Juniors or seniors majoring or minoring in Communication or in Journalism and Mass Communication, and who plan to apply to and enroll in the M.A. in Communication program, may seek admission under the Shared-Credit Undergraduate/Graduate Degrees Program. Refer to the Undergraduate Program section for specific admission and course work requirements.
Review of applications for the M.A. and Ph.D. programs begins on January 15 for the Fall semester.
Fall date (January) is observed for financial aid. Early application is strongly recommended. The GRE is required for admission to both the M.A. and the Ph.D. programs. All applications must be received on or before the due date.
Students are required to complete 500, 501, 507 and 507L, 604, 605, or 606 and one seminar course from 514, 521, 550, and 566. They also need to complete 15 units of electives, 9 of which may be outside the department.
All plans require a minimum of 35 credit hours, with at least 27 credit hours in Communication. A tentative plan of study form should be submitted by the second semester, so as to reflect the student's major and minor interests. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies for additional information.
Each candidate is assisted by a committee of at least three faculty members for Plan I. Candidates must prepare a detailed prospectus and have it approved by their committee prior to proceeding with research for the thesis (Plan I) or beginning work on a project (Plan II). Candidates must submit a written thesis or project report to their committee for examination.
Candidates in Plans I and II are required to complete an oral Master’s Examination. These examinations are conducted by the candidate’s committee following completion of the thesis or project. This examination emphasizes the thesis or project and assesses the candidate’s ability to relate his or her formal course of study to the thesis or project. Candidates must submit their Program of Studies for approval for a master’s degree prior to completing this examination. Candidates should consult with their thesis or project advisor concerning deadlines and specific procedures.
Candidates in Plan II opting for the comprehensive examination must complete 36 credit hours of course work and a comprehensive exam. In order to take the comprehensive exams students must have completed 30 units and have taken all the required courses. Comprehensive exams are offered once a semester.
Students getting a Master’s degree in other departments may select a minor in Communication. The minor requires 12 credit hours of graduate course work. CJ 500 is required and should be taken as soon as possible. Students must consult with the CJ Graduate Director for advisement before taking 500. There is a 3 credit maximum on Graduate Problems (CJ 593).
Doctoral study in the Department of Communication and Journalism aims to prepare students to become scholars and professionals who are conversant with one or more areas in the field of communication. Departmental faculty offer courses in intercultural communication, health communication and mass communication. Because of the wide diversity of disciplinary approaches represented in the work of the department, the graduate program is open to students with undergraduate preparation in communication, journalism, the humanities, the social sciences and other fields related to the study of human communication. For all candidates, admission must be approved by the departmental committee on graduate studies.
Academic requirements for the Ph.D. in Communication consist of an intensive program of course work, research and professional development. The doctoral degree requires a minimum of 39 credit hours beyond the Master's degree, plus 18 credit hours for the dissertation.
Courses
CJ 101L. Introduction to Communication. (3)
Principles and concepts of various types of human communication including interpersonal, small group, organizational, public and mass communication. Two hours lecture, 1 hr. lab.
CJ 110. Introduction to Mass Communication. (3)
(Also offered as MA 110)
The development of the mass media with emphasis on television in the areas of programming, policy, regulations, economics and technology. Examination of the social, cultural and political impact of the mass media on contemporary society.
CJ 115. Communication Across Cultures. (3)
(Also offered as AFST 115)
An introduction to communication among people from different cultural backgrounds, emphasizing intercultural relations. The class seeks to identify, honor and enhance the strengths of different cultural perspectives.
CJ 130. Public Speaking. (3)
A performance course that deals with the analysis, preparation and presentation of speeches. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area I: Communications (NMCCN 1113).
CJ 171L. Introduction to Media Writing. (3)
Practical introduction to journalism, emphasizing journalistic conventions and the gathering and writing of news for the print and broadcast media. Language and typing skills required.
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 or ACT English => 29 or SAT Verbal => 650.
CJ 220. Communication for Teachers. (3)
Concepts and practices of interpersonal, small group and public communication pertinent to classroom teachers at the elementary, middle and secondary levels of education.
