Capstone Experience to be Added to Communication Master's Requirements

In March of 2002 the School of Communication faculty approved two major changes to the Master's curriculum for all graduate students, those on main campus and those attending classes at the Grand Rapids Regional Center. These changes are now being submitted to the curriculum review process throughout the various levels of the University. The department plans to initiate this change beginning with all incoming graduate students in the fall of 2003.
First, the department has proposed a change in the total number of credit hours required for graduation with a master's degree in communication to thirty. Currently 33 credit hours are required. The department also has approved a required capstone experience for all graduate students. To meet this requirement, students must select one of the following options as part of their program: the completion of a six credit hour thesis, the completion of a three credit hour professional project, or the completion of comprehensive examinations consisting of eight hours of written exam and two hours of oral exam over course material. In each case students would work with a faculty advisor and a committee to achieve their objectives.