Graduation Requirements

The program is expected to take approximately 2 years to complete, assuming students participate full-time.

Graduation requirements include a minimum of 32 hours of coursework, of which 28 hours must be in the Department of Communication. Eight hours will be required coursework:
(a) two health communication research methods courses for a total of four hours and
(b) a capstone individual study for four hours.

The research methods courses will explore the variety of methods used in health communication research, including designs that are quantitative (e.g., using data from experimental or survey designs), qualitative (e.g., using data from observations, interviews, or interaction), or rhetorical (e.g., using texts or speeches as data). The goals of the research methods course will be to develop skills needed to understand and critically analyze research.

The capstone will integrate knowledge and skills from prior coursework and experiential learning. This course will enable the student to demonstrate broad mastery of material for the promise of future employment opportunities and career advancement. For the capstone project, students will apply their knowledge and skills to a health or healthcare issue of their choice by:
(a) conducting an extensive literature review of a specific topic area,
(b) creating a webinar series
(b) designing an organizational intervention in a health care setting,
(c) designing a media campaign, or
(d) implementing another project of the student and instructor's choosing.