Communication - MA (NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED)

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College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Journalism and Communication

Graduate Admission Requirements

For admission to the graduate program in Communication, all students must complete the department’s English Language Proficiency Examination, and must complete or demonstrate competency in the following Communication foundation courses:

JCOM 1130 - Media Writing 3 credit(s)
JCOM 2010 - Media Literacy (BSS) 3 credit(s)
JCOM 3110 - Feature Writing (CI) 3 credit(s)
JCOM 4030 - Mass Media Law (DSS) 3 credit(s)

Note:

Competency may be demonstrated through previous coursework or experience, and one or more of these requirements may be waived with permission of the graduate program coordinator. These credits do not count toward the graduate degree. In addition, other undergraduate courses may be required.

Degree Requirements

Students may enroll in the Plan A (thesis), Plan B (Professional Option, with professional project), or Plan C (Professional Option with additional coursework in lieu of project) as outlined below. Plans A and B require 30 semester credits, while Plan C requires 33 semester credits. Plan A is intended for students planning to continue graduate study, teach, or enter professions requiring research skills. Plans B and C are intended for students seeking a terminal professional degree. Selection of the A, B or C option must be made in consultation with the student’s advisor and filed with the graduate coordinator by the end of the first semester of study.

All students must complete core requirements. Students must, in consultation with their advisor, select an appropriate research tools class in research methods; the course need not be taught by the Journalism and Communication Department. To remain in good standing, all students must fulfill Graduate School requirements.

Plan A: Media Research

Core Requirements (21 credits)

All students must complete the following courses:

JCOM 6970 - Thesis Research 1-3 credit(s)
JCOM 6400 - Mass Media Criticism 3 credit(s)
JCOM 6020 - Mass Communication Theory 3 credit(s)
JCOM 6040 - Seminar in Mass Media Research Methods 3 credit(s)
JCOM 6000 - Introduction to Graduate Study in Mass Communication 3 credit(s)

Note:

Cognate/Electives (9 credits)

With advisor permission, students may include additional Journalism and Communication electives.

Plan B: Professional Option (Project)

Core Requirements (18 credits)

All students must complete the following courses:

JCOM 6000 - Introduction to Graduate Study in Mass Communication 3 credit(s)
JCOM 6020 - Mass Communication Theory 3 credit(s)
JCOM 6040 - Seminar in Mass Media Research Methods 3 credit(s)
JCOM 6400 - Mass Media Criticism 3 credit(s)
JCOM 6970 - Thesis Research 1-3 credit(s)

Note:

In addition, students must select an appropriate 3-credit Research Tools course (from any department), providing methodological training most appropriate for the student, in consultation with the advisor.

Cognate/Electives (12 credits)

With advisor permission, students may include additional Journalism and Communication electives.

Plan C: Professional Option (Additional Coursework)

Core Requirements (15 credits)

All students must complete the following courses:

JCOM 6000 - Introduction to Graduate Study in Mass Communication 3 credit(s)
JCOM 6020 - Mass Communication Theory 3 credit(s)
JCOM 6040 - Seminar in Mass Media Research Methods 3 credit(s)
JCOM 6400 - Mass Media Criticism 3 credit(s)

Note:

In addition, students must select a 3-credit Research Tools course (from any department), in consultation with the advisor.

Cognate/Electives (18 credits)

With advisor permission, students may include additional Journalism and Communication electives.