MA in Communication Studies - Rhetoric, Language and Political Communication in Austin United States | University of Texas at Austin

Graduate students collaborate with faculty mentors and peers to hone their research and teaching abilities in a supportive academic setting. By engaging with distinguished faculty and professionals in our top-tier programs, students gain exceptional access to research prospects, creative avenues, and inventive thinkers in Austin, Texas – one of the nation's most vibrant cities. Whether pursuing academic, professional, clinical, or artistic aspirations, you can expand your expertise. The mandatory graduate internship at the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations bridges theoretical learning with hands-on professional experience.
The Rhetoric, Language and Political Communication (RLP) specialization explores how symbolic communication drives societal and political transformation. While rhetoric has been studied for centuries, our Department emphasizes modern applications including political campaigns, cultural communication, protest rhetoric, ethical persuasion, public debate structures, discourse analysis, language community formation, and cognitive linguistics. These topics are explored through three key concentrations: (1) Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, analyzing persuasive techniques and cultural narratives in public discourse, (2) Political Communication, investigating how leaders and media shape public opinion and policy, and (3) Semiotic Studies, examining how language and nonverbal communication influence social dynamics.