Research plays a crucial role in education, driving improvements in teaching strategies, media literacy and communication effectiveness. Communication research constantly evolves, requiring innovative methods to analyze and improve how people interact.
For professionals looking to develop expertise in communication research, the online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communications program from the University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) provides advanced training in research methodologies that apply to education, corporate messaging, media studies and public relations. This program not only equips graduates with good communication skills but also teaches them to utilize different research methods.
What Is a Communications Degree?
An advanced degree in communications provides expertise in research methods, strategic messaging and media analysis. Indeed explains that these programs prepare professionals for leadership roles in corporate communication, media strategy and research-based fields, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications.
Research is a key component of communication degrees, informing best practices in public relations, journalism, corporate messaging and media strategy. Indeed highlights that advanced research skills help professionals analyze media trends, evaluate brand narratives and measure communication effectiveness, making them essential for adapting to industry changes.
Graduate students typically choose between academic and applied tracks. The academic track focuses on qualitative and quantitative research, preparing students for doctoral studies or academic careers. The applied track emphasizes real-world communication strategies, equipping professionals to lead in corporate, media and public affairs roles.
Research Methods in Education and Communication Studies
Communication research plays a vital role in education, helping scholars and educators analyze how messaging, media and instructional strategies impact student engagement and learning outcomes. Researchers apply various methodologies — quantitative, qualitative, rhetorical and mixed methods — to examine communication effectiveness in educational settings.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical analysis to measure communication patterns. In education, researchers apply surveys, experiments and content analysis to assess teaching methods, media influence and student engagement. A study might use surveys to evaluate how digital media affects student learning or analyze instructional techniques to determine their impact on comprehension in online courses.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research explores human experiences through interviews, focus groups and ethnographic studies. In education, this method helps researchers understand student perspectives, teacher communication styles and classroom interactions. A study might interview educators on the effectiveness of storytelling in teaching or use focus groups to examine how students respond to different communication styles in virtual learning environments.
Rhetorical Research
Rhetorical research or criticism analyzes persuasive messaging in texts, speeches and media content. In education, it can evaluate how language shapes public discourse, educational policies or student learning materials. A study might examine how a university’s mission statement uses rhetorical strategies to reinforce institutional values or analyze the framing of diversity in school curriculum materials.
Mixed Methodology
Mixed methodology combines quantitative and qualitative research to comprehensively analyze communication trends. By integrating numerical data with human-centered insights, this approach provides a well-rounded perspective on educational effectiveness.
A study on virtual classroom engagement might first quantify participation levels through surveys (quantitative) and then use interviews to explore student perceptions (qualitative). This combination helps educators refine instructional approaches based on statistical trends and personal experiences.
Research Process in Communication Studies
Lumen Learning outlines methods for conducting effective communication research in education and corporate settings. The research process includes seven essential steps:
- Identify a focus: Define a communication issue, such as student engagement in online learning.
- Develop a research question: Narrow the focus, such as exploring how digital storytelling affects knowledge retention.
- Define key terms: Ensure clarity by specifying concepts like “interactive learning” or “digital media literacy.”
- Select a method: Choose quantitative, qualitative, rhetorical or mixed methodologies based on research objectives.
- Establish a sample population: Identify the target group, such as students, educators or media professionals.
- Gather and analyze data: Apply research tools to interpret findings and extract meaningful insights.
- Interpret and share results: Present conclusions through academic publications, corporate reports or educational policy recommendations.
This structured approach ensures research remains focused, reliable and relevant to improving communication strategies across education, media and corporate environments. Students develop and hone these insights in programs like the online M.A. in Communications from UTT.
How an M.A. in Communications Prepares Students for Research in Education
UTT’s online M.A. in Communications program equips students with advanced research skills for media studies, corporate communication and education. The curriculum blends theory with applied research, preparing graduates to analyze and interpret communication trends in academic and professional settings.
Courses such as Communication Research Methods develop expertise in qualitative and quantitative analysis, while Marketing Research and Analysis focuses on data-driven decision-making in media and corporate messaging. Media Use Analytics provides hands-on training in assessing digital trends and measuring communication effectiveness.
With a strong foundation in research methods, graduates can apply communication theory to real-world challenges in education, corporate strategy, public relations and media studies, positioning themselves for leadership roles. Advance your career by gaining the expertise to conduct meaningful research and drive strategic communication with an M.A. in communications.
Learn more about UTT’s online M.A. in Communications program.