CJ 221. Interpersonal Communication. (3)
Analysis of a variety of interpersonal communication concepts, with special emphasis on the application of communication skills in different situations. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area I: Communications.
CJ 225. Small Group Communication. (3)
Basic characteristics and patterns of communication in small groups. Includes attention to role theory, conflict resolution and creative decision-making methods.
CJ 262. Radio/Television Performance. (3)
Verbal and nonverbal performance and message preparation skills related to both the audio and video components of the mass media. Emphasis on fundamentals of prepared, extemporaneous and interpretive speaking for radio and television.
CJ 268. Media Theories. (3)
Introduction to theories of mass media and their influences.
CJ 269. Multimedia and Visual Communication. (3)
Exploration of visual images in the mass media, with emphasis on the design and theory of mediated imaging. Includes some practical training in still photography and video.
Prerequisite: 171L.
CJ 278. Writing and Editing for Multimedia Journalism. (3)
Continuation of CJ 171L with increased emphasis of how to write on platforms available to the modern journalist. Writing workshop for web, broadcast, print and magazine.
Prerequisite: 171L.
CJ 279. Web Design. (3)
Introduction to writing and designing electronic publications using personal computers and online publishing software. Emphasizes use of graphics and text to communicate with users of the Internet. Competency with personal computers required.
CJ 292. Beginning Internship in Communication and Journalism. (1 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Internships and service projects for students at the lower level. Cannot have credit if already taken 492 or 495 or 496 or 497 or 498 or 499.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
CJ 293. Topics. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
CJ 300. Theories of Communication. (3)
Study of the nature of communication theories and theory development, theories of meaning, information processing and influence with applications to selected communication contexts.
Prerequisite: 101L.
CJ 301. Communication Research Methods. (3)
Quantitative and qualitative methods useful in investigation of communication processes and effects; concepts and techniques used in research design, data analysis, reporting and critically evaluating research.
Prerequisite: 101L.
CJ 313. EcoCultural Communication: Humans and "The Environment". (3)
Explores how culture and communication inform, shape, and shift our relations with "the environment." We consider local, regional, and global cultures and discourses, focusing on sustainability issues in human-nature relations.
CJ 314. Intercultural Communication. (3)
Examines cultural influences in communication across ethnic and national boundaries.
CJ 317. International Cultural Conflict and Community Building. (3)
Cultural focus on communicative systems related to national, ethnic, gendered, class, religious, regions, corporations, and institutions. Research on mediation, intergroup dialogue, and community development focuses on three international sites.
CJ 318. Language, Thought and Behavior. (3)
Examination of the influence of language on perception, evaluations, mass media, creativity and interpersonal relations.
CJ 319. Language and Culture. (3)
(Also offered as ANTH 310 and LING 359)
Examination of the interrelations of language and speech with other selected aspects of culture and cognition.
Prerequisite: ANTH 110 or LING 101 or LING 301.
CJ 320. Conflict Management and Mediation. (3)
Overview of communication theories of conflict and conflict-management processes, including an introduction to mediation.
CJ 323. Nonverbal Communication. (3)
Theory, analysis and practice of a variety of nonverbal messages, including body movement and appearance, vocal cues and environmental cues.
CJ 326. Gender and Communication. (3)
(Also offered as WMST 326)
Study of the relationship between gender and communication with specific attention to how gender affects language, verbal and nonverbal communication practices and how women’s movements have attempted to transform gendered communication practices.
CJ 327. Persuasive Communication. (3)
Analysis, practice and evaluation of principles of attitude change for a variety of interpersonal and public communication situations.
CJ 331. Argumentation. (3)
Examines historical and contemporary theories of argumentation. Emphasis placed on development of effective advocacy and criticism of arguments.
CJ 332. Business and Professional Speaking. (3)
Analysis, preparation and presentation of speeches common in business and professional settings.
CJ 333. Professional Communication. (3)
Focuses on the written and presentation skills needed to succeed in a professional environment. Lessons emphasize writing reports and proposals, acquiring social information, social interaction skills, the influence of audience on message design and business etiquette.
