FY18 Grad Handbook Aug 2017 - Texas A&M University · PDF file4 GRADUATE STUDY IN COMMUNICATION GENERAL INFORMATION The Graduate Program in the Department of Communication at Texas

TEXASA&MUNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENTOFCOMMUNICATION

GRADUATESTUDENTHANDBOOK

(AUGUST2017)

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TABLEOFCONTENTS

GRADUATESTUDYINCOMMUNICATION..............................................................................................................4

GeneralInformation.............................................................................................................................................4

CommunicationandHealth:...........................................................................................................................4

RhetoricandPublicAffairs:.............................................................................................................................4

OrganizationalCommunication:.....................................................................................................................4

TelecommunicationandMediaStudies:.........................................................................................................5

AdmissionRequirements......................................................................................................................................5

GraduateStudentFunding...................................................................................................................................6

TeachingAssistantships..................................................................................................................................6

ResearchAssistantships..................................................................................................................................7

UniversityAssistantships................................................................................................................................7

Tuition&Fees.................................................................................................................................................7

Overloads........................................................................................................................................................7

Fellowships......................................................................................................................................................7

FundingforGraduateStudentResearch&Travel..........................................................................................8

AnnualReviewofGraduateStudents...................................................................................................................8

DOCTOROFPHILOSOPHYINCOMMUNICATION.................................................................................................10

CourseworkintheProgramofStudy............................................................................................................10

64HourPhDProgram(StudentsenteringdoctoralprogramwithacompletedMA)..................................11

96HourPhDProgram(StudentsenteringdoctoralprogramW/OacompletedMA)..................................12

AdvisingintheDoctoralProgram.................................................................................................................13

EnrollinginCOMM691.................................................................................................................................14

PreliminaryExamination...............................................................................................................................15

Expectationsofstudent,chair,andcommitteemember:...............................................................17

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AfterPassingOne’sPreliminaryExamination...............................................................................................19

Dissertation...................................................................................................................................................19

TimeLimits....................................................................................................................................................20

MASTEROFARTSINCOMMUNICATION.............................................................................................................22

ThesisOption................................................................................................................................................22

Non-thesisOption.........................................................................................................................................24

DEPARTMENTALSTRUCTURE..............................................................................................................................26

APPENDIXA:GraduateCoursesinCommunication.............................................................................................29

APPENDIXB:64-HourProgramRequirments......................................................................................................33

APPENDIXC:96-HourProgramRequirements....................................................................................................37

APPENDIXD:Suspension&DismisallFromGraduateProgram/Assistantships...................................................42

SuspensionfromGraduateProgram.............................................................................................................42

DismissalfromGraduateProgram................................................................................................................43

SuspensionandDismissalfromResearchand/orTeachingAssistantships..................................................44

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GRADUATESTUDYINCOMMUNICATION

GENERALINFORMATION

TheGraduateProgramintheDepartmentofCommunicationatTexasA&MUniversityoffersconcentrationsinrhetoricandpublicaffairs,organizationalcommunication,healthcommunication,andtelecommunicationandmediastudies.Thedoctoralprogramsaredesignedforstudentswhoplanresearch-orientedcareersinacademic,governmental,ornon-profitorganizations,ortheprivatesector.Thegraduatecurriculumdoesnotincludecoursesinappliedcommunicationskillssuchaspublicspeaking,debate,argumentation,ordiscussion.Suchskills-orientedcoursesareavailable,however,attheundergraduatelevel.Thefourmajorconcentrationareasofourdepartmentaredescribedbelow:

HEALTHCOMMUNICATION:

Healthcommunicationresearchersemployadiversesetoftheoreticalandmethodologicalapproachestoexaminetheroleofcommunicationinrelationtothehealthandwellbeingofindividuals,families,andcommunities.Ourcontextsofstudyincludeclinicalsettings,familyandsocialnetworks,healthcareorganizations,andthegeneralpublic.Topicsofresearchincludeclinician-patientcommunicationandhealthoutcomes,health-relateddecisionmakinginfamilies,persuasivepublichealthcampaigns,theimpactofsocialandprofessionalchangesoncommunicationwithinhealthcareorganizations,andhowinteractivemediacontributetohealthpromotion.

RHETORICANDPUBLICAFFAIRS:

Scholarsinthisareafocusonhowpublicdiscourseshapesandisshapedbychoicesconfrontingthepublic,waysinwhichtextsandculturalpracticesofcommunicationconstituteidentitiesandsustaindemocraticformsofcitizenparticipation,andtheinterwovenfabricofpower,politics,andspeech-makinginAmericansociety.Researchintheprogramincludesclassical,contemporary,andcriticalrhetoricaltheory;rhetoricalhistoryandthecriticismofAmericanpublicaddress;feminismandtheintersectionalanalysisofrace,class,andgender;thepresidency;socialmovements;contemporarypoliticalcampaigns;policyandmedia;visualrhetoric,materialism,andmonuments;andfreedomofexpression.

ORGANIZATIONALCOMMUNICATION:

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Organizationalcommunicationresearchersfocusontheimpactthatcommunicationprocesses—messagetransmission,meaning-creation,language-use,andsymbolicaction—haveonthecreating,maintenance,andtransformationoforganizations.Someofthisworkaddressesthewaythatleadershipandconflictispracticedinorganizations.Otherresearchexaminesorganizationalmembers’useofcommunicationstrategiestodeveloporganizationalimages,identities,andreputations,andtodealwithreputationalcrises.Afinalresearchfocusexaminesorganizations’useofrhetoricandsymbolismtoinfluencesalientculturalassumptions,popularattitudes,andpublicpolicies.

MEDIASTUDIES:

Scholars in media studies focus on media industries and technologies as systems ofcommunicationoperating in specific cultural andhistorical contexts. Theyemphasize theroleofmediainglobalization,theappropriationofmediainthelocalcontext,internationaland comparative studies, and give equal attention to newmedia and historical studies.Facultyresearchincludesglobalmedia,communicationtechnology,lawandpolicy,politicaleconomy, cultural studies, media economics, popular communication, race and gender,and the social, political, and geopolitical implications of media and new mediatechnologies.

Across these areas of emphasis, the curriculum is designed to provide instruction in the history,theory, and analysis of communication processes, events, and texts. Graduate students haveexposuretobothsocialscientificandhumanisticapproachestoscholarship.Tothisend,westrivetoidentify common opportunities for students and faculty from the various concentrations to worktogetherandlearnfromoneanother.

The graduate program in Communication are based on intellectual curiosity and excellence inscholarship, and students becomewell-educated scholars and professionals who are intellectuallyprepared to enter a wide variety of occupations. Because each individual’s goals are unique, thegraduate curriculum in communication is flexible. In addition to its ability to adapt to a broadspectrum of interests, another strength of the graduate program at Texas A&M is accessibility offaculty and purposely small classes that allow for a great deal of student-faculty interaction. As aresult,ourgraduatestudentsarethemselvesproductivescholars.GraduatestudentsatTexasA&Mareexpectedtoparticipatefrequentlyinprofessionalmeetings,attendresearchcolloquia,andbeginpublishinginacademicjournalsduringtheirgraduatestudy.

ADMISSIONREQUIREMENTSTobeconsideredforadmissiontothegraduateprograminCommunication,anapplicantmusthaveanearnedbachelor’sdegreeand/ormaster’sdegreefromanaccreditedcollegeoruniversity.Mostapplicants to the program have an earnedmaster’s degree are enrolled in the 64-Hour DoctoralProgram. Exceptional studentswithout amaster’s degree are admitted into the 96-hour DoctoralProgram.Inadmittinggraduatestudents,theDepartmentofCommunicationgivespreferencetothemost highly qualified applicants as evaluated by a combination of criteria, including grade pointaverage,GREscores,lettersofrecommendation,demonstratedwritingability,andresearchinterests

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thatareasuitablefitwithourdepartmentalresources.AllstudentsareexpectedtobeproficientinspokenandwrittenEnglish.Althougheachapplication isconsideredonitsownmeritsandthere isvariabilityincumulativequalificationsfromyeartoyear,forincomingdoctoralstudentsasagroup,GPAsaveragearound3.6 in the last twoyearsofundergraduatestudyand ingraduatestudy,andGraduateRecordExamination(GRE)scoresaveragearound1200(combinedverbalandquantitativescores)orapproximately300onthenewgradingsystem.

Studentsapplyforadmissionduringthefallsemester,withadmissionsmaterialsdue inDecember.Admissionsdecisionsanddecisionsaboutgraduatefundingaremadeduringthespringsemesterandstudentsbegintheprogramatthestartofthefollowingfallsemester.

GRADUATESTUDENTFUNDING

TEACHINGASSISTANTSHIPSThe Department of Communication annually awards graduate assistantships to qualified studentswho have been admitted to the graduate program. All graduate assistants have the university’sregularemployeebenefitspackage,includinghealthinsurancecoverage,carryanine-monthstipend(September through May) and require 20 hours of assigned work per week. Typically, enteringgraduate students teach recitation sections of COMM 203 (“Public Speaking”), under the directsupervisionofthecoursedirectorduringtheirinitialsemester.

Doctoral students ingoodacademicstandingcanbeassuredofat least fouryearsofassistantshipfunding.Graduatestudentswillbemovedintostand-alonesectionsofCOMM203orothercoursesthatarerelatedtotheirprogramofresearchassoonaspossible.Texaslawrequiresthatstudentshavecompleted18semesterhoursofgraduatecourseworkintheiracademicfieldbeforetheycanbecomethe instructorofrecord(e.g., teach inotherthanamass lecture/recitationformat).Thislawwill be irrelevant to studentswho enter our 64-hour PhD programwith aMaster's degree inCommunication.Studentswhoenter96-hourPhDprogram,aswellas64-hourPhDstudentswhoseMaster'sdegreesareinotherdisciplinesshouldbecarefultocomplete18graduatehoursofCOMMcourseworkduring their firstyear in residence. If theydonot, theymaynotbeable tobe fundedduringtheirfirstsummerorteachstand-alonecoursesduringthefallsemesteroftheirsecondyear.

Aconcertedeffort ismadetoprovidedoctoralstudentswhoperformwell inteachingassignmentswithdiverseinstructionalexperiences.Inadditiontopublicspeaking,graduatestudentstypicallyhavethe opportunity to teach skills courses such as argumentation and debate, small groupcommunication, technical communication, and interviewing. Graduate students who have passedtheirpreliminaryexamsmayhavetheopportunitytoteachlecturecoursesintheirprimaryresearchareas.Inthepastthesecourseshaveincludedorganizationalcommunication,healthcommunication,American oratory, and intercultural communication. Summer teaching assistantships are oftenavailable.

GraduatestudentswithassistantshipswillbeprovidedofficespaceandthekeysneededtoaccessBoltonHall, theiroffices,andotherspacesdeemednecessary for themtodo their jobs.Onceastudentleavesthegraduateprogram,nolongerisonanassistantship,orhasjobdutiesthatarechanged or reassigned, keys must be returned immediately to the staff member charged withmanagingthekeyingsystem.Ifakeyislost,thestudentwillberequiredtopaythefeesnecessarytocompensate.

