Master of Arts in Media Communications
Program Description
The Master of Arts (MA) degree in media communications is for students who have both an interest and background in communications.
The MA in media communications is a specialized concentration available to individuals who qualify for the program.
Qualifications include an educational background in their intended area of graduate communications study or professional experience in their area of interest. Students without educational background or experience in the communications field are required to enroll in 6 credit hours of prerequisite coursework.
The selection of prerequisites will depend on the student's area of academic interest in communications and will be determined through consultation with an academic advisor. Students must earn a grade of "B" or better in the prerequisite courses before they will be allowed to enroll in graduate courses. The prerequisite courses do not count toward the 36 credit hours required for the degree, nor will they be considered as part of the credit hours required for advancement to candidacy.
Student Learning Outcomes
Successful graduates of this program will be able to:
- Understand the breadth of media communications
- Use multiple perspectives to examine media
- Examine media in multiple contexts: cultural, economic, political, etc.
- Look at media as product, process and commentary
- Apply research strategies to analyze media
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
Program Curriculum
The 36 credit hours required for the MA in media communications degree must include the following courses (21 credit hours):
- MEDC 5000 Media Communications (Requisite Course)
- MEDC 5310 Media and Culture
- MEDC 5350 Media Organization and Regulations
- MEDC 5360 International Communications
- MEDC 5400 Media Production Management
- MEDC 6000 Seminar in Media Communications
- MEDC Elective--One additional core course from MEDC electives, as determined through consultation with an academic advisor
In addition to the seven core courses, the student can choose elective courses offered in the other School of Communications majors. Courses from program curricula outside the School of Communications may be considered, if appropriate and approved in advance using a program option request form. Students taking courses that are a part of their approved curriculum and that are from outside of the School of Communications should verify prerequisites with the appropriate school or college.
MEDC 5000 Media Communications is the requisite course in the media communications program. It examines communications theory and its application to mass media, as well as introduces students to the graduate program, describes program expectations, and discusses academic preparation for MEDC 6000 Seminar in Media Communications. Therefore, students must take this course even if they have academic and/or professional experience in media communications.
The required courses and electives listed may be taken as Directed Studies, subject to the conditions stated in the Directed Studies section listed under Academic Policies and Procedures and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.
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