CJ 334. Political Communication. (3)
Focuses on the theory and practice of political communication in speech making, campaigns, debates and town meetings, as reported through the mass media and via new technologies.
CJ 337. Rhetorical Theory. (3)
Historical survey of major contributors and contributions to the development of contemporary rhetorical theory.
CJ 339. Rhetoric and the Environment. (3)
The course examines the ways we communicate about the environment and how this, in turn, impacts the way we view and treat the natural world.
CJ 340. Communication in Organizations. (3)
Examines current theories of organizational behavior with emphasis on communication patterns and practices. Attention to superior-subordinate communication, formal and informal communication networks, authority and power.
CJ 344. Interviewing. (3)
Theory and practice of interviewing for informational, journalistic, employment and decision-making purposes.
CJ 360. Broadcast News I. (3)
Gathering and reporting news for radio/television. Instruction in shooting and editing videotape; writing to picture; and writing, producing and anchoring short news programs.
Prerequisite: 269 and 278.
CJ 361. Photojournalism. (3)
Camera reporting, color photography, weekly news assignments, scaling photos for reproduction and advanced black and white darkroom techniques.
Restriction: CJ majors only.
CJ 365. History of Media. (3)
The course will explore the development of communication media in the United States and the social and cultural contexts within which media emerged and evolved over time.
CJ 371 [273]. Newspaper Practice. (1-3 to a maximum of 3 Δ [1 to a maximum of 3 Δ])
Open to staff members of the New Mexico Daily Lobo.
CJ 373. Magazine Writing. (3)
The process of writing and marketing fiction and non-fiction for magazines.
CJ 374. Design and Visual Presentation I. (3)
Introduction to print design through the study of visual communication, principles of design, elements of design and practical application of those principles and elements in various forms of print collateral. Use of Adobe InDesign.
CJ 375. Intermediate Reporting. (3)
Emphasis on reporting public affairs, the news feature story, developing and covering beats, and computer-assisted reporting.
Prerequisite: 278.
CJ 376. Media Management. (3)
This course is designed to provide insights into the management and ownership aspects of running a media company. Attention will be given to leadership skills and the complex operations of media companies.
CJ 381. Advertising Media Planning. (3)
Preparing a media plan and buying space and time effectively and efficiently.
Prerequisite: 171L and 380.
CJ 387. Introduction to Strategic Communication. (3)
A writing-intensive course with emphasis on history, practice, ethics, professional opportunities and challenges of the field. Strong emphasis on understanding contemporary global strategic communication perspectives and diversity issues.
CJ 388. Strategic Planning and Positioning. (3)
Focuses on theories, strategies and practices in developing a strategic communication plan across multiple media vehicles. Emphasis is placed on researching product/service and its relationship to specific target audiences.
Prerequisite: 171L and 387.
CJ 389. Creative Concepts. (3)
Focuses on theories, strategies and practices in developing visuals/copy across the media. Provides the formats/structure to write, design and produce collateral pieces and promotional events utilizing conceptual and creative thinking.
Prerequisite: 171L and 387.
CJ 393. Topics in Communication and Journalism. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
CJ 400. Senior Seminar: Perspectives on Communication. (3)
In this capstone course, seniors assess the theories, concepts and skills learned throughout their communication major and apply them to real-world situations as well as to the fulfillment of professional, personal and social goals.
Prerequisite: 300 and 301 and (332 or 333).
CJ 413. Studies in Intercultural Communication. (3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Intensive study of theory and research in intercultural communication concerning interactions between members of specific cultures chosen by the instructor. Content varies from semester to semester, may be repeated with different content.
Prerequisite: 314.
CJ 421. Communication and Relationships. (3)
Advanced analysis of theories and research in interpersonal communication with emphasis on communication processes, relational development and conflict resolution.
Prerequisite: 221.
CJ 425. Theories of Small Group Communication. (3)
Major concepts, theories and research in small group communication with attention given to decision-making, group formation and development, and communication processes and networks. Consideration of applications in a variety of contexts.
