graduate Studies and Research, see below). Click on “Create your account now” and fill out the “my profile” form. When finished, click on “My application” and fill out the form.
  2. The next step is to pay online the Graduate Application Fee of $35.00 (late fee, $25.00) or the International Graduate Student Application Fee of $50.00 (late fee, $25.00).
    1. Texas and U.S. residents and citizens:
      1. https://secure.touchnet.com/C20208_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=213
      2. Click “Add to Cart” and a sub-menu will appear asking you to fill in some basic information about yourself.
    2. International students:
      1. https://secure.touchnet.com/C20208_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=212
      2. Click “Add to Cart,” and a sub-menu will appear asking you to fill in some basic information about yourself.
  3. Official college/university transcript(s) and letters of recommendation.
    1. a) Graduate students must submit an official transcript from the last institution attended and an official transcript from the institution where the highest degree was earned. In some cases it may be the same institution.
    2. b) In addition, graduate students must submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources to the Office of Graduate Studies & Research. Academic letters must come from outside the TAMIU Communication faculty.
    3. Send/deliver the transcript and letters of recommendation to:
      1. Office of Graduate Studies and Research
        Texas A&M International University
        Student Center Room 124
        5201 University Boulevard
        Laredo, Texas 78041-1900, U.S.A.
        956.326.3020 Fax: 956.326.021
        email: graduatestudies@tamiu.edu
  4. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all students having academic studies from a country where English is not the native language. A minimum TOEFL score of 79 (ibt TOEFL), 550 (Paper-based) or a 6.5 on the IELTS is required. This score must be sent directly from the testing service to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research (see above) and dated within two (2) years of enrollment.
  5. Submit/Deliver:
    1. a) A personal statement (approximately 500 words) describing your reasons for wanting to enroll in the program and explaining your academic profile and trajectory;
    2. b) A writing sample of scholarly or professional work (a final research paper in any of your junior or senior undergraduate courses, a paper presented in a research conference, an undergraduate thesis, any piece of journalistic writing).
    3. to
    4. Department of Psychology and Communication
      Texas A&M International University
      Canseco Hall 301-A
      5201 University Blvd
      Laredo, Texas 78041-1900, USA
      Tel 956.326.2465

Further information:
Dr. José Carlos Lozano
Professor of Communication and Chair
Department of Psychology and Communication
Canseco Hall 301-A
5201 University Blvd
Laredo, Texas 78041-1900, USA
Tel 956.326.2465

Financial Aid

Webb County residents

If you are a Webb County resident, you can apply to a Lamar Bruni Vergara (LBV) Assistantship, Fellowship, or Scholarship.

  • LBV Graduate Assistantships are stipends up to $18,000 per year (20 hours of work per week).
  • LBV Graduate Fellowships are stipends up to $6,000 per year (10 hours of work per week).
  • LBV Graduate Scholarships are stipends up to $3,000 per year.

You must be a fully admitted graduate student working towards a master’s or doctoral degree and enrolled in 6 graduate hours per semester (scholarships and fellowships) or 9 graduate hours per semester (assistantships) while receiving LBV funding.

LBV application available at: https://www.tamiu.edu/gradschool/documents/2012LBVGeneralApplication_web.pdf

(Use Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome preferably)

You can also apply to the non-LBV Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships, a separate fund for graduate students (see below).

Out-of-Webb County and Foreign Nationals

If you are not a Webb County resident or are a foreign graduate student, there are several assistantships and fellowships that the Office of the Provost assigns every year.

Please fill out the Non-LBV Graduate Assistance Application to be considered for the Provost Office’s assistantships and fellowships.

Fill out the Non-LBV Graduate Assistance Application

For more detailed information, including program costs and courses, visit or call:

Website: www.tamiu.edu/prospect and www.tamiu.edu/gradschool

Email: jose.lozano@tamiu.edu

Contact
Department of Psychology and Communication
Academic Innovation Center (AIC) 313
Phone: 956.326.2465 | Email: psychology-communication@tamiu.edu