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RESEARCHASSISTANTSHIPSOverthecourseoftheirstudy,graduatestudentsaresometimesassignedasresearchassistants.When holding a research assistantship, a student receives a release from teaching. A researchassistantship requires that a student work between 10-20 hours/week during the semester,performingavarietyoftasksrelatedtotheongoingresearchfunctionsofthedepartmentfaculty.In the case of an overload, students are required to work 9 hours/week during the semester.BecauseRAfundingislinkedtoindividualfacultymembers,eitherthroughtheirhavingobtainedgrantsand/orcontracts,orthroughnegotiationoverthetermsoftheiremployment,theydecide(in conjunctionwith thedepartmenthead)which students theywould like to invite to serveastheirRAs.

UNIVERSITYASSISTANTSHIPSStudentsmayalsoseekgraduateassistantshipswithotherofficesanddepartmentsatTexasA&MUniversity. For example, graduate students in communication have secured graduateassistantshipsintheCollegeofLiberalArts’UndergraduateAdvisingOffice,theConfuciusInstitute,the University's Off-Campus Housing Office, the Writing Center, Office of Student Life, and inacademicunitsincludingSociology,GeoSciences,andtheSchoolofRuralPublicHealth.

TUITION&FEESAll graduate assistants are eligible for in-state tuition. In addition, PhD-level graduate assistants indepartmentofcommunicationtypicallyreceivefundsfromtheUniversitytocovertheirtuition.Thesefunds are granted to teaching assistants, andmost research assistants. Typically, Texas A&Mwillcovertuitionexpensesforupto9credithoursfortheFallandSpringsemestersthatastudenthasanassistantship.Studentsareresponsibleforpayingfeeseachsemester.Theuniversitytypicallycoverstuition costs for 3 credit hours for each 3 hour course a student teaches in the summer (NOTE:summerteachingisNOTguaranteed).

OVERLOADSTheremaybeopportunitiesforadditionalteachingandresearchopportunitiesinsideandoutsidethedepartment that exceed the normal teaching and research load for graduate students. Given thecomplexity of university rules informing overloads, studentswishing to pursue such opportunitiesshouldconsultwiththeDepartmentHeadandtheiradvisorbeforeenteringintoacontracttotakeonoverloads.Onlystudentswithexcellentacademiccredentialswhoareontrackforcompletingtheirdegreesontimewillbeaskedtotakeonanoverloadorapprovedfordoingso.

FELLOWSHIPSThe University awards two kinds of highly-competitive fellowships. The Association of FormerStudents’DistinguishedGraduateFellowshipisofferedinlieuofateachingorresearchassistantshipforastudent’sfirstyearandfinalyear.Thisawardismadeprimarilyonthebasisofacademicmerit:test scores, grade point averages, recommendations. An applicant’s record of conventionpresentations and academic publications also are taken into consideration. Graduate DiversityFellowshipsaredesignedforstudentswhowillenhancethediversitymissionoftheuniversity ina

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variety of ways. These Assistantships require the student to carry a regular assistantship in theiracademicdepartment,butincludeadditionalfundingbenefitsbeyondtheregularassistantship.

Finally, Texas A&M University also sponsors Academic Excellence Awards, student loans, andotherspecializedformsoffinancialaid.Formoreinformationconcerningtheformsofaidavailablephonethefinancialaidofficeat845-3236orcheckthefinancialaidsectionoftheTAMUwebsite.Tobeeligibleforanyofthesenon-assistantshipawards,astudent’sapplicationmustbecompletebyDecember1oftheyearpriortomatriculation.

FUNDINGFORGRADUATESTUDENTRESEARCH&TRAVELAllfull-timegraduatestudentsingoodacademicstandingareeligibletoapplyfortravelfundinginorder to present their research at academic conferences. As long as funding is available, eachgraduatestudentcanapplyforupto$500totraveltooneconferencefundseachacademicyear.

Studentsseekingadditionalfundsforconferencetraveland/ortocoverresearchexpensesshouldapply for either a Professional Development Support Award or Research Grant through theDepartmentofCommunication.Theseawardsaredistributeduptotwotimeseachacademicyear,and require that students submit an application and proposal to the Graduate InstructionCommittee. For more information about proposal materials and deadlines, please go to:http://comm.tamu.edu/funding-opportunities.

ANNUALREVIEWOFGRADUATESTUDENTSDuring each spring semester the faculty as a whole conducts an annual review of all graduatestudents. Students will be evaluated in terms of their scholarly productivity, performance ingraduate seminars, teaching (when applicable), academic-related service, andparticipation/attendancetoprofessionalizationactivities(colloquia,jobtalks,workshops,etc.).

Because an overview of the student’s progresswill be presented by the academic advisor, it isimperative that the graduate student take the initiative tomeetwith their advisor prior to thismeeting, thedate and timeofwhichwill be announced in advance. Thepurposeof theannualreview is toprovideconstructive feedback tostudents,both in termsof identifyingproblemsorweaknessestoremedy,aswellastoreinforceachievementsandstrengths.Studentsareexpectedtocompleteandsubmitaformdetailingtheiraccomplishmentsfromthepreviousyearaswellasacurrent copy of the CV. At these meetings, all students who will be returning the followingacademicyeararereviewed.

Inallannualreviews,minimalsatisfactoryrequirementsarethatstudentshavemaintainedatleasta3.30GPR.Duringthisannualevaluation, theadvisorwill first reportonthestudent’sprogressthrough the academic program toward degree completion (e.g., completion of degree plan,preliminaryexams,thesis/dissertationproposal,etc.).Anyincompleteswillbenoted;lingeringoraccumulating incompletes are a serious problem. Other faculty members who have had thestudentinclassesmayalsocomment.Thefacultyalsowillfocusonotherscholarlyactivities,suchas papers submitted to or presented at conventions and conferences, essays under review oraccepted by academic journals, or in edited collections, grants applied for or awarded, andparticipationindepartmentalactivities.

Finally, for students on assistantships, reports will bemade by the faculty who have observedand/or supervised the student in teaching settings and/or have supervised the student in a

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researchassistantship.Priortothismeeting,allstudentswhoserveasteachingassistantswillhavebeenobservedwhileteaching,andhavereceivedfeedbackabouttheirinstructionalskills.Studentevaluationsofgraduateteachingassistantswillalsobereviewed.

Onthebasisofthisannualreview,studentswillreceivewrittenfeedbackfromtheiradvisorthatsummarizesthefacultycomments.1

1 For information concerning Suspension and Dismissal from the Graduate Program and/or Assistantships, seeAppendixE.

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DOCTOROFPHILOSOPHYINCOMMUNICATION

Thefollowingsectionsprovideanoverviewofthepolicies,procedures,andregulationsgoverningthePh.D.programinCommunicationatTexasA&M.OtherspecificdetailsrelatedtograduatestudyatTAMUarecoveredinmoredetailintheGraduateHandbookproducedbytheOfficeofGraduateandProfessional Studies and in theGraduate Catalog (in particular, note the residency requirementsfoundintheGraduateCatalog).Thesedocumentsareavailableon-lineattheOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudieswebsite.AlistofgraduatecoursesinCommunicationisprovidedinAppendixA.A summary of the course requirements, elective requirements, and a timetable for completingimportantactivitiesrelatedtocompletingthePh.D.programcanbefoundinAppendixB.

COURSEWORKINTHEPROGRAMOFSTUDYThe program of study for the doctoral degree can vary a great deal from student to student,dependingonacademicandprofessionalgoals,aswellaspreviouseducationalexperiences.Thus,itiscriticalthattheprogramofstudybedevelopedbythestudentincloseconsultationwiththeiradvisorandadvisorycommittee.Beforeanadvisoryrelationshipisestablished,thestudentshouldconsultwithhis/herinterimadvisorandtheDirectorofGraduateStudies.

ThecourserequirementsforaCommunicationdegreearedesignedtomaximizestudentflexibilityinchoosingcourseswhileatthesametimeensuringthatallgraduatespossessacomprehensivebackground in communication, not only in their own specialized area, but also acrossmultipleareas. This department has four areas of study, Health Communication, Media Studies,OrganizationalCommunication,andRhetoricandPublicAffairs.Ratherthanfosteringdifference,however,webelievethatexperiencingadiversityofrobustanddistinctperspectivesenrichesallof our understandings of communication as a whole. It is on this basis that we require everystudenttotakecoursesoutsideoftheirspecializedareawithintheDepartmentofCommunicationandinconsultationwiththeiradvisorandcommittee.Inaddition,itallowsstudentswithinterestsinmorethanoneareatocreateanindividualizedprogramofstudyinwhichtheycanpursuethoseinterests.

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64HOURPHDPROGRAM(STUDENTSENTERINGDOCTORALPROGRAMWITHACOMPLETEDMA)To earn a PhD in the Department of Communication at Texas A&M, a student entering theprogramwithanMAfromanotherinstitutionisrequiredtotakeatleast36credithoursofcoursesplusatleast11hoursofdissertationcredit(foratotalofnolessthan64totalcredithours),passapreliminary exam on completion of coursework, and then successfully write and defend adissertation.PhDcourseworkshouldfollowaplanofstudythatincludesthoseresearchmethods,theories,andtopicsthatwillbestpreparethestudenttosuccessfullycompletetheirdissertationandotherresearchprojects.

COURSEWORK(64HourProgram)

COMM681:ProfessionalSeminar(x2) 0Credits

600-LevelCOMMSeminarsinSpecializedArea 12Credits

600-LevelCOMMSeminarsoutsideSpecializedArea 6Credits

600-LevelCOMMSeminarsinanyArea 12-16Credits

600-LevelCoursesOutsideCOMMDepartment 6-15Credits

Note1:Only6creditsofDirectedResearch(COMM685)willbecountedtowardthedegree.

Note2: Each individualareamayhavemore specific course requirements (i.e. specificmethodscourses)inadditiontothegeneralrequirementsofthedepartment.

Note 3: The “area” of the coursewill be determined by the student’s graduate advisor using acombinationofcoursenumber,subjectmatter,andthefacultyteachingthecourse.

Note4:400-levelcoursescanbetakeniftheyarenecessaryforadissertationprojectandhavetheapprovalof the student’sadvisor.Enrollment insuchcoursesshouldbeconsideredonlywhennocomparable graduate course is available, andwhen the class is being taught by amember of thegraduatefaculty.Giventhattheclassisbeingtakenaspartofthestudents’graduatecoursework,itisnot unusual for faculty to require additional work in the form of reading, paper, or researchassignmentsandprojects.

Note5:ExceptionstotheserequirementsrequireapprovalbycommitteechairandamajorityoftheDepartmentalGraduateCommittee.

Note6:Studentsmaytakeadditionalcoursesbeyondthe36credits,buttheywillsimplynotbecounted toward the “core” 36 hours. For instance, students who take more than 6 hours ofdirectedresearch,orwhorequireadditionaloutsidecourses,stillhavetotaketherequired600-levelCOMMseminars

DISSERTATIONHOURS(COMM691) 11to28Credits

TOTALREQUIREDHOURS(coursework+dissertation): 64Credit

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96HOURPHDPROGRAM(STUDENTSENTERINGDOCTORALPROGRAMW/OACOMPLETEDMA)To earn a PhD in the Department of Communication at Texas A&M, a student entering theprogramwithoutanMAorequivalentdegreefromanotherinstitutionisrequiredtotakeatleast51credithoursofcoursesplusatleast29hoursofresearchcredit(foratotalofnolessthan96totalcredithours),passacommitteereviewofa researchportfolio theby theendofyear two,passapreliminaryexaminationonthecompletionofcoursework,andthensuccessfullywriteanddefendadissertation.