Prerequisite: 225.
CJ *430. American Religious Communication. (3)
(Also offered as RELG 430)
The roles of religious communication during the Puritan period, the first and second awakenings and the period of media evangelism. The course examines various types of communicators, messages, audiences and channels of persuasion.
CJ *435. Legal Communication. (3)
Using historical trials as case studies, the course investigates the various communicative functions of litigation including media coverage, opening statements, direct and cross-examination, closing arguments, judge’s instructions and appellate arguments.
CJ *438. Communicating Community, Food, and Change: Lobo Gardens. (3)
(Also offered as SUST *438)
This course introduces and experientially explores the theoretical lenses of environmental communication, culture, sustainability, and restorative change through collaborative hands-on student preservation and growth of community food gardens.
CJ 443. Topics in Organizational Communication. (3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Intensive study of one area of theory and research in organizational communication chosen by the instructor, e.g., conflict and negotiation, information technology, organizational cultures. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.
Prerequisite: 340.
CJ 446. Organizational Analysis and Training. (3)
Identification and analysis of communication problems in organizations. Attention to problems and requirements of communication training and development in organizational settings.
CJ 450. Health Communication. (3)
Concepts and strategies for preventive health communication in such contexts as provider-patient interaction, health campaigns, social marketing, health images in the mass media and communication in health care organizations.
CJ 460. Broadcast News II. (3)
Continuation of CJ 360. Students create longer, more elaborate programs with their own documentary segments, essays and in-studio interviews.
Prerequisite: 360.
CJ 461. Media Criticism. (3)
Evaluation of radio/television programming content from the perspective of the journalistic and academic critic. Examination of theoretical issues and production elements as they affect programming genres.
CJ 463. Topics in Mass Communication. (3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Intensive study of one area of theory and research in mass communication chosen by the instructor, e.g., rating systems, programming, economics, regulation, social effects. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.
CJ 464. Multimedia Visual Production. (3)
Advanced ENG production and television programming, with emphasis on investigation of subject matter and visual approaches to reporting in series and in longer, in-depth segments.
Prerequisite: 460.
CJ 466. Media Ethics and Law. (3)
Intersection of journalism and mass communication with society and its ethical standards and laws. Focus on news media and ethical and legal issues in advertising, public relations and management.
CJ 467. Mass Communication: International Perspectives. (3)
The structure and role of international and national media in molding public attitudes and in policy making. Development of opinion on central issues in international relations and in nations other than the U.S.
CJ 469. Multiculturalism, Gender and Media. (3)
(Also offered as WMST 469)
Exploration of how gender, race, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity and other social positions affect media coverage, portrayals, production and reception. The course focuses on theories, methods of analysis and topics of current interest.
CJ 474. Design and Visual Presentation II. (3)
The theories, strategies and practical application of advance visual presentation in designing print collateral. An in-depth study of color and typography theories. Use of InDesign, Photoshop.
Prerequisite: 374 with a grade of B or better.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
CJ 475. Advanced Multimedia Journalism. (3)
Emphasis on multimedia reporting. The creation and maintenance of a news Web site. The understanding of software, in-depth reporting, and multimedia platforms to produce news information in all forms.
Prerequisite: 360 and 375.
CJ 478. Media Theory and Research. (3)
Introduces media theories in the context of professional research settings. Covers media content research conducted for political purposes and advertising, PR and media firms.
CJ 485. Public Relations Case Studies. (3)
Introduction to analytic foundations of public relations practice, with emphasis on the Langdell case study used in legal education. Objectives, policies, and materials as analytic structure of campaigns.
Prerequisite: 385 and 386.
CJ 488. Strategic Communication Campaigns. (3)
Capstone. Focuses on applying theories/principles/practices in a teamwork environment. Emphasis placed on research, creative process and visual communication. Students work with real clients to make "The Pitch" for their campaign.
Prerequisite: 388 and 389.
CJ 490. Undergraduate Problems. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Restriction: permission of department chairperson.
