| M.A. in Communication Arts
Master of Arts in Communication Arts (MA)
Join a thriving network of leaders in the fast-growing media and communications field with a master's degree in Communication Arts from the School of Media and Design at the University of the Incarnate Word.
Graduate Program Overview
The Communication Arts graduate program uses a unique blend of theory-driven and experience-based classes to prepare students to enter or continue their careers in the modern media world. 
Students enrolled in the graduate comm arts program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the modern world of media, marketing, mass communications and other high-demand industries.
Program Facts:
- 36 credit-hour program
- GRE requirement can be waived with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Evening courses offered
- Part-time or full-time completion options
- Fields of study include:
- Production
- Print media
- Convergent media delivery
Career Outlook and Opportunities
Students who earn their M.A. in Communication Arts have gone on to work as producers, directors, advertising and public relations specialists, event planners, bilingual broadcast journalists, digital strategists among many more careers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4 percent job growth rate over the next several years and a high median pay rate*.
Examples of career opportunities in the Communications field:
- Advertising Managers
- Announcers
- Broadcast Journalists
- Broadcast, Sound and Video Technicians
- Camera Operators
- Corporate Communication Writers
- Film and Video Editors
- Journalists
- Media Producers
- Online Marketing Specialists
- Photographers
- Print and Digital Publications Designers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Reporters, Correspondents and Broadcast News Analysts
- Videographers
- Writers and Authors
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - May 2022
Comm Arts Alumni Featured on Texas Public Radio
Jackie Velez, B.A. Communication Arts, class of 2019 recently shared her story with Texas Public Radio (TPR) on their "Worth Repeating: Fight or Flight" series where she shared her student journey and how she had to overcome adversity. Watch her story here.
Comm Arts Alumni Earns Social Media Award
Maddye Skye Mendoza was named “ Best Social Media Follow for All Things SA” in the Best of the City 2021 Awards for San Antonio Magazine. Mendoza concentrated in journalism and was active in student media at UIW.
UIW Comm Arts Student Selected for Buster Haas Minority Internship Program
Christina Emmett, a senior communication arts major concentrating in journalism, has been selected for the Buster Haas Minority Internship Program sponsored by the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors Association.
Christina, a retired Air Force veteran who lives in San Antonio, will be assigned to a full-time internship at the Bryan College Station Eagle beginning in June.
For her participation in the internship, Christina, a writer-photographer for the Logos, will receive a $3,000 stipend, plus $1,000 for living expenses. Upon successful completion of the internship, she also will receive a $500 scholarship. The internship -- named after the late Buster Haas, a Dallas Morning News assistant managing editor for 32 years -- aims to increase the number of minority journalists working in newsrooms across Texas. Interns, who are assigned to a daily newspaper of 30,000 or smaller circulation, are expected to conduct themselves to the highest professional standards in a newsroom and in the community served by the newspaper.
Meet Our Faculty
Dr. Trey Guinn, Associate Professor and Program Director
Dr. Trey Guinn is fortunate to wear many hats and love them all. Associate Professor and Director of the Communication Arts program, Guinn is also an active actor, author, executive coach, and public speaker. Since 2010, he has been on the faculty for UT-Austin’s Texas Executive Education and served as a Business Communication Specialist for the McCombs School of Business.
As a teacher-practitioner-scholar, Trey focuses primarily on communication effectiveness and human relationships. He specializes in helping people improve their executive presence, personal branding, presentational effectiveness, business pitches, interview preparation, interpersonal relationships, team dynamics, and networking.
Dr. Guinn teaches an array of undergraduate and graduate courses and maintains active membership in organizations such as the Fulbright Association, the National Communication Association (NCA), and many others.
Dr. Darlene Carbajal, Assistant Professor
Dr. Darlene Carbajal is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Arts Department at the University of the Incarnate Word. She teaches courses in the multimedia concentration where she facilitates creative collaboration among students. Her research interests include learning about the role of spirituality in higher education and about the pedagogical and mentoring approaches that faculty use to facilitate the spiritual development of students.
Dr. Carbajal’s teaching methods include helping students make connections between their interest in communications to their role and responsibility to enhance human connectedness. Dr. Carbajal has ten years of teaching experience in K-12 public education. Her personal interests include searching for new ways to engage in contemplative practices, going on staycations with her boyfriend, and going to rock concerts with family. Dr. Carbajal is a proud El Paso, Texas native.
UIW at a Glance
200+
Local and national awards won by School of Media and Design students in the last 5 years
13:1
Student-to-faculty ratio at the School of Media and Design
60+
Countries represented by UIW students
Aaron Cantu
M.A. Communication Arts, Class of May 2020