COURSEWORK

*atleast6credithoursofthefollowingrequirementsmustbecommittedto“methods”courses*

COMM681:ProfessionalSeminar(x2) 0Credits

600-LevelCOMMSeminarinSpecializedArea 15Credits

600-LevelCOMMSeminarinSecondArea 9Credits

600-LevelCOMMSeminarsinanyArea 18-27Credits

600-LevelCourseOutsideCOMMDepartment6-15Credits

MinimumCourseworkTotal51Credits

RESEARCH

Researchhoursmaybetaken:(1)whenthestudentispreparingtheresearchessayforsecondyearreview (up to 3 credit hours), (2) the summerbeforeand semester of completionof preliminaryexams,and/or(3)allsemestersthestudentisworkingonhis/herdissertation.

COMM691:Research 29-45Credits

TOTALREQUIREDHOURS(Coursework+Research) 96CREDITS

Note1:Only6creditsofDirectedResearch(COMM685)willbecountedtowardthedegree.

Note 2: Each individual committee may have more specific course requirements (i.e. specificmethodscourses)inadditiontothegeneralrequirementsofthedepartment.

Note 3: The “area” of the coursewill be determined by the student’s graduate advisor using acombinationofcoursenumber,subjectmatter,andthefacultyteachingthecourse.

Note 4: On rare occasions, and if space is available, 400-level courses can be taken if they arenecessaryforadissertationprojectandhavetheapprovalofthestudent’sadvisor.Enrollmentinsuchcoursesshouldbeconsideredonlywhennocomparablegraduatecourseisavailable,andwhentheclassisbeingtaughtbyamemberofthegraduatefaculty.Giventhattheclassisbeingtakenaspartofthestudents’graduatecoursework,itisnotunusualforfacultytorequireadditionalworkintheformofreading,paper,orresearchassignmentsandprojects.

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Note6:Studentsmaytakeadditionalcoursesbeyondthe51credits,buttheywillsimplynotbecounted toward the “core” 51 hours. For instance, students who take more than 6 hours ofdirectedresearch,orwhorequireadditionaloutsidecourses,stillhavetotaketherequired600-levelCOMMseminars

ResearchPortfolioReview

In order to continue in the program students in the 96-hour program must pass a researchportfolio review by June 1 of the second year of study (or upon completion of 38 hours). Thereview will be conducted by a three-member committee (including, the student’s advisor)comprisedofgraduatefacultyintheDepartmentofCommunicationthatrepresentthestudent’sresearchinterests.

Thereviewprocesswillconsistofawrittenandoralcomponent.Thewrittencomponenthasthefollowing minimum requirements (additional components are at the discretion of the facultyreviewcommittee):

(1)ResearchNarrative–Apersonalstatementthatarticulatesaclearresearchidentityandtrajectory for continuedgraduatework. (*noteadvisorsand/or committeemembersmayhavefurtherrequirementsforthisnarrative*)

(2)ResearchEssay(s) –One to tworesearchessays that showcase thestudent’s researchinterests and demonstrate theoretical and methodological competency. The researchessay(s)cannotbeanunrevisedseminarpaper(s),andeachessaymustbeacompleteandboundedacademicargument (appropriate forconferenceand/or journalsubmission).Thenumber of required research essays is at the discretion of the advisor and committeemembers.

Uponsubmissionoftheresearchportfolio,thecommitteewillhaveaminimumoftwoweekstoevaluate the written materials. After the minimum evaluation period, an oral defense of theresearchportfoliomustbeconducted.Topassthisreview,astudentmustreceiveapassingvotefrom themajority of the review committeemembers (including the chair). Studentsmay onlycompletetheoraldefenseonetime.Ifastudentfailsthisdefense,thestudentwillnotbeabletocontinueintheprogram.

ADVISINGINTHEDOCTORALPROGRAM

UponenteringthePh.D.programatTexasA&M,eachstudentwillbeassignedaninterimadvisor.The interim advisor's responsibilities include helping the new student understand therequirementsandcourseoptionsinthedoctoralprogram,assistingintheassessmentofcurricularneedswith relation toprevious courseworkatboth theBAandMA levels, and familiarizing the

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studentwith thegraduate faculty, their research interests,and theirexpertise inanticipationofselectingapermanentadvisorandadvisorycommittee.

Apermanentadvisorshouldbeselectedearlyinthesecondsemesteroftheprogram.Thispermanentadvisormay(ormaynot)betheinterimadvisor.Also,thepermanentadvisorcanbechangedduringthecourseoftheprogramascircumstancesrequire(forexample,afterthecompletionofpreliminaryexams).However,itiscriticalthatanadvisorbeselectedearlyintheprograminordertohelpdesigna program of study, make decisions about mentorship opportunities, and start thinking aboutdissertationpossibilities.

At thebeginningof the third semesterof theprogram, in conjunctionwith their advisor, doctoralstudentsshoulddesignaproposedplanofstudy.Theproposedplanofstudyshouldfollowthesameformatasthedegreeplanthatwilleventuallybesubmittedtotheuniversity(seeOGAPSwebsiteforDegree Plan form), but will be for internal department review only. This proposed plan of studyserves as a template for selecting subsequent coursework in the program. The content of theprogramofstudywilldependonthestudent’sgoalsandtheeducationalneedsasdeterminedbythestudentandcommittee.TheproposedplanofstudyshouldbesubmittedtothegraduatedirectorbyOctober1ofthesecondyearofstudyintheprogramfor64hourstudents,andthirdyearofstudyintheprogramfor96hourstudents.Studentscangetformsfortheinternalprogramofstudyreviewat:http://comm.tamu.edu/current-graduate-resources/.

Thestudentmustformtheirpermanentadvisorycommitteebeforesubmittingaformalplanofstudyandtakingpreliminaryexaminations.Thisadvisorycommitteetypicallyconsistsofanadvisor,twotothree additionalmembers of thedepartmental faculty, andone facultymember fromoutside thedepartment.Anoutsidemember is requiredby theUniversity.According toUniversitypolicy, theadvisory committee must be established and a formal degree plan submitted to the Office ofGraduateandProfessionalStudiesnolaterthan90dayspriortothepreliminaryexamination(seeupcoming section on the preliminary examination). However,we strongly encourage students tofinalizetheircommitteesandformaldegreeplanearly inthesecondyearofthePh.D.program.. Itshouldalsobenotedthatcommitteemembershipsometimesshiftsasastudentsmoves fromthepreliminaryexaminationtothedissertation.Changesinadvisororcommitteemembersorchangesinthedegreeplan canbedone through thenormalpetitioningprocessdescribed in theTexasA&MUniversityGraduateHandbook.

ENROLLINGINCOMM691Finally, as a general rule, students should complete coursework before taking COMM 691:Researchhours.InordertosignupforCOMM691hours,oneofthefollowingconditionsmustbemet:

(1)96hourstudentscantakeupto3hoursofCOMM691thesemestertheyarepreparinganddefendingtheirresearchportfolio.

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(2)64hourand96hourstudentsmayCOMM691hoursthesemestertheyarescheduledtotakepreliminaryexams(Exception:Ifastudentisscheduledtotakepreliminaryexamsthebeginningofthe fall semester, that student may enroll in COMM 691 during the summer semester(s) thatimmediatelyprecedesthefall).

(3)64hourand96hour studentscanenroll inCOMM691afterhavingsuccessfullypassed thepreliminaryexamination.

Exceptions to the threeconditionsdescribedabovewillbemadeona case-by-casebasisat thediscretionoftheDirectorofGraduateStudies.

If one of these conditions has beenmet, the studentmust submit a COMM 691 request form(signedby theirpermanentadvisor) toSilviaMartinez.This form isonly required if: (1) it is thestudent’sfirsttimetosignupforCOMM691hours,and(2)astudentisinthe96-Hourprogramandthestudenthasdefendedaresearchportfolio,buthasnotpassedpreliminaryexams.

PRELIMINARYEXAMINATIONApreliminaryexamination(alsocalleda“comprehensive”examination)mustbetakennolaterthanthesemesterfollowingthecompletionoftheformalcourseworkonthedegreeplan(exceptCOMM691,DissertationHours).ThestudentmustfiletheirdegreeplanwiththeOfficeofGraduateandProfessional Studies at least 90 days prior to taking preliminary exams. The degree plan is filedelectronically,anddetailsonthisprocesscanbefoundattheOGAPSwebsite.Astudentcanenrollindissertationhoursduringthesemesterinwhichtheytakethepreliminaryexambutnotbefore.Thepreliminary examinationhas awrittenportion and anoral portion. The chair and the studentwillcompletethe"PreliminaryExaminationChecklist."Attheendoftheoralexaminationthechairwillsubmit the "Checklist" and the "Report of the Preliminary Examination" (See forms on OGAPSwebsite)totheOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudies.PreliminaryexamsMAYNOTbetakenduringtheGraduateProfessionalization/OrientationEventsthatoccuratthebeginningofthefallandspringsemesters.

Purpose: Preliminary exams are designed to test a student’s expertise in at least two areas ofspecialization, general field knowledge, theory, and methodology as declared in the student’sProgram of Study. Although preliminary exam questions will relate to the student’s researchtrajectory, the examination process is not designed to forward or approve a specific dissertationproposaloragenda.Dissertationprospectusmeetingscannotbescheduledthesamedayasexams.

Process:

• Written andOral Component. Thewritten componentwill consist of a journal submissionpaper(orequivalent)and3-4essayquestionsandanoraldefense.

• Developing the Examination. Each committee will develop an examination based on thatstudent’sdeclaredareasofinterest.Theadvisorandthestudentshallconveneameetingofthecommitteenolaterthanthesemesterbeforethestudentplanstotaketheexam(inmost

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case thiswill beMay 15 of the student’s second or third year). The papers, projects, andquestionswillinvolvetheory,method,andspecialtopicareas,asappropriate.TheChairofthestudent’s committee will facilitate this process overall, in conjunction with the graduateadministrativeassistantorotherexamproctor.Underthedirectionofthecommitteechair,responsibility for writing the exam questions will be distributed among the examinationcommitteemembersbasedonthemember’sparticularexpertise.

• ExaminationStructure.Theexaminationincludes:(1)theproductionofajournalsubmissionqualitypaperorequivalent,and(2)answering3-4essayquestionsusingatimedclosed-bookformat,take-homeformat,orsomecombinationofthetwo.

o Journalsubmissionpaperorequivalent.Eachstudentwillbeassignedapapertowrite

thatis(orisequivalentto)ajournalsubmission.Thispapershouldadvanceafocusedandboundedargumentinsomeway.Whilethepapermayberelatedtothestudent’sdissertation,itisnotacompleteprospectus.Theessayportionofthetestbeginsoncethepaperhasbeensubmittedtotheexamproctor.

o Essays.Twelvehoursoftheexaminationmaybetakenin-houseusingatimedclosed-

bookformat,take-homeformat,orsomecombinationofthetwo.Theessayportionoftheexaminationwillconsistof3-4questionsthataretobedividedamongtheory,method,andspecialtopicsasappropriate,andasdeterminedbythecommitteechairinconsultationwith thestudentandothercommitteemembers.Potentialareas fortake-home examinations may include literature reviews, data analyses, and othersorts of problem-based exercises in which it makes sense to have an open bookformatandforwhichtheamountoftimeneededdoesn'tequatetoacarefully-timednumberofhours.

