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Edward R. Murrow College of Communication

Current Students

Explore the Murrow College graduate resources for important information including deadlines, due-dates, program requirements and forms.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

The College of Communication has established the following learning objectives.

  • Knowledge of the field. Understand the breadth and depth of knowledge within the discipline, including current theories and methods and demonstrate competency in identifying and interpreting research on topics in communication.
  • Scientific reasoning and research process. Conduct independent research to identify research questions and hypotheses and design, execute, analyze, report on original research.
  • Communication. Communicate complex problems and research effectively to diverse audiences using appropriate media and communication tools.
  • Original scholarly contribution. Make original contributions to the discipline through presentations at academic conferences and publication in peer-reviewed academic outlets.
  • Teaching proficiency. Nurture and train graduate students to become effective teachers in the field of communication.

CONTACT

Jeremy Watson
Graduate Coordinator, Student Services
509-335-7333
jeremy.b.watson@wsu.edu

Master’s Student Checklist

Year 1
(Fall Semester)

  • Complete the Thesis/Dissertation Request Form and enroll in 1 thesis credit (this is required per Graduate School policy). The first semester your advisor will be the Graduate Director
  • COM 500 will introduce you to the faculty and their research, during the first semester you will need to decide on an advisor. This is how you earn the thesis or dissertation credit.
  • Meet with your advisor or the Graduate Director to go over which courses you should take in the spring

Year 1
(Spring Semester)

  • Complete the Thesis/Dissertation Request Form and enroll in 1 thesis credit. Required per Graduate School policy.
  • Work with your advisor to identify the other members of your committee.
  • Work with your advisor to complete the Program of Study (downloaded per the Graduate School’s webpage).
    • Due to the Graduate Coordinator by the end of February
    • Submit to the Graduate School through the Graduate Coordinator.
    • *Be sure to consult with your advisor and the Murrow College requirements for your program.
  • Submit the forms for your annual Graduate Reviews. The Graduate Coordinator will send out a request for the forms during February and March. Be sure to follow instructions and complete all required forms.
  • Work with your advisor to identify your fall classes.
  • Work with your advisor to start putting together a proposal for your thesis.

Year 2
(Fall Semester)

  • Complete the Thesis/Dissertation Request Form and enroll in a minimum of 1 thesis credit (this is required per Graduate School policy)
  • Work with your advisor and committee to defend your thesis proposal
    • This requires the Internal Scheduling Form to be completed and returned to the Graduate Coordinator with all signatures 10 days prior to the defense date
    • The committee will complete ballots to indicate whether the student has passed the Prospectus Defense
  • Following a successful Prospectus Defense, the student can submit paperwork for IRB
  • Complete the data collection
  • Work with your advisor to select spring classes.

Year 2
(Spring Semester)

  • Complete the Thesis/Dissertation Request Form and enroll in a minimum of 1 thesis credit (this is required per Graduate School policy)
    • -If you are defending your thesis in the spring, you will need to be enrolled in at least 2 thesis credits
  • Work on the data analysis for your thesis
  • Submit a completed draft of the thesis to the entire committee 1 month before you want to defend your thesis
  • Per Murrow policy, the committee has 2 weeks to review the draft before you can ask them to sign a Final Thesis Defense Scheduling Form
  • Submit a Change of Program, this will correct for any classes you listed on the Program of Study but did not take. This form can be found on the Graduate School’s website and needs to be submitted to the Graduate School through the Graduate Coordinator.
  • Submit the Final Thesis Defense Scheduling Form to the Graduate School with a copy of the IRB approval. This is due to the Graduate School 10 business days before the defense. The form can be found on the Graduate School’s website and needs to be submitted to the Graduate School through the Graduate Coordinator.

*Note: be sure to follow the Graduate School’s Deadlines and Procedures for an MA to make sure you are in compliance with their policies and deadlines. If you miss the scheduling window for the regular semester, consult the Graduate Coordinator regarding an Interim Exam.