CJ *491. Internship in Communication Education. (3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Review of recent developments in course content, teaching materials and instructional strategies; simulated classroom experience with analysis of teaching behavior using media.
Restriction: permission of department chairperson.
CJ 492. Internship in Communication. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Internships in communication arranged with individual faculty members.
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 2.5 overall GPA and completion of 9 hours in CJ, to include at least one 300-level course. Six hours maximum of any CJ internship credit is allowed.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
CJ 494. Senior Thesis. (3)
CJ 495. Internship in Strategic Communication. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 in all CJ internships Δ)
Internships in advertising arranged with individual faculty members. Maximum of 3 hours per semester.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 2.5 overall GPA and 9 hours in CJ to include 380.
Restriction: permission of the instructor.
CJ 496. Internship in Multimedia Journalism. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 in all CJ internships Δ)
Internships in broadcasting arranged with individual faculty members. Maximum of 3 hours per semester.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 2.5 overall GPA and 9 hours in CJ to include 360 or 362.
Restriction: permission of the instructor.
CJ 500. Foundations of Communication Theory. (3)
Survey and analysis of concepts, models and perspectives in the development of theories of communication; attention to philosophical, critical, historical and scientific bases for the study of communicative processes. Required of all M.A. students.
CJ 501. Foundations of Communication Research. (3)
Introduces contemporary critical and cultural studies from a historical perspective. Analysis and criticism of cultural practices, including discourse, allocation of resources, political interests, and the structural organization of society.
CJ 502. Special Topics in Communication. (1-6, no limit Δ)
Intensive study of selected relevant subjects in communication focusing on one area of theory, research, methods, or combinations thereof. Content varies depending on instructor.
CJ 506. Critical and Cultural Studies. (3)
This course explores critical and cultural studies methodologies to understand and apply analysis of texts (from media and everyday spoken texts to the body and environment) in order to reveal cultural productions and transformative possibilities.
CJ 507. Quantitative Data Analysis. (3)
Designing empirical research in communication, with special reference to applications of experimental design to communication research, methods of data analysis and developing a research report.
CJ 509. Ph.D. Professional Seminar [Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication: Creating a Culture of Research Excellence]. (1 to a maximum of 3 Δ [1])
Develops a range of professional competencies by focusing on a particular topic, such as presenting and publishing research, landing the academic job, ethics, research funding, and attaining and maintaining academic-life balance.
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: graduate student in CJ.
CJ 514. Seminar: Intercultural Communication. (3)
Theories and evidence on factors that facilitate and inhibit communication between representatives of different cultural groups, across national boundaries and among people of different ethnic backgrounds.
CJ 517. Culture, Identities and Subjectivities [Culture, Community and Change]. (3)
An overview of theory and research in culture, identities, and subjectivities with special emphasis on the faculty member's expertise, which may include: nationality, race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, class, multivocality, intersectionality, positionality, agency, etc.
CJ 518. Culture, Places and Spaces [Culture, Sustainability and Change]. (3)
An overview of theory and research in culture, places, and spaces with special emphasis on the faculty member's expertise, which may include: community, transnationalism and globalization, social activism and change, sustainability and ecocultural relations, borderlands.
CJ 519. Topics in Intercultural Communication [Culture, Borderlands and Change]. (3 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
Intensive study of theory and research in one area of intercultural communication chosen by the instructor. Content varies from semester to semester, may be repeated with different content.
CJ 521. Seminar: Interpersonal Communication. (3)
Theories and research on the components and dynamics of interpersonal interaction and comparative analysis of approaches to the study of interpersonal communication.
CJ 544. Seminar: Organizational Communication. (3)
Intensive survey of classical and contemporary organizational communication theory emphasizing current research trends. Advanced readings in such topics as organizational innovation, intercultural organizations, critical theory applications to organizations, computer mediated communication and employee participation.
CJ 550. Health Communication. (3)
Concepts and strategies for preventive health communication in such contexts as provider-patient interaction, health campaigns, social marketing, health images in the mass media and communication in health care organizations.
