University of New Mexico

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Department

Description

The Department of Communication and Journalism at the University of New Mexico (UNM) provides masters or doctoral degrees in Communication. Generally, 70 students are enrolled in the programme at any one time, with an average seminar size of 12-15. It focuses on the role of culture and change in communication and defines culture broadly as pertaining not only to social/psychological orientations held by particular groups, but also emergent identities, discursive practices and norms, artistic and mediated forms, locations of speaking/acting/producing, organisational systems, and institutional structures. It views culture as socially constructed and structurally produced and therefore a factor that is influential across all communication contexts.

Students work with faculty advisors to design a programme of study suitable to their interests and goals. While completing core courses in communication theory and research methodology, students concentrate their studies in one or two of the following areas:

• Intercultural Communication: This concentration area examines the role of culture and cultural difference in discourse and social interaction.
• Culture and Mass Communication: The structure, practice, social impact, and criticism of the mass media.
• Culture and Health Communication: Communication based on improving health.

New Mexico provides a diverse cultural environment in which such communities as Chicano/a, Hispanic, Anglo, Native American, and others have interacted for centuries. One of the missions of the University is to engage in teaching and research within a multi-ethnic context. This concern with cultural influences may become a focus of study in any of the areas of concentration.

The UNM Department of Communication and Journalism maintains relationships with other departments in the University, including linguistics, anthropology, education, sociology, psychology, women studies, and business. Graduate courses and seminars typically include students from these allied disciplines. In addition, the Department cooperates with a variety of research institutes and centres located at the University.

Programmes

1. Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism - The MA programme is offered under either a thesis or project plan of study.
   
   
2. PhD in Communication and Journalism - The PhD programme requires 36 hours of course work beyond a Master's Degree, plus 18 credit hours for the dissertation. Additionally, 12 credits from MA programmes/other doctoral programmes may be transferred to meet UNM requirements. It features culture and communication applied to three areas of concentration: intercultural communication, health communication, and mass communication. The doctoral programme is designed to prepare individuals for university teaching/research positions or positions in the private/public sector that require the ability to conduct research in applied contexts.

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