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Dual Degree

Dual Degree

Communications Management and Gender/Cultural Studies (M.S./M.A.)

This unique dual-degree program combines the intellectual rigor of gender studies and cultural theory with the applied focus of communications. Designed in response to the rapidly changing workplace and an increasing corporate effort to broaden definitions of diversity, this program allows students to develop both a strong theoretical foundation and professional communications and leadership skills, with opportunities to specialize in diversity awareness, gender equality, and inclusive communication strategies in the workplace. Students pursuing careers in the nonprofit sector find this program ideally tailored for their professional goals. The program also provides preparation fields such as diversity consulting, human resources, public policy, and more.

"The GCS/MCM dual-degree program offers a strong balance between theory and practice. It gave me the capacity to analyze and think critically about today's work environment and build integral managerial and leadership skills..."
—Sujata Adamson-Mohan, '08 M.A. Gender/Cultural Studies, M.S. Communications Management

Degree Options and Requirements

This 52-credit dual-degree option leads to a Master of Science in Communications Management, plus a Master of Arts in Gender/Cultural Studies. Coursework includes three required GCS courses, four MCM courses, five electives, and one combined GCS/MCM capstone or applied learning project.

Three required GCS courses:

GCS 403 Seminar in Gender/Cultural Studies
GCS 430 Cultural Theory

And one of the following:
GCS 406 Feminism and Literature
GCS 410 Issues in International Studies
GCS 412 Theoretical Approaches to Cultural Narratives
GCS 415 Feminism and Economic Difference

Four required MCM courses:

MCM 442: Emerging Communications Technologies
MCM 462: Financial Aspects of Business
MCM 481: Strategic Communications and Organizational Change
MCM 485: Communicating Across Cultures

Sample electives:

AST 513 The Black Struggle for Schooling in America
ENGL 402 Seminar in the Teaching of Writing
SOCI 511 Critical Race Legal Theory
WST 533 Queer Theory
MCM 421 Speechwriting and Oral Presentation
MCM 424 Negotiations
MCM 464 Corporate/Community Relations