CJ 552. Topics in Health Communication. (3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Intensive study of theory and research in one area of health communication chosen by the instructor. Content varies from semester to semester, may be repeated with different content.
CJ 553. Health Communication Campaigns. (3)
Focuses on the design, implementation and evaluation of communication programs for addressing health issues. Provides an overview of relevant theory and research and opportunities to study, design, implement, and evaluate actual health communication campaigns.
CJ 555. Culture, Disparities, and Health Communication. (3)
Covers the influence of culture on health beliefs, values, and health care practices. How beliefs and values impact communication in health care settings.
CJ 566. Mass Communication Theories. (3)
Surveys theories dealing with the production, content, and reception of mass communication. Analyzes the theories and their metatheoretical assumptions in light of their structural/functional, cultural/critical, behaviorist/effects and postmodern paradigmatic characteristics.
CJ 567. Digital Media [Media Effects and Public Opinion]. (3)
Examines the impact of mass media on modern society. Explores the processes that underlie individuals' uses of mass media and their interactions with media content.
CJ 568. Mass Media Structures and Institutions. (3)
Structural and institutional analyses of media systems, with emphasis on the economics of global mass media, sociology of media professions and the impact of technological innovation in media.
CJ 569. Critical and Cultural Approaches to Media. (3)
What is the role of media in constructing our identity and our world? Focus is on the theoretical frameworks of ideological, cultural, discursive, and semiotic theories and approaches.
CJ 583. Teaching the Basic Course. (1)
Current issues associated with teaching introductory courses focusing on the role of graduate teaching assistants.
CJ 592. Intercultural Engagement Project. (3 to 6, may be repeated once Δ)
A student-instructor arranged intercultural immersion experience featuring grounded learning, collaborative research and service, or similar meaningful interactions with people from a culture or subculture different from one's own, with "intercultural" defined broadly.
Restriction: instructor permission.
CJ 593. Graduate Problems. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Independent study on questions and issues beyond those covered by regularly approved seminars. Plan must be prepared and approved by a faculty member who agrees to direct the study. Approval by department chairperson required.
CJ 598. Master's Project. (1-6)
Plan II students only. Having registered for the project plan, the student must continue to register for a minimum of 1 hour of 598 during each regular semester (exclusive of summer) until the project is completed and approved.
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
CJ 599. Master's Thesis. (1-6, no limit Δ)
Plan I students only. Having registered for the thesis plan, the student must continue to register for a minimum of 1 hour of 599 during each regular semester (exclusive of summer) until the thesis is approved.
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
CJ 600. History and Philosophy of Communication. (3)
Advanced study of the modern history and philosophical foundations of the study of human communication with attention to contributions of both humanistic and social science traditions and consideration of contemporary controversies concerning theory and research.
CJ 602. Theorizing Culture and Communication. (3)
Reviews historical and contemporary theorizing and research programs addressing cultural and intercultural communication.
CJ 604. Qualitative Research Methods I. (3)
Introduction to history, assumptions, logic, and methods of qualitative inquiry, with emphasis on field methods of data collection such as observation, interviewing, focus group, etc. Focus on research design, human subject protection, and data analysis.
CJ 605. Qualitative Research Methods II. (3)
Approaches and techniques for the analysis of qualitative data such as texts, talk, and ethnographic. Explores the relationship between paradigm, theory, method, and interpretation as students practice various analytical strategies.
Prerequisite: 604 for M.A. students.
CJ 606. Qualitative Methods Practicum. (3)
The steps of the qualitative research process from conceptualization of research questions to the production of a written report. Synthesization of the various stages of communication research.
CJ 607. Communication Research Methods: Quantitative. (3)
Advanced study of methods, techniques and instruments useful in investigations that employ quantitative analysis of human communication processes.
CJ 609. Mixed Methods Research Designs. (3)
Introduces the students to mixed methods research, including designs for data collection, analysis and integration.
Prerequisite: 501.
CJ 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit Δ)
Having registered for the dissertation, the student must continue to register for a minimum of 1 hour of 699 during each regular semester (exclusive of summer) until the dissertation is completed and approved.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
