The UC Davis Masters program in Communication is distinguished by the excellence of our faculty and the clarity of our purpose and vision. We do not attempt to be all things to all people. Rather, our objective is to offer a program of distinction that emphasizes strategic communication in everyday social interaction and mediated communication.

The phrase “strategic communication” refers to the intentional and deliberate planning and implementation of message strategies by individuals, groups and institutions to achieve specific instrumental, communication and relational goals. The strategic communication process includes audience assessments prior to the design and implementation of message strategies, as well as the evaluation of the intended and unintended effects of messages so disseminated.

Our program also emphasizes the primacy of theory. We expect our students to become well versed in the communication theories that define the field, proficient in the critique of these theories, and skilled in applying them in varying contexts. We teach that theory is a precursor to application.

Our faculty members are dedicated to the goal of providing students with the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the various forms and manifestations of social interaction and mediated communication. At the same time, we recognize that some students may wish to graduate from the program having gained specialized expertise. Toward this end, we also offer “special topics” courses, as well as independent studies, carried out under the guidance of a faculty member. Even when examining a specific communication context, such as families, corporations or health organizations, our concern is always with the development and application of theory to the setting of interest.

The M.A. program balances structure with flexibility. We require all of our students to take four courses that provide a solid theoretical and methodological foundation for advanced studies. Beyond these requirements, students work with their major professor and M.A. Committee to design a unique program of study that best satisfies their academic interests.

The generation of knowledge is the central focus of our program. We expect our students to think of themselves as scholars. Toward this end, we provide training in the various methodologies of communication research. Because methodological competence is refined by research experience, we encourage our students to pursue their own research projects during the time they spend with us, to present their work in the program’s colloquia and at national and regional conferences, and to submit their best work for publication consideration in academic journals.

Student-faculty collaboration in research occurs frequently in the program. This is what should be expected; distinction cannot be earned without providing students with direction and guidance in their studies.

The program's small size and collegial atmosphere creates an unusual opportunity for informal interaction and professional collaboration
between students and their professors. Students also receive personal guidance in their coursework. Most of our courses have small enrollments and employ a seminar format in which students participate actively with
each other and with the professor.

Our program is unique in yet another way. The M.A. in Communication is based in the Department of Communication. However, the program faculty includes communication researchers from Communication and other departments, including Psychology, Political Science and Medicine. We value this interdisciplinary perspective and encourage our students to take full advantage of it.