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Associate Professor Sobnosky, Graduate Program Director, (516) 463-7141, sphmjs@hofstra.edu

The philosophy of the Department of Speech Communication, Rhetoric, and Performance Studies is based on the recognition that our society is enmeshed in an all-encompassing, interdependent, and ever-expanding web of human and technological communication. Students who major in or take courses in this department learn how the communication process works in interpersonal and group settings, in formal organizations, and in public communication situations. The primary goals of the curriculum are to develop competencies in observing, analyzing, and evaluating communication practices; to develop knowledge about human communication theory; and to develop communication skills in a variety of settings. The Department of Speech Communication, Rhetoric, and Performance Studies offers a Master of Arts degree both for those students intending to pursue doctoral work and for those for whom an M.A. will be the final degree. The program provides a strong liberal arts background that can be applied to a variety of professional fields such as business, education, and government. Examples of specific career applications include communication training and development, conflict management and resolution, law, corporate and public advocacy, and public performance.

Students receive a great deal of individual attention from faculty and have considerable flexibility in tailoring a course of studies to fit their individual needs. Part-time students are welcome and most classes are scheduled in the evening to accommodate those with daytime employment.

Students may concentrate either in Rhetorical Studies or in Performance Studies. In addition, students may choose a cognate area outside the School of Communication, such as political science, history, English or comparative literature.

Students may choose either a final project or a traditional thesis.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must complete and return an application to the Dean of Graduate Admissions, 126 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549.

The application process includes:

1. Bachelor degree from an accredited institution.
2. Transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education.
3. Two letters of recommendations from faculty who can write in support of the applicants scholarship and potential ability to complete graduate level work.
4. An on-campus interview (or as arranged).
5. In order to be adequately prepared for graduate study, entering students should have taken at least 15 semester hours in the following undergraduate communication courses, earning at least a 3.0 GPA:

3 s.h. in basic oral communication (theory and practice)
3 s.h. in public speaking
3 s.h. in performance studies
3 s.h. in interpersonal communication
3 s.h. in rhetorical studies (in addition to public speaking)

Financial Assistance

A limited number of partial scholarships are awarded for qualified students. Other student aid in the form of loans and work-study program may also be available.

WRHU-FM

Hofstra’s radio station, WRHU-FM, broadcasts on a federally licensed frequency of 88.7 mHz to most of Long Island and parts of New York City. The station is on the air 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and reaches a target audience of almost four million people. It is mainly student operated and is a cornerstone of the School. Open to all Hofstra students, participation at WRHU is recommended as one of the most effective methods of learning the business of radio broadcasting and audio production since it offers a practicum which complements academic classroom learning. WRHU has an operating staff of approximately 110 people.

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