Health and Medical Communication, Emphasis

This area of emphasis in Health and Medical Communication in the MA in Communication Studies is designed to:

Equip future physicians and other healthcare workers or students interested in a career in healthcare with advanced training in patient-provider communication, cultural competence, health literacy, shared decision-making, persuasive health messaging, and advocacy.

Provide students with the skills to navigate complex communication environments, including clinical interactions, public health campaign messaging, and health policy advocacy.

Prepare graduates to serve as leaders in clinical practice, academic medicine, public health organizations, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies.

This program is designed with various populations in mind and can be completed in 4 years as part of the M.D. + M.A. dual degree program between the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Communication Studies, in 2 years as a full-time student taking 9 hours per semester, or part-time at your own pace. No courses apply to both the M.D. and the M.A. in Communication Studies. 

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements are the same as those for the MA in Communication Studies.

Graduation Requirements

To earn the MA in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Health and Medical Communication, the candidate must complete all of the requirements for the MA in Communication Studies, which include the following courses: CMM 606 Engaging Comm Theories and CMM 601 Quantitative Research in Comm OR CMM 605 Qualitative Research in Comm.

Additionally, the candidate must: 

• Take CMM 606 Engaging Comm Theories, CMM 570 Health Communication, CMM 670 Patient-Provider Communication, and CMM 671 Health Comm Campaigns
• Complete 15 hours of CMM electives or approved interdisciplinary electives in consultation with their advisor.
• Complete 6 hours of coursework that leads to the completion of a capstone project that is presented to the CMM graduate faculty, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of health and medical communication. Candidates may choose from the following options: 
  • Theoretical Option: 6 hours of Seminar courses (CMM 675 Seminar and CMM 676 Seminar)
  • Applied Option: 6 hours of Practicum courses (CMM 599 Communication Practicum 1 and CMM 699 Communication Practicum 2)
  • Applied Theoretical Option: a 3-hour Seminar course and a 3-hour Practicum course (CMM 675 Seminar and CMM 599 Communication Practicum 1)

Course Requirements 

In addition to the Major requirements, students in the Health and Medical Communication Emphasis will complete the following courses: 

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
CMM 570	Health Communication	3
CMM 670	Patient-Provider Communication	3
CMM 671	Health Comm Campaigns	3
Capstone Option		6
CMM 675 & CMM 676	Seminar and Seminar
CMM 599 & CMM 699	Communication Practicum 1 and Communication Practicum 2
CMM 675 & CMM 599	Seminar and Communication Practicum 1
Total Credit Hours		15