• TimingoftheExaminationandDefense.OGAPSrulesstipulatethattheexaminationprocess,

includingthewritingofthein-houseessaysandthefinaloralexamination,mustbeconductedwithinathree-weekperiod.

o ExaminationTimeline.Thefollowingdeadlinesguidetheprocess:

§ Development of the examination (May 15): The student’s committee will

meet no later than May 15 of the student’s second year to develop theexamination.Papersandessayquestionsmustbedevelopedwell inadvanceoftheproposedexaminationdate.

§ Announcementoftheexamination(OneMonthPrior):Astudentmustsubmita signed Preliminary Examination Scheduling form to the test proctor(graduateadministrativeassistant),nolaterthan30daysbeforetheexamis

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tobegin.Questionswillbeduetotheadministrativeassistantnolaterthan2weeksbeforetheexam.

§ Completingthewrittenexamination(November1):ThewrittenportionoftheexaminationconsistingoftheessayquestionsshallbecompletednolaterthanNovember1ofthebeginningofthestudent’sthirdyear.TheexaminationwillstartonaFriday,whenthestudentsubmitsthejournalsubmissionpaper.Thestudent will then have 10 days to complete the written portion of theexamination, the secondMonday following the start of the examination onFriday.

§ Oralexamination(Threeweeksfollowingthebeginningofthewrittenexam).§ If extenuating circumstances exist, these deadlines may be modified in

consultation with the student’s committee and the Director of GraduateStudies.

• AssessingtheExamination

o Theoraldefensewillbeschedulednolaterthanthreeweeksafterthewrittenexamsstart. Committee members will have one week to read the answers and form anopinionofthequality,providingcursoryfeedbacktothecommitteechair.

o Theoralexaminationwillconsistofquestionsrelatedtothewrittenanswers,journalquality essay, and may also be directed toward further development of thetheoretical/methodological issues related to dissertation research (if known at thetime).

o Studentpassestheoralexamifthemajority(includingchair)agrees.Passingwrittenandoralexaminationisnecessarytoproceedtodissertationprospectusmeeting.PerUniversityrules,ifastudentfailstheexam,theywillhaveonemorechancetopassinordertocontinueintheprogram.

o Onrareoccasions,thecommitteemayrequestthatastudentreviseaportionoftheexam. In such cases, thewriting processmustmimic the original conditions of theexam question (e.g., in-house, take-home, time-allotted, etc.). Revisions should becompletedinareasonableamountoftimefollowingtheoraldefense.

EXPECTATIONSOFSTUDENT,CHAIR,ANDCOMMITTEEMEMBER:

Theresponsibilitiesofthestudent:

• Meetwiththeadvisortodeterminedeclaredareasofexpertise,journalqualityessay,andpreferredmethodofquestions (take-home, in-house,combination),andproposedtimingofexam.

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• Schedulemeeting with committeemembers the semester prior to the exam to set thetermsoftheexam.

• Schedule the examination and plan for other logistics with the graduate administrativeassistant.

• Schedule the defense with the committee members and inform the graduateadministrativeassistant.

• Workwiththeadvisorasneededtopreparefortheexamination.• Taketheexamination,emailingtheanswerstothegraduateadministrativeassistantatthe

endofthescheduledtimes.• Beforetheoraldefense:Meetwiththeadvisortoreviewpreliminaryanswersandplanfor

whattoprepareforthedefense.• Forthedefense:Providea5-8minutepresentationatthebeginningofthemeeting;notes

areallowed.

Theresponsibilitiesofthecommitteechair:

• Meet with the student to determine the number of hours allotted for each questiondeclaredareasofexpertise,journalqualityessay,andpreferredmethodofquestions(take-home,in-house,combination),andproposedtimingofexam.

• Workwiththestudentasneededtopreparethemfortheexamination.• Coordinatewithothercommitteemembersasneeded.• Afterthewrittenportionoftheexamination:Meetwiththestudenttopreparethemfor

thedefense;inparticular,pointoutareaswheretheywillwanttobeespeciallyprepared• Before the oral defense, committee chairs should consult with other members of the

committeetodeterminetheircursorydeterminationofthequalityofthewrittenportion(i.e.,pass/fail).

• During the defense: facilitate the defense, coordinating the conversation and order ofquestioning;turntheconversationtowardproposalanddissertationifappropriate

Theresponsibilitiesofthecommitteemembers:

• Alongwiththestudent,developageneralsenseofthetopicandscopeofthequestion;aidintheconstructionofareadinglistand/orofferotherguidance.

• Writeaquestiondesignedforthelengthoftimeallottedforthequestionandsendtothecommittee chair and graduate administrative assistant twoweeks before the student isscheduledtobeginwrittenportionoftheexam.

• One week after the exams have been completed/one week before the comps defense:Provide the committee chair with a cursory determination of the quality of thewrittenportion(i.e.,pass/fail).

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• For the oral defense: Read closely the journal quality essay, and the answer to yourproposedquestion.Readorskimanswers toallof thequestionsandbeprepared toaskquestionsontheanswerspecifictoyourarea.

AFTERPASSINGONE’SPRELIMINARYEXAMINATIONOnce a student has passed the Preliminary Examination, they have four years to complete allremaining requirements for the degree. Otherwise, the student must repeat the PreliminaryExamination.

If a student has completed all of the regular coursework on their degree plan, they must becontinuously registered during all regular (fall and spring) semesters until all degree requirementshavebeenmet.Thisrequirementcanbemeteitherbyregistering"inabsentia"orbyregisteringinresidence. Students who plan to register "in absentia" should obtain a letter from their advisorindicatingthattheywillnotbeusinganyuniversityresources(includingfacultytime)whileregistered"inabsentia." Acopyof this lettershouldbeplaced in theirpermanent file.Out-of-statestudentswhoregister“inabsentia”payout-of-statetuition.

Additional regulations for both parts of the examination regarding the scheduling, timing, andadministrationareincludedintheTexasA&MGraduateHandbook.

DISSERTATIONDoctoralstudentsmustdemonstratetheirabilitytoconductindependentresearchofhighqualitybycompleting an original dissertation.While acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on itsscholarlymerit,itmustalsobewell-written.Detailsabouttheformatofthedissertationareavailablein theTexasA&MUniversityGraduateHandbookand theThesisManualavailable fromtheThesisOffice.TheUniversitynowrequiresmandatoryelectronicformatsforthesesanddissertations.

The dissertation process actually begins early in the program, as the student explores possibledissertation topics and discusses those possibilities with their advisor and other members of thefaculty.Thefirstformalstepisformulatingandpresentingadissertationproposal.Thepreciseformoftheproposalwillvarygreatly,dependingonthetopicareasandthepreferencesofthestudent’scommittee. Thus, students should carefully discuss expectations for theproposalwith advisor andcommittee.ItshouldbenotedthatresearchprojectsinvolvinghumansubjectsmustbeapprovedbyTAMU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). IRB approval must be obtained before the proposal issubmittedtoOGAPS.

After completing the written proposal, a meeting is typically scheduled with all members of thestudent’sadvisorycommittee.Thismeetingisoftenseenasa“workingsession”inwhichideasaboutthedissertationcanbediscussedandnegotiated.Oncetheproposalisapprovedbyallmembersofthe students committee, the proposal and approval forms are submitted to OGAPS (see OGAPSwebsiteforcompletedetails).Thoughtheformaldeadlineforsubmittingadissertationproposalis15days prior to the dissertation defense date, students in our department typically submit theirdissertationproposalsmonthsbeforethedissertationdefense.

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Conductingthedissertationresearchandwritingthedissertationtheninvolvesaperiodoftimeinvolvingbothindependentresearchandmuchconsultationwiththeadvisorand,attimes,theadvisory committee.When the advisor and student are both satisfied that the dissertation isready for a defense, a complete copy shouldbedistributed to eachmemberof the student’sadvisorycommittee intheformattheyprefer (paperorelectronic)andanoraldefenseof thedissertationshouldbescheduled.Thedissertationshouldbedistributedtothestudent’sadvisorycommitteeatleast10workingdaysbeforetherequestedexaminationdata.Ifthisrequirementisnotmet,thedefensewillhavetoberescheduled.Therearenoexceptionstothisrule.Inaddition,permissiontoannounceandholdthefinalexaminationmustbeapprovedbyOGAPSat least10workingdaysbeforetherequestedexamdate.ItalsoisgoodpracticetoreviewthedegreeplanthathasbeenfiledwithOGAPSwellinadvanceoftherequesteddate,especiallyifthedegreeplan(includingcommitteemembership)hasbeenchangedbetweenthedateofthepreliminaryexam and the date of the dissertation defense.Dissertation defenses normally are scheduledduring the academic year (August 15 to June 1).Most faculty are on 9-month contracts,whichmeans that they are not on staff during summer months, and should not be expected to beinvolvedincommitteeactivities.DissertationdefensesMAYNOTbescheduledduringGraduateProfessionalization/Orientationeventsthatoccuratthebeginningoffallandspringsemesters.

Thedissertationdefensewillbea1-3hourmeetingoverthecontentofthedissertation.Universitypolicyallowsastudent’sadvisorycommitteetoopentheinitialsegmentofadissertationdefensetofaculty,students,orinvitedguests.Ifthecommitteechoosesthisoption,thestudentwillprovideabrief, formal presentation of the dissertation project and findings. Following the presentation, allattendeeswhoarenotofficialmembersofthestudent’scommitteewillbeaskedtoleaveandtheofficialportionofthedefensewillbegin.Thechairofthestudent’sadvisorycommitteeconductsthemeeting.Allmembersof thestudent’sadvisorycommitteeshouldattendthemeeting (seeOGAPSrulesaboutcommitteeattendance).Uponcompletionof thismeeting, thestudentwillbeexcusedfromtheroomwhilethestudent’scommitteevotesonwhetherornottoacceptthedissertationinpartialfulfillmentofthedegreerequirements.DissertationsthatareacceptedmustbefiledwiththethesisclerkintheOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudiesfollowingthepoliciesandproceduresofthatoffice.Fordeadlinesforfilingtheses,seethecalendardistributedbytheOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudiesandavailableontheOGAPSwebsite.

Adoctoralstudentisallowedoneattemptonadissertationdefense.

TIMELIMITSTheUniversityrequiresthatstudentscompletedegreerequirementsinatimelyfashion.Assuch,astudent has amaximumof10 years to complete degree requirements (after 10 years, coursesbegin to “expire”). Also, after passing preliminary exams, doctoral students have 4 years tosuccessfullydefendadissertation.

