Guidelines for
M.A in Media & Communication
Students seeking the Master of Arts in Media & Communication at Texas Tech University must follow the guidelines in the Catalog of the Graduate School. Specific guidelines of the College of Media & Communication are described here. Use these guidelines to assist your application, to determine requirements and to monitor your progress through the program.
The Purpose |
A Master of Arts prepares a student either for further academic study in Media & Communication or it provides additional professional experience and skills for those who wish to advance their careers in mass communications. Typically, the thesis option is selected by those who are preparing for advanced academic study and the non-thesis option is chosen by those seeking professional development. However, both options will prepare you for both further study and for professional advancement. |
The M.A. in Media & Communication |
Students enrolled in the M.A. in Media & Communication at Texas Tech may focus their studies in Advertising, Electronic Media, Journalism or Public Relations. However, the program is designed to provide students with broad coverage of all areas of Media & Communication. |
Application |
All students must be accepted for study by both the Graduate College at Texas Tech University and the College of Media & Communication. Applicants should submit the following to the Graduate College: - a graduate application, - official transcripts of all previous college work, and - current scores for the Graduate Record Examination.
Students who seek selection as a graduate assistant or who seek financial assistance must submit their applications at least three months prior to the date they plan to begin classes. |
Admission |
Admission to the master’s program is based on a holistic assessment of the student’s promise for success in graduate level work in mass communications. Materials reviewed include the personal statement, letters of recommendation, GPA and GRE scores. GRE scores neither ensure admission nor automatically disqualify an applicant. Because Media & Communication performance and evaluation is language intensive, near native fluency in the English language is required for success. Students who are most likely to be successful in the Texas Tech program have submitted GRE scores above the 50th percentile and GPAs of 3.0 or higher. International students must submit TOEFL scores of at least 550, however success typically requires much greater fluency.
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Curriculum |
The thesis program is 31 hours and requires 25 hours of coursework and a minimum of 6 hours of thesis credit. The 25 hours of coursework must include the 10-hour core described below.
The non-thesis program requires 37 hours of coursework and culminates in a comprehensive examination. The 37 hours of coursework must include the 10-hour core described below. Required core courses (4 courses for 10 hours) |
Thesis and |
The thesis is comprehensive original research and typically takes a full summer or long semester to complete. Thesis research is conducted and the research report written under the guidance of a thesis committee of at least two faculty members.
The comprehensive examination is given only in the fall and spring terms and is designed to assess the student’s familiarity with Media & Communication theory, research methods and one area of application chosen by the student. This examination is written, administered and graded by a faculty committee. |
Degree Plan & |
No later than the end of the first year of enrollment, each student must submit a degree plan. This plan is created in consultation with, and must be approved by, the Graduate Advisor. The plan will describe the courses that must be completed and, if appropriate, will identify the committee and thesis topic. |
Leveling and Transfer Work |
Students who hold undergraduate degrees in fields outside of Media & Communication and/or who do not have professional experience in Media & Communication may be required to complete prerequisite or leveling work that will not be included in the totals described above. Depending on prior coursework and experience, leveling courses may required from graduate or undergraduate offerings.
Students with graduate work from other universities may be able to transfer up to 6 hours of credit. The specific courses and credit must be approved by the Graduate Advisor. |
Scholarships and |
Applications for many scholarships are due December 1 of each year for the following academic year. Applications for some scholarships awarded by the College of Media & Communication must be received at least six months prior to the date you will begin coursework. Scholarship awards of at least $1,000 will waive out-of-state tuition rates for domestic students. Students with this waiver are permitted to pay in-state rates. Also, students who are legal residents of Arkansas, New Mexico or Oklahoma qualify for in-state tuition if they live in counties adjacent to Texas. Students must enroll in 9 hours per semester to qualify for scholarships or assistantships.
We strongly encourage students to complