Master of Arts in Communication Studies

at INTO Group - Colorado State University USA

Our M.S. program offers a range of opportunities in health-focused coursework that allows you to experience science-based, rigorous research first hand. Our graduate students are encouraged to seek out a lab that reflects their interests, where they can participate in hands on research in many disciplines of study, including health span, prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders, researching neuromuscular disease and disability, investigating cancer recurrence and engaging with the physical and mental health of active duty military and first responders. Students also have the opportunity to engage in outreach programs, work directly with undergraduates in both lab and classroom settings, and are a vital part of the HES academic ecosystem.

Areas of Study

• Aging and Chronic Disease
• Behavior and Lifestyle Modification
• Functional Performance
• Neurological Function and Dysfunction

Prevention science focuses on strategies that reduce risk factors and promote positive development to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The master’s degree includes coursework in lifespan development, risk and resilience, and family functioning. In addition, you will be trained in program development, implementation, and evaluation, as well as research design and grant writing, to help prepare you for various careers in the human services, or to go on to doctoral studies.

With a degree in counseling and career development, you’ll be equipped for a career as a professional counselor to people of all ages. Develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to become an ethical and culturally responsive counselor who can enhance and advocate for the mental health, wellbeing, and life quality of all people.

You’ll complete a 60-credit course of study that includes core counseling curriculum (48 credit), a clinical practicum (100 hours), an internship (600 hours), and specialization-specific courses and electives.

This degree and all three specializations are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Upon graduation, you’ll be professional counseling licensure-eligible in the state of Colorado and eligible to become a National Certified Counselor.

The Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology major is intended for students interested in understanding wildlife and the habitats in which they live. We offer three concentrations: Conservation Biology, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, and Wildlife Biology. The curriculum has a strong foundation in the biological, physical, and social sciences with the focus on solving current and future issues related to conservation and sustainability of wild animals and their habitats. The faculty offers a wide range of expertise with a keen interest in innovative teaching and research methods.

Our program prepares students for professional careers involving fish, wildlife, and conservation that include federal and state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and graduate school. Numerous opportunities exist for students to gain experience through research and internships, including professional and career mentoring and involvement with professional societies to further their studies, practical experience, and career potential. Required natural science courses include general biology, vertebrate biology, botany, calculus, and statistics, while required courses in the major focus on wildlife ecology and conservation, principles of wildlife management, design of wildlife projects, conservation biology, fishery science, and wildlife data collection and analysis.

Required courses in the concentrations, as well as elective courses, explore specific areas of fish, wildlife, and conservation biology. A summer field course at CSU’s mountain campus is required and provides students with hands-on learning about natural resource ecology and measurements. Additional hands-on opportunities exist in courses and study abroad programs. Along with a strong science foundation, problem solving, communication skills and outreach, are important to resolve difficult issues faced by today's natural resource professionals.

Biology is the study of all living things—including microscopic bacteria and viruses, plants, and animals, and their relationship to their environments. Biology majors study the structure and function of cells, organ systems and tissues of animals and plants, ecology (the relationship between living things and their environment), animal behavior, genetics/genomics and evolution. They learn about physiology, behavior, genetics and heredity, aquatic systems, microscopic organisms such as bacteria, and techniques for diverse areas ranging from field research to biotechnology. This major provides a solid foundation of understanding the basic biological sciences. It also offers an opportunity to choose an area of emphasis within life sciences that relates to particular career goals (for example: the ecology of organisms, cell and molecular biology, biomedical professions, aquatic biology, marine biology, plant molecular biology for agricultural biotechnology and bioenergy, evolutionary biology, etc.).

Zoologists study animals—their origin, behavior, diseases, and life processes. Some experiment with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings while others study the structure and function of animal cells, tissues, and organ systems. Some zoologists go on to study veterinary medicine. Zoologists participate in research that has practical outcomes in farming, medicine, pharmacy, wildlife conservation, and pest control. Zoology encompasses many specialties. At CSU, students may focus on general training in animal biology or choose a concentration in the following areas: animal behavior, development, aquatic biology, ecology (how animals adapt to their environments), genetics and evolution, invertebrate organisms, cellular/molecular biology and physiology, systematics, and morphology of vertebrate organisms.

The curriculum is designed to provide a basic understanding of zoology through a variety of laboratory experiences in combination with the study of basic theories and defining concepts. The program encourages flexibility, strength, and depth. The course work includes a two-semester introductory biology sequence, one course each in invertebrates and vertebrates, and courses in evolution and ecology. Required courses in the physical sciences include a minimum of one year of introductory chemistry and at least one course in organic chemistry, two courses in physics (all with labs) and one in biochemistry. A course each in calculus and statistics is also required. In addition, students select a minimum of 15 credits of Zoology courses in their chosen areas of concentration.

Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is an interdisciplinary major focusing on the health and development of individuals across the lifespan, within the context of diverse families and social identities. Students complete foundational coursework in human development (i.e., infancy and childhood, adolescence, emerging and young adulthood, middle and later adulthood/aging), family studies, and evidence-based prevention and intervention programming in human services. Students study theory and emerging research in the field and learn to identify risk and protective factors influencing cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development across the lifespan. During their final year, HDFS students apply knowledge and skills from foundational course work through participation in a semester-long internship. Internship is a hallmark of the degree program that serves as a culminating experience preparing students for a professional career with diverse populations, communities, and organizations. The HDFS major offers five concentrations that enable students to specialize within their degree and prepare for a variety of career paths in human services. In addition to selecting one of five concentrations, students have the opportunity to earn the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor, work toward Director Qualifications in early childhood settings, or apply to the Major in Early Childhood Education.  The HDFS department is committed to promoting the success and well-being of students from heterogeneous backgrounds and experiences.

The B.F.A. in Art is considered the professional degree for studio art and art education majors, allowing you to explore various mediums and gain a foundational knowledge base in art history. You’ll get opportunities to learn from masters of their crafts as well as look back upon art throughout the ages, different forms of expression, and their impact on society.

Drawing - Concentration
The Drawing concentration includes a solid foundation in the basics of drawing, plus a strong emphasis on the advanced development of drawing as an art form in its own right. Initially, courses expose students to working from observation and thinking critically about observation as an attention-orienting skill. A variety of fundamental skills, research habits, techniques, and materials are explored through basic exercises and open projects. Perception skills and visual vocabulary are introduced to students through assignments, group critiques, and discussions. Throughout the program, students are expected to acquire, develop, and refine skills and to engage in an exploration of personal expression and ideas. Drawing concentration students are expected to be highly motivated individuals dedicated to the practice of drawing as a sophisticated art, and dedicated to thinking critically about their practice. Our program will assist them in developing their making and thinking aptitudes towards a body of work which displays an advanced level of visual challenge and aesthetics, as well as conveying a sense of content and meaning.

The Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences offers a wide variety of graduate opportunities in cancer biology and oncology; occupational and environmental health (i.e., industrial hygiene, ergonomics); health physics, radiation sciences (i.e., radiobiology, radioecology, radiochemistry) epidemiology and toxicology.

Areas of Study

• Ergonomics

The Business major encourages critical thinking while exploring modern management theories, relevant business practices, and current industry trends. You’ll discover your interests along the way and begin to focus your studies based on your interests and talents. Then you can choose from 10 concentrations to merge your academic focus with your career goals.

Human Resource Management - Concentration
It’s often said, but it bears repeating — the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. By studying human resource management at the CSU College of Business, you can play a direct role in shaping the mission, vision, and values of a company by supporting the individuals and teams within it. Human resource management combines an appreciation for and understanding of business with a passion for helping people grow and develop.

Whether you’re a natural people person or are excited by the idea of bringing together well-functioning and inclusive teams, the human resource management concentration allows you to put these talents to use in the job market.