Invery rareoccasions, theDepartmentofCommunicationwill grantanextensionof these timerequirements. The department will grant extensions only in cases where: (1) an extenuating

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circumstancehasdelayedprogressonthedegree,and(2)thereisevidencethatsubstantiveworktowardfulfillingdegreerequirementshasbeenaccomplished.Inordertorequestanextension,astudentmustsubmitamemototheDirectorofGraduateStudiesandDepartmentHeaddetailinghowtheabovequalificationshavebeenmet.Thismemomustbeaccompaniedbythestudent’sadvisorverifyingthatconditiontwohasbeenmet.

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MASTEROFARTSINCOMMUNICATION

Thefollowingsectionsprovideanoverviewofthepolicies,procedures,andregulationsgoverningtheM.A. degree in Communication at Texas A&M.Other specific details related to graduate study atTAMUarecoveredinmoredetailintheGraduateHandbookproducedbytheOfficeofGraduateandProfessional Studies and in theGraduate Catalog (in particular, note the residency requirementsfoundintheGraduateCatalog).Thesedocumentsareavailableon-lineattheOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudieswebsite.AsummaryofthecourserequirementsforanM.A.degree(thesisandnon-thesisoptioncanbefoundinAppendicesC&D.

THESISOPTIONREQUIRED30CREDITHOURS

600-LevelCOMMSeminarinatleasttwoareas 21Credits

OptionalCourse(600-levelcourseinsideoroutsideCOMMDept) 3Credits

COMM691:ThesisHours 6Credits

Note 1: Students in theMA programmust take one course in at least 2 different areas (i.e., acoursein2ofthe4areasofRhetoric,Health,Organizational,andMedia)toacquireexperienceindifferentresearchtraditions.

Note 2: Only 3 credits of Directed Research (COMM 685) will be counted toward the total 30credits.

Note 3: The “area” of the coursewill be determined by the student’s graduate advisor using acombinationofcoursenumber,subjectmatter,andthefacultymemberteachingthecourse.

Note 4: 400-level courses can be taken if they are necessary for a thesis project and have theapprovalof thestudent’sadvisor.Enrollment insuchcoursesshouldbeconsideredonlywhennocomparable graduate course is available, andwhen the class is being taught by amember of thegraduatefaculty.Giventhattheclassisbeingtakenaspartofthestudents’graduatecoursework,itisnot unusual for faculty to require additional work in the form of reading, paper, or researchassignmentsandprojects.

Note5:Allstudentsarerequiredtocompleteatleasttwomethodscoursesthatwillpreparethemtoconductindependentresearch,includingathesis.


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Thesisoptionstudentsmaytakemorethan6hoursofCOMM691,buttheycanonlyinclude6hoursontheirdegreeplans.Thesame"continuousenrollment"requirementsthatPhDstudentsmustmeetalsoapplytoMAthesis-optionstudents.

Students who initially choose the thesis option can change to a non-thesis option should theirinterestsandcareergoalschange.However,onceastudentfilesanon-thesisdegreeplanwiththeOfficeofGraduateStudents,theycannotchangetoathesisoption.

AnumberofdivisionsofTAMUrecentlyhaveestablishedcertificateprogramsforgraduatestudents.Examplesincludeacertificateinbusiness,whichrequiresfourcoursesfromthatcollege,acertificateinInternationalStudies,afour-courseprogramintheBushSchoolofGovernmentandPublicService,a certificate in Film Studies, and a certificate in Women’s & Gender Studies. Students who areinterested in these programs should discuss themwith their advisor during their first semester inresidence.

THESISStudents selecting the thesis optionmust write a thesis proposal. The proposal is a document inwhichthestudentexplainsthetopicorsubjectofinquiry,thereasonsandjustificationsforstudyingthetopic,themethodsbywhichtheinvestigationwillproceed,andthecurrentstateofknowledgeconcerningthetopic.Thespecificformatandplanforthethesisproposalshouldbediscussedwiththeadvisor,asdifferentfacultymembershavedifferentrequirementsforthisdocument.

Oncethestudenthasproducedaproposalacceptabletotheiradvisor,athesisproposalmeetingcanbe setup. Inall casesaminimumof twoweeksnotice is required for settingupa thesisproposalmeeting. It is expected that all members of the student's thesis committee be present for theproposalmeeting.ThestudentistosubmittheapprovedthesisprospectustotheOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudiesalongwiththeproposalformsignedbyallcommitteemembers(seeOGAPSwebsite for forms). It should be noted that research projects involving human subjects must beapproved by TAMU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). IRB approvalmust be obtained before theproposalissubmittedtoOGAPS.TheOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudiesrequiressubmissionof the proposal 15 days before the defense, but most students in communication complete theproposalseveralmonthsaheadofthisdeadline.

Whentheadvisorandstudentarebothsatisfiedthatthethesis isreadyforadefense,acompletecopyshouldbedistributedtoeachmemberofthestudent’sadvisorycommitteeintheformattheyprefer(paperorelectronic)andanoraldefenseofthethesisshouldbescheduled.Thethesisshouldbedistributedtothestudent’sadvisorycommitteeatleast10workingdaysbeforetherequestedexaminationdata. Ifthisrequirementisnotmet,thedefensewillhavetoberescheduled.Therearenoexceptionstothisrule.Inaddition,permissiontoannounceandholdthefinalexaminationmustberequestedofOGAPSat least10workingdaysbeforetherequestedexamdate. Italso isgood practice to review the degree plan that has been filed with OGAPS well in advance of therequested date, especially if the degree plan (including committee membership. Thesis defensesnormally are scheduledduring the academic year (August 15 to June 1).Most faculty are on 9-

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monthcontracts,whichmeansthattheyarenotonstaffduringsummermonths,andshouldnotbeexpectedtobeinvolvedincommitteeactivities.ThesisdefensesMAYNOTbescheduledduringGraduate Professionalization/Orientation events that occur at the beginning of fall and springsemesters.

Thethesisdefensewillbea1-3hourmeetingoverthecontentofthethesis.Universitypolicyallowsastudent’sadvisorycommitteetoopentheinitialsegmentofathesisdefensetofaculty,students,orinvited guests. If the committee chooses this option, the student will provide a brief, formalpresentationofthethesisprojectandfindings.Followingthepresentation,allattendeeswhoarenotofficialmembers of the student’ committeewill be asked to leave and the official portion of thedefensewillbegin.Themeeting isconductedbythechairof thestudent’sadvisorycommittee.Allmembersof the student’s advisory committee shouldattend themeeting (seeOGAPS rulesaboutcommitteeattendance).Uponcompletionofthismeeting,thestudentwillbeexcusedfromtheroomwhilethestudent’scommitteevotesonwhetherornottoacceptthethesisinpartialfulfillmentofthedegreerequirements.ThesesthatareacceptedmustbefiledwiththethesisclerkintheOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudiesfollowingthepoliciesandproceduresofthatoffice.Fordeadlinesforfilingtheses,seethecalendardistributedbytheOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudiesandavailableontheOGAPSwebsite.

Shouldthecommitteedecidethatthethesisdefenseisnotofpassingquality,universityregulationsprovidethatthe“studentshallbegivenonlyoneopportunitytorepeatthefinalexamination[thesisdefense]forthemaster'sdegreeandthatshallbewithinatimeperiodthatdoesnotextendbeyondtheendofthenextregularsemester,”exclusiveofsummerterms.

NON-THESISOPTIONREQUIRED36CREDITHOURS

600-LevelCOMMSeminarinatleasttwoareas 24Credits

600-LevelCourseOutsideCOMMDepartment 3Credits

OptionalCourse(600-levelcourseinsideoroutsideCOMMDept) 9Credits

Note1:Studentsinthenon-thesisMAprogrammusttakeonecourseinatleast2differentareas(i.e., a course in 2 of the 4 areas of Rhetoric, Health, Organizational, and Media) to acquireexperienceindifferentresearchtraditions.

Note 2: Only 3 credits of Directed Research (COMM 685) will be counted toward the total 30credits.

Note3:ACourseareawillbedeterminedbythestudent’sgraduateadvisorusingacombinationofcoursenumber,subjectmatter,andthefacultyteachingthecourse.

Note4:400-levelcoursescanbetakeniftheyarenecessaryforastudent’sprogramofstudyhavetheapprovalofthestudent’sadvisor.Enrollmentinsuchcoursesshouldbeconsideredonlywhennocomparablegraduatecourseisavailable,andwhentheclassisbeingtaughtbyamemberofthe

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graduatefaculty.Giventhattheclassisbeingtakenaspartofthestudents’graduatecoursework,itisnot unusual for faculty to require additional work in the form of reading, paper, or researchassignmentsandprojects.

Note5:Astudentmaytakeup3hoursofCOMM691astheypreparetheirresearchportfolio.


ResearchPortfolio

TherequiredResearchPortfolioreviewforanon-thesisMAdegreewillbeconductedbyathree-member committee (including, the student’s advisor) comprised of graduate faculty in theDepartmentofCommunicationthatrepresentthestudent’sresearchinterests.

Thereviewprocesswillconsistofawrittenandoralcomponent.Thewrittencomponenthasthefollowing minimum requirements (additional components are at the discretion of the facultyreviewcommittee):

(1) Personal Statement – A statement that articulates a clearresearch/academic/professionalidentity.

(2 Research Essay(s) – One to two research essays that demonstrate theoretical andmethodological competency appropriate for an MA. The research essay(s) cannot beunrevisedseminarpapers,andeachmustbeacompleteandboundedacademicargument.Thenumberofrequiredresearchessays isatthediscretionoftheadvisorandcommitteemembers.

Uponsubmissionoftheresearchportfolio,thecommitteewillhaveaminimumoftwoweekstoevaluate the written materials. After the minimum evaluation period, an oral defense of theresearchportfoliomustbeconducted.Topassthisreview,astudentmustreceiveapassingvotefrom themajority of the review committeemembers (including the chair). Studentsmay onlycompletetheoraldefenseuptotwotimes.Ifastudentfailsthisdefensetwice,thestudentwillnotbeabletocontinueintheprogram.

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DEPARTMENTALSTRUCTURECommunicationisoneofthetwelvedepartmentsthatcomprisetheCollegeofLiberalArtsatTexasA&MUniversity.TheDeanoftheCollegeofLiberalArtsisDr.PamelaMatthews.SheisassistedbythreeAssociateDeans;AssociateDeanGerianneAlexander currently chairs theCollege'sGraduateCommitteeandhasvariousresponsibilitiesrelatedtograduatepoliciesintheCollege.Thegraduatestudent'sdailyexistence,however,ismuchmorelikelytobedirectlyaffectedbythestructuresandcodesoperatinginsideagivendepartment.

DepartmentHead:TheheadoftheDepartmentofCommunicationisDr.J.KevinBarge.Dr.BargeisresponsibleforallaspectsofthedepartmentandreportsdirectlytoDeanMatthews.AnyonewishingtohaveaprivateconferencewithDr.Bargeshouldscheduleameetingthroughhisassistant,SandraMaldonado.Iftheproblemcanbesolvedatalevelbelowthatofthedepartmenthead,thentaketheproblem to that level first.Manyproblems canbe solvedby theoffice staff,DirectorofGraduateStudies,advisor,orthebasiccoursedirector(ifapplicable).

Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Kristan Poirot is the graduate studies director. The DGS isresponsible for the day-to-day administration of the graduate program. Dr. Poirot is available tocounsel all incoming graduate students and oversees their transition to a permanent advisor. Thegraduate studies director is responsible for the implementation of all university, college, anddepartmental policies involving graduate instruction.Dr. Poirot reportsdirectly to theDepartmentHead and to the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The DGS is always accessible to talk withgraduatestudentsaboutanyaspectoftheirexperiencesinthegraduateprogram.Ifaperson,policy,procedure,orotheraspectof“lifeasagraduatestudent”isbotheringyou,speaktoyouradvisor.Ifyour advisor is not able to solve the problem, see the DGS. Routine problems, (filing forms,registration, etc.) usually can be solved by Silvia Martinez the administrative assistant for thegraduateprogram,orothermembersoftheofficestaff.

DirectorofUndergraduateStudies: ProfessorNancyStreet is theundergraduate studiesdirector.The Director of Undergraduate Studies oversees, and is in charge of, activity and organizationrelated to high quality undergraduate studies in the Department of Communication. The DUScoordinatesacademicadvisingforundergraduatestudents,andplansandexecutescurriculum,aswell as instructional staffing. Additionally, the DUS provides for the support of high impactpracticessuchasstudyabroad, internships,undergraduateresearch, leadershipandservice,andthe Undergraduate Teaching Academy. She provides structure for career preparation forundergraduates, as well as administrative support for departmental compliance with academicrequirements such as posting grades, ordering textbooks, syllabus policy compliance, and bestpractices for instruction. The DUS reports to the Department Head, chairs the UndergraduateInstructionCommittee, servesontheDepartmentofCommunicationLeadershipTeam,AdvisoryCommitteeaswellastheCollegeofLiberalArtsUndergraduateInstructionCommittee.Also,theDUS collaborates with the COMM Honors committee, the Assessment Committee, the

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InternationalizationCommittee,andtheClimateandInclusionCommittee.TheDUSoverseestheUndergraduateStudiesofficesupervisingfourAcademicAdvisorsandtwostudentworkers.

Basic Course Director: While some advanced doctoral students may teach diverse classes, themajorityofstudentswhoareservingasgraduateteachingassistants(T.A.s)willworkcloselywiththeDirectorofCOMM203(“PublicSpeaking”),ProfessorNancyStreet.ProfessorStreetisresponsiblefortheinstructionandfinalevaluationoftheundergraduatestudentsenrolledinCOMM203.AsaT.A.,youwillbeexpectedtoperformdutiesthatareassignedtoyoubythecoursedirector.Usually,thiswill involveresponsibilityforrecitationsectionsofthecourse.T.A.sshouldconsultcloselywiththecoursedirectorconcerningclassroompoliciesandprocedures.Anyproblemswithstudents,grades,classroom discipline, or other dimensions of the undergraduate classroom should be referredimmediatelytothecoursedirector.Asamemberoftheteachingstaffofthedepartment,youfulfillavitalroleinthedepartmentalmission.Alwaysactinaprofessionalmanner.Thefaculty,includingthecoursedirector,willstandbehindyou100%.

Differentfacultymemberswillserveasdirectorsfortheothercoursestaughtbygraduatestudents.TheywillplayasimilarroletothatperformedbyProfessorStreetforthesecourses.

GraduatePlacementOfficer:TheGraduatePlacementOfficeradvises studentsonhowtopreparematerialsforacademicjobapplications,andhelpspreparethemforjobinterviews.StudentswhoarecurrentlyapplyingforjobsshouldcontactDr.SherryHolladay.Studentsplantoapplyforjobsinthenext12-18monthswillalsobenefitfrommeetingswiththesefacultymembers.

Communication Laboratory Personnel: The Department of Communication maintains an activecommunication laboratory, managed by Ms. Melinda Alvarado. Questions about multimediainstruction and laboratory equipment, maintenance, access, and use should be directed to Ms.Alvaradoorotherappropriatelabpersonnel.

DepartmentalGraduateInstructionCommittee:Thedepartmentgraduatecommitteeiscomposedofthegraduatestudiesdirectorandfourtosixmembersofthegraduatefaculty.Thiscommitteeisthe policy-making arm of the faculty on questions concerning graduate education. The graduatecommittee, for example, selects students for admission, examines applications for graduateassistantships, and advises the DGS on the day-to-day operations of the graduate program. Anysuggestionsforimprovingthegraduateprogramorpetitionsforwaivingrequirementsoradjudicatinggrievances shouldbedirected to thegraduatecommittee through its chair,Dr.Poirot. If youhavesuggestionsforimproving“thewaythingswork”aroundhere,pleasesharethemwithmembersofthe graduate committee: Dr. Richard Street, Dr. Johanna Dunaway, Dr. Matt May, Dr. SherryHolladay,andDr.CaraWallis.

PermanentAdvisor:Thepermanentadvisoristhepersonwithwhomthegraduatestudentshouldbeworkingmostclosely.Generally,thisisthepersonwhowilleitherdirectthedissertation/thesisorchair the examining committee. No decisionmade during a graduate student's residence ismoreimportant than the selectionof apermanentadvisor. This shouldbeapersonwhomyou respect,whoseresearchisinanareasimilartoyourown,whohasagenuineinterestinyouandyourideas,

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andwithwhom you canwork closely to achieve your goals.Mostmembers of the department’sgraduate faculty can serve as a permanent advisor. Talk to asmany facultymembers as you canbeforemakingthisselection.Don'tbehesitantaboutapproachingthem,butdon'tbesurprisedifyouareaskedtosetupatimeforanappointment—theyhaveheavyschedulestoo.Usethetime—bothyoursandtheirs—wisely.

TexasA&MOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudies: Asoneprogressesthroughtheprogram,onewillwanttobecomefamiliarwiththeOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudies,locatedin001CommonsBuilding.OGAPSphonenumberis(979)845-3631,anditsmailingaddressis1113TAMU,College Station, TX 77843-1113. This is the office that issues guidelines for theses, deadlines forexams,andotherdetailedinformationconcerning“endtimes.”

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APPENDIXA:GRADUATECOURSESINCOMMUNICATION(unlessotherwisenoted,coursesarefor3hourscredit)

610. Social Science Methods in Communication Research Quantitative research methods incommunication, including design, measurement and analysis for descriptive and experimentalresearch;practiceinevaluatingandconductingresearchprojects.

615. Interpretive Methods in Communication Research Introduction to interpretive andqualitative methods in communication research. Underlying epistemologies, design issues, andexplanationofknowledgeclaims.Methodsincludingparticipantobservationandinterviewing

620.CommunicationTheoryThenatureandroleofcommunicationtheory,systemsofontologyand epistemology in theory development; critical review of current theories concerningcommunicationcodes,functionandprocessesinvariouscontexts.

625. International Communication and Public Diplomacy Exploration of the intersections ofculture,media,andcommunication;emphasisontheroleofcommunicationinpublicdiplomacy;examinationofglobalmedia,internationalrelationsandglobalizationandmediatechnologiesonissues of cultural identity and geopolitics and the policy of discussions emerging from thatimpact.

630. Interpersonal Communication Major theories in interpersonal communication; criticalexaminationofcurrentresearchprogramsoncommunicationininterpersonalinfluence,relationaldevelopmentandconflictmanagement.

631. Group CommunicationMajor concepts and theories of communicative processes in task-orientedgroupsfromasocialscientificperspective;theroleofgroupcommunicationin(1)groupdecision processes (2) decision development, (3) decision-making agendas and (4) conflict andperformancequality.

632.CommunicationandConflictElementsandcentralfeaturesofconflicttheoriesanddifferentapproaches to communication in conflict management. Analysis of communication research ininterpersonal,family/marital,group,organizational,andpublicconflictsandtheroleofthemediainsocialandinternationaldisputes.

634. Communication and Gender Gender considered as a complex phenomenon constitutedthrough communication. Topics include femininities, masculinities, language, power, nonverbalbehavior,genderinmedia,organizations,interpersonalrelationshipsandsocialmovements.

636. Survey of Organizational Communication Theoretical and empirical literature on humancommunication and complex organizations; the study ofmessages, interaction, andmeaning inthe process of organizing; topics include superior-subordinate communication, communicationnetworks and technologies, language, message flow, symbols and organizational culture,negotiationandconflict,andpowerandpolitics.

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637. Organizational Communication Seminar Investigation of a subject important to theunderstanding of organizational communication, such as communication and organizationaldecision-making, group communicationwithin organizations, communication and organizationalculture, and organizational rhetoric and issuemanagement.May be repeated for credit with adifferentcontentuptoatotalofthreetimes.

640.RhetoricalTheoryClosereadingofclassicalandcontemporarysystemsofrhetoric;surveyofprincipalapplicationstocommunicationtheoryandresearch.

645. Rhetorical and Textual Methods in Communication Research Comparative study oftraditional and contemporary perspectives on the description, interpretation, and evaluation ofpublic discourse, including textual analysis, neo-classical analysis, Burkean criticism,quantitativeandqualitativeapproachestocontentanalysis,fantasythemeanalysis,andsemioticanalysis.

649. American Public Discourse to 1865 Public discourse and political rhetoric in America incolonial and pre-Civil War years. Historical, conceptual, and practical examination of politicalcampaignrhetoric,legislativerhetoric,judicialrhetoric,andadvocacygrouprhetoric.

650.AmericanPublicDiscourse since 1865Public discourse andpolitical rhetoric inAmerica inpost-Civil War years. Historical, conceptual and practical examination of political campaignrhetoric, legislative rhetoric, judicial rhetoric andadvocacy group rhetoric.Maybe repeated forcreditwithadifferentcontentuptoatotalofthreetimes.

651.PresidentialRhetoricRhetoricaldiscourseofAmericanpresidents,includingprincipalgenresof presidential communication, speechwriting andmedia strategies; case studies of presidentialcommunicationrangingfromcampaignoratory,tocrisisrhetoric,andceremonialaddress.

652. The Rhetoric of Social Movements. Analysis of persuasive strategies used to build socialidentitiesandcollectivelyagitateforsocialchange;explorationofthehistoryofsocialmovementsintheUnitedStatesandabroad.

653. Rhetoric and Public Cultures. Examination of how artifacts of public culture functionrhetoricallytotransformpublicattitudes,opinion,andmemory;analysisofdocuments,artworks,images,andhistoriesfromahumanitiesandsocialscienceperspectives.

654. Classical Rhetoric. Origins of rhetoric in classical Greece and Rome; exploration of therelationship between philosophy, rhetoric, and democratic political culture; the contemporaryrelevanceofclassicalthoughttocontemporaryproblems.Cross-listedwithENGL654.

655.ContemporaryTheoriesofRhetoric.Investigationofthemajorfiguresinrhetoricaltheoryinthe20thand21stcenturies;analysisoftherelationshipbetweenrhetoricandpower;identifyingnewchallengesforrhetoricinaglobal,multicultural,technologicalage.Cross-listedwithENGL655

656.FeminismandRhetoric.Thiscoursetracesthehistoricaldevelopmentoftheideology,theoryandrhetoricalpracticesofU.S.feminism.Wewillbegininthe19thcenturywithwomen’sactivismintheabolitionistmovementandendbystudyingcontemporaryfeministactivism.

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658. Seminar in Communication and Culture Investigation of the ways that culture, religion,identity, gender, popular culture, community, history, and related ideas are shaped throughcommunicationinordertounderstandthedevelopmentofsocialnorms,politicalvalues,andthehumanexperience.Mayberepeatedforcreditupto3times.

659. Communication and Citizenship in the Public Sphere Theoretical examination ofcommunication within democratic, republican, and liberal conceptions of citizenship;considerationoftheidealofthepublicsphere,andcommunicationinglobalcivilsociety.SpecificattentiontothepracticesofAmericancitizenshipwithintheglobalcivilsociety.

662. Survey of Telecommunication andMedia StudiesSurvey of research and theory inmediastudiesandtelecommunication;reviewofliteratureonmasscommunication,media,culture,andsociety,mediaaudiences,texts,industriesandtechnologies;providesstudentsanoverviewoftheliteratureandtheoreticalorientation.

663. Seminar in Telecommunication and Media Studies Intensive work on selected topics ofresearch in telecommunication andmedia studies;may address work in the areas of audiencestudies,mediaeffects,industries,policy,internationalissues,mediaandculture,mediahistoryortheory;mayberepeatedforcreditwithdifferentcontentuptoatotalofthreetimes.

665.CommunicationandTechnologyExaminestherelationshipsbetweenhumancommunicationand technology, investigating the social effects of communication technology, the quality ofmessages,communicativepractices,andrhetoricalnormsthattypifyeffectivecommunication intechnologicalsociety.

669. Survey of Health Communication Theories and research in health communicationconsidering functions and outcomes of communication processes in various health contexts,ranging from interpersonal settings to public campaigns. Emphasis on providing framework forsynthesizingandcriticallyevaluatinghealthcommunicationresearch.

670.HealthCommunicationSeminarInvestigationofasubjectimportanttotheunderstandingofhealth communication, such as persuasion and public health campaigns, physician-patientcommunication,orcommunicationinhealthcareorganizations.Mayberepeatedforcreditwithdifferentcontentuptoatotalofthreetimes.

671.InterdisciplinarySeminarinPreventionScience(1Credit)Contemporaryresearchprogramsthatrepresenttheinterdisciplinaryfieldofpreventionscience;strengthsandlimitationsofdiversetheoretical and conceptual bases of research in prevention science; application of researchfindings to issues related to thepreventionofmental, emotional, andphysical healthproblemsandthepromotionofwell-being.Maybetaken3timesforcredit.

681.Professional Seminar (1 credit)Provides socialization to theprocessionof communication,focusingongraduate students’ roles as scholars and teachers;provides instructionon teaching,communication,conductingandwritingpublishableresearch,andfulfillingresponsibilitiestoone’sorganizationandprofession.

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685.DirectedStudies;Credit(1to6eachsemester)Directedstudiesinspecificproblemareasincommunication.Studentmaytakeuptotwosectionsofdirectedstudiesincommunicationinthesamesemester,withamaximumof6credits.

689. Special Topics in… (Credit 1 to 4 each semester) Selected topics in an identified area ofcommunication.Mayberepeatedforcredit.

691.Research;(Credit1ormoreeachsemester)Researchforthesisordissertation.

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APPENDIXB:64-HOURPROGRAMREQUIRMENTS

PhD.COURSEWORK

TOTALREQUIREDHOURS(coursework+dissertation): 64Credits

CoursesinSpecializedArea

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

CoursesOutsideofSpecializedArea

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

CoursesinAnyCOMMArea(12-18hours)

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

CoursesOutsideofCOMM(6to15hours)

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

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TwoProfessionalDevelopmentcourses(1houreach):

_____COMM681_____COMM681

TOTALCOURSEWORKHOURS:37to53

DissertationHours:11to27hoursofCOMM691

TOTALHOURSforPh.D.DegreePlan:Minimumof64hours(coursework+dissertation)

Residencyrequirement:

_____Oneacademicyeartaking9hourseachterm(semesteror10-weeksummersession)

Degreeplanrequirement:

_____Degreeplanfiledthroughogsdpss.tamu.edu90-dayspriortopreliminaryexam(comps)

Preliminaryexamchecklistform(studentdownloadsformfromOGAPS):

_____Priortoschedulingexamstodetermineallcriteriahavebeenmet

Registrationforpreliminaryexams:

_____Mustbeenrolledforaminimumof1credithourthesemesterorsummertermthestudent

willtaketheexam

Preliminaryexamresults(studentdownloadsformsfromOGAPSwebsite):

_____TwoformssubmittedtoOGAPStoreportresultsofcomps(ReportofDoctoralPreliminary

ExamformandPreliminaryExaminationchecklist)within10workingdaysoforaldefense

Dissertationproposal(studentdownloadsformfromOGAPSwebsite):

_____TheproposalandTITLEPAGEformfromOGAPSsubmittedaftergettingcommittee

approvalandatleast15dayspriortodefense

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Applyforgraduation:

_____Duringfirstweekoffinalsemester.

RequestforFinalExam/DissertationDefense(studentdownloadsformfromOGAPSwebsite):

_____FileformwithOGAPS10workingdayspriortoexamdate

Dissertation Defense (OGAPS form sent DIRECTLY to advisor; student downloads thesis fromthesisofficewebsite):

_____CommitteesignsformfromtheOGAPSandtheformfromthethesisoffice

Benchmarks

Firstsemester

_____Begintentativeplanofstudy

_____Becomeinvolvedinatleastoneresearchproject(soloorwithfaculty)

_____Join1ormoreprofessionalorganizations

Secondsemester

_____SelectPermanentAdvisor

_____Consultwithadvisoroncoursework

_____Submit1-2manuscriptstoaconference

_____UpdateCVforAnnualReview

Thirdsemester

_____SubmitproposedplanofstudytoDGS(October1)

_____Haveattendedorareregisteredtoattendatleastonescholarlyconvention

_____Engageinindependentresearchprojectorworkwithafacultymember

_____Atleastonefirst/soloauthoredmanuscriptforjournalsubmissionshouldbein preparation.

_____SelectCommitteeMembers

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Fourthsemester

_____Completecoursework

_____MeetwithcommitteetoplanPreliminaryExam(MAY15)

_____Submitatleasttwomanuscriptstoscholarlyconvention(preferablynationalor international)

_____Submitmanuscripttoajournalforpublication

_____SubmitDegreePlanofStudywithOGAPS(@least90daysbeforeexams)


Year3

_____Haveatleast1manuscriptacceptedforpublicationatajournal.

_____Havecompleted(orintheprocessofgiving)atleast3conferencepresentations

_____CompleteandpassPreliminaryExams

_____Successfullydefenddissertationproposalmeetingwithcommittee;fileproposalwith OGAPS.

(Dissertationproposalshouldbedefendedandacceptednolaterthanthelastdayof

thesecondsummersessionofthethirdyear.)

_____Submit1-2manuscriptstoconferences.

_____Preparewritingsampleforjobapplications.


_____Applyforand/orengageinatleastonehigh-impacteventoutsideofthedepartment (nationalpre-conference;doctoralhonorsseminar;summerinstitutes;writingcamps,etc.)

Year4

_____ContinuetoSubmitpaperstoconferencestojournals

_____ Prepare materials for job applications (CV, sample syllabi, research statement, teachingphilosophy,coverletter,etc.)

_____Prepareresearchjobtalk(earlyinthefall)

_____ Practice research job talk (coordinated through advisor and Graduate Placement Officer)

_____Completedissertation

_____ScheduleFinalExam(dissertationdefense)

_____SubmitDissertationtoOGAPSandcoordinatewiththemtomeetall requirements forgraduation.

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APPENDIXC:96-HOURPROGRAMREQUIREMENTS

PhD.COURSEWORK

TOTALREQUIREDHOURS(coursework+dissertation): 96Credits

CoursesinSpecializedArea

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

CoursesOutsideofSpecializedArea

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

CoursesinAnyCOMMArea(18-27hours)

_____COMM________COMM___

_____COMM________COMM___

_____COMM________COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

CoursesOutsideofCOMM(6to15hours)

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

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_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

_____COMM___

TwoProfessionalDevelopmentcourses(1houreach):

_____COMM681_____COMM681

TOTALREQUIREDCOURSEWORKHOURS:53

DissertationHours:29-43hoursofCOMM691

TOTALHOURSforPh.D.DegreePlan:Minimumof96hours(coursework+dissertation)

Residencyrequirement:

_____Oneacademicyeartaking9hourseachterm(semesteror10-weeksummersession)

Degreeplanrequirement:

_____Degreeplanfiledthroughogsdpss.tamu.edu90-dayspriortopreliminaryexam(comps)

Preliminaryexamchecklistform(studentdownloadsformfromOGAPS):

_____Priortoschedulingexamstodetermineallcriteriahavebeenmet

Registrationforpreliminaryexams:

_____Mustbeenrolledforaminimumof1credithourthesemesterorsummertermthestudent

willtaketheexam

Preliminaryexamresults(studentdownloadsformsfromOGAPSwebsite):

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_____TwoformssubmittedtoOGAPStoreportresultsofcomps(ReportofDoctoralPreliminary

ExamformandPreliminaryExaminationchecklist)within10workingdaysoforaldefense

Dissertationproposal(studentdownloadsformfromOGAPSwebsite):

_____TheproposalandTITLEPAGEformfromOGAPSsubmittedaftergettingcommittee

approvalandatleast15dayspriortodefense

Applyforgraduation:

_____Duringfirstweekoffinalsemesterthroughdegreeapp.tamu.edu

RequestforFinalExam/DissertationDefense(studentdownloadsformfromOGAPSwebsite):

_____FileformwithOGAPS10dayspriortoexamdate

Dissertation Defense (OGAPS form sent DIRECTLY to advisor; student downloads thesis fromthesisofficewebsite):

_____CommitteesignsformfromtheOGAPSandtheformfromthethesisoffice

Benchmarks

Firstsemester

_____Begintentativeplanofstudy

_____Becomeinvolvedinatleastoneresearchproject(soloorwithfaculty)

_____Join1ormoreprofessionalorganizations

Secondsemester

_____SelectPermanentAdvisor

_____Consultwithadvisoroncoursework

_____Submit1-2manuscriptstoaconference

_____UpdatedCVforAnnualReview

Thirdsemester

_____Havesubmittedatleastonepapertoascholarlyconvention

_____Haveattendedorareregisteredtoattendatleastonescholarlyconvention

_____Engageinindependentresearchprojectorworkwithafacultymember

_____SelectResearchPortfolioCommitteeMembers

Fourthsemester

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_____PrepareResearchPortfolio

_____PassResearchPortfolioReview

_____ Submit at least two manuscripts to scholarly convention (preferably national or international)


Year3

_____Reviseatleast1manuscriptandsubmitforjournalpublication

_____SubmitPreliminaryPlanofStudytoDGS(October1)

_____SubmitDegreePlanofStudywithOGAPS(@least90daysbeforeexams)

_____MeetwithcommitteetoplanPhDPreliminaryExam(April30)

_____UpdateCVAnnualReview

Year4

_____CompleteandPassPreliminaryExams

_____Submitmanuscriptorabstracttoanationalscholarlyconvention

_____Successfullydefenddissertationproposal;fileproposalwithOGAPS.

(Dissertationproposalshouldbedefendedandacceptednolaterthanthelastdayof

thesecondsummersessionofthethirdyear.)

_____Haveatleast1manuscriptacceptedforpublicationatajournal.

_____Preparewritingsampleforjobapplications.


_____Applyforand/orengageinatleastonehigh-impacteventoutsideofthedepartment (nationalpre-conference;doctoralhonorsseminar;summerinstitutes;writingcamps,etc.)

Year5

_____ContinuetoSubmitpaperstoconferencestojournals

_____ Prepare materials for job applications (CV, sample syllabi, research statement, teachingphilosophy,coverletter,etc.)

_____Prepareresearchjobtalk(earlyinthefall)

_____ Practice research job talk (coordinated through advisor and Graduate Placement Officer)

_____Completedissertation

41

_____ScheduleFinalExam(dissertationdefense)

_____SubmitDissertationtoOGAPSandcoordinatewiththemtomeetall requirements forgraduation.

42

APPENDIXD:SUSPENSION&DISMISALLFROMGRADUATE

PROGRAM/ASSISTANTSHIPS

Studentsmaybesuspendedordismissedfromthegraduateprogramiftheyfailtoremainingoodstanding,engageinunethicalbehavior,orboth.

SUSPENSIONFROMGRADUATEPROGRAMGoodstandingisdefinedasmeetingtheminimumGPR,minimizingincompletes,andmakinggoodprogress toward the degree. Suspension from the program means that students will not beallowed to register for classes, and as a result,will lose any funding that is contingent on theirbeingafulltimestudent(e.g.,employmentasteachingorresearchassistantships,fellowshipsandscholarships,studentloans,andin-statetuition).Studentsmaybesuspendedfromtheprogramiftheyfailtomeetoneormoreofthefollowingcriteria.

MinimumGPR.GraduatestudentsareexpectedtomaintainanoverallGPRof3.30.Ifastudent’soverallGPRfallsbelow3.30foronesemester,thestudentmustmeetwiththeiradvisorandthegraduatedirectortodiscusstheissueanddevelopaplanandtimelineforraisingtheGPR.IfthestudentfailstoraisetheirGPRwithinthetimelineestablished,thenthestudentmaybedismissed.

Excessiveincompletes.Ifagraduatestudentaccumulatestwoormoreincompletesduringasinglesemester—orhastwoormoreoutstandingincompletesattheendofasemester—thestudentwillnot be allowed to register for classes the following semester unless the two incompletes areconverted to a satisfactory grade prior to the start of the following semester. In rare cases, analternativetimelinemaybegeneratedthroughconsultationamongthestudent,theadvisor,andthedirectorofgraduatestudies. (i.e.,a timeline forconversionof the incompletes is set). If theincompletesarenot resolvedprior to thebeginningof the following semesteror analternativetimeline negotiated, the student will be reinstated the semester following the successfulconversionoftheincompletestoasatisfactorygrade.

Failure to make normal progress toward the degree. Normal progress toward the degree isdefined in terms of the timely and successful completion of: (1) coursework, (2) selecting apermanentadvisor,(3)creatingaprogramofstudy,(4)establishingpreliminaryexamination,andthesisordissertationcommittees,and(5)paperworkrequiredbythedepartmentandtheOfficeofGraduateandProfessionalStudies.AppendicesA,C,andDlayoutthebenchmarksbywhichnormalprogress is determined. Students are expected to develop active research programs while ingraduateschool.Thisinvolvessubmittingpapersbasedontheirresearchtoconferences,revisingthosepapers,andsubmittingthemforpublication.However,successfuleffortstopublishoriginal

43

research, while strongly valued and generally necessary for employment in a competitive jobenvironment,isnotusedtoassessprogresstowardthedegree.

Ifa student fails tomakeadequateprogress, thestudentwillnotbeallowed to register for thenext semester unless the reason for failing to make adequate progress is addressed (e.g.,establishing a committee) or amutually agreeable alternative is negotiated by the student, theadvisor,andthedirectorofgraduatestudies(e.g.,postponingpreliminaryexamsforasemester).

DISMISSALFROMGRADUATEPROGRAM

Studentsmay be dismissed from the program if: (a) They fail tomaintain good standing in theprogramforanextendedperiodof time (i.e.,more thanonesemester), (b) theyaresuspendedfrom the program, but take insufficient action to be reinstated, (c) they fail tomaintain a 3.30overall GPR for two consecutive semesters, (d) they have one or more incompletes for twoconsecutivesemesters,or(e)theyactunethicallyineithertheiracademicteachingorscholarship.Unethicalconductmaybedefined,but isnot limitedto,actssuchas inappropriaterelationshipswith students, plagiarism, improper use of university funds or equipment, and falsification ofacademic records. Depending upon the nature of the issue, extenuating circumstancesmay betaken into consideration by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)whenmaking a decision todismissastudentfromtheprogram.

Studentshavearighttoappealdismissalfromtheprogram.Thefollowingfive-stepprocessshouldbefollowedwhenmakinganappeal.

1.StudentNotification.Aregisteredorhand-deliveredletterwillbesentbytheDGStothestudentnotifyinghimorherofdismissalfromtheprogram.Inthecaseofahand-deliveredletter,thestudentshallsignaformindicatingreceiptoftheletter.Theletterwillsummarizethereasonsforthedismissalandspecifythedatethedismissalgoesintoeffect.

2.Conference with the Director of Graduate Studies. The student may make a writtenrequesttotheDGStodiscussthedismissal.Ifamutuallyagreeablealternativetodismissalisnegotiatedduring themeeting, theDGSwillwritea lettersummarizing theresolutionandprovideawrittencopytothestudent.Acopywillalsobeplacedinthestudent’sfile.

3.Departmental Head and Graduate Affairs Committee Review. If the issue is notsuccessfully resolved by theDGS, the studentmay request inwriting for the DepartmentHead to review thedismissal decision. Thedepartment headwill request a reviewby thegraduate committee.Thegraduate committeewillhearevidenceand testimony regardingthedismissaldecisionandthegroundsfordisputingthedecision.Usingamajorityvote,thecommitteewillrecommendtotheheadtouphold,reject,ormodifythedismissaldecision.

4.Dean Review. If the issue is not successfully resolved, the student or DGSmaymake awrittenappealtotheDeanoftheCollegeofLiberalArts,ortheDean’sdesignee,regardingthe Graduate Affairs Committee decision. The Dean or the Dean’s designee will provide

44

additional information regarding theway theDean’s review is to be conducted andwhatkindsofevidenceandtestimonywillbepermitted.

5.Graduate Appeals Panel. If the decision by the Dean or the Dean’s designee is notsatisfactorytoeitherthestudentortheDGS,eitherpartymayrequesttheGraduateAppealsPanel to take action. Information regarding the way the request may be made and theappealistobemanagedmaybefoundinRule59ofStudentRules(student-rules.tamu.edu).

SUSPENSIONANDDISMISSALFROMRESEARCHAND/ORTEACHINGASSISTANTSHIPS

ResearchAssistantships

Research assistantships (RAs) are funded by individual faculty members (or groups of facultymembers) either thorough independent grants or research bursaries provided by the university(e.g., new faculty “start up” funds). Consequently, faculty supervisors select research assistantsandthetermsofanRAappointmentarenegotiatedbetweenthestudentandthefacultysponsor.There are a number of university guidelines for these negotiations (for example, a full-timeresearchassistantcannotbe required toworkmore than20hoursperweek),and the termsofthese assignmentsmust be approvedby thedepartmenthead, but specific activities, sites, andworkscheduleswilldependon individualnegotiations.Aswiththeiracademicprogress,RAswillreceiveannual reviews from their supervisingprofessors,whichwill includeevaluationsof theirwork.Researchassistantsmaybedismissedbyiftheirworkisdeemedtobeinadequatebytheirsupervising faculty member. Actionable behaviors include not completing assigned tasks orperformingthemataninadequatelevelofquality,orviolatinguniversitypoliciesorrelevantlawsregardingresearchactivities,confidentiality,oruseof funds.Whenappropriate,RAswill firstbegivenaformalnoticethatdismissalmaybeforthcomingwhichincludesstepsthatmustbetakentocontinueintheposition,meansofmeasuringprogresstowardmeetingthoserequirements,anda timeline/deadline for doing so. In some cases, termination will take place at the end of asemesterandstudentswillbeeligibletoshifttoateachingassistantshipasoutlinedintheirofferletters (unlessdismissal is related toviolationsof lawsoruniversitypolicies).However, inothercases, terminationmay be immediate and studentswill be given an alternatework assignmentuntiltheendoftheterm.

TeachingAssistantships

Teaching assistantships (TAs) are assigned on a semester-by-semester basis. Because of theextensiveleadtimeforschedulingthat isrequiredbytheuniversityregistrar, incominggraduatestudentsnormallywill teachrecitationsectionsofCOMM203,PublicSpeaking,duringtheir firstsemester. In subsequent semesters, students who have successfully completed 18 hours ofgraduate coursework in COMM and distinguished themselves in the classroommay be offeredother assignments that are related to their programs of study. Each TA will be assigned asupervisingprofessor tohelpwith coursedesign, syllabus construction, teachingandevaluation

45

strategies,andsoon.General,department-wideexpectationswillbeprovidedduringnewstudentorientation. Course-specific expectations will be provided by supervising faculty prior to thebeginningofeachsemester.Teachingassistantsmaybedismissed if theirwork isdeemedtobeinadequate. Examples of actionable behavior include failure to hold class or make timelyarrangementstohaveclassescoveredincasesofillnessorpersonalcrisis;repeatedlymissingstaffmeetings or coming to them unprepared; refusing to communicate with students by holdingregularofficehoursand/orrespondingtoemailmessages;repeatedlybeingunpreparedforclass;arbitrary and/or capricious grading; and violation of university policies and/or state or federallaws,especiallythoserelatedtostudentprivacy(FERPA)ordiscrimination(overtorbycreatingahostile educational environment); or failing to comply with the rules regarding outsideemployment that were described earlier in thisHandbook. TA performance will be monitoredthroughout the semester through a wide variety of mechanisms. These approaches will beestablished by supervising faculty and communicated to TAs. Teaching performance will beassessed by the supervising professor and communicated to the student in their annual reviewletter. Ifat somepointaTA’sperformance is judged tobe inadequate, supervising facultymustinitiateaninterventionthatincludes:(1)writtennoticeoftheaction(eitherthroughcampusmailorthroughtheuniversityemailsystem);(2)identifiestheproblemsthathavebeenobserved;and(3) establishes steps that must be taken to remedy those deficiencies. Item three will includecriteriaformeasuringsuccessinremedyingidentifiedproblems,andatimeline/deadlinefortakingcorrective action. Fortunately, both the department and the university have a number ofopportunitiesinplacethroughwhichteachingassistantscanimprovetheirteaching.StudentswhofailtocompletearemediationprogrammaybedismissedfromtheirTApositionsusingthesamedismissalprocessdescribedinstepsonethroughthreeoftheproceduresforacademicdismissals.

Documents

FY18 Grad Handbook Aug 2017 - Texas A&M University · PDF file4 GRADUATE STUDY IN COMMUNICATION GENERAL INFORMATION The Graduate Program in the Department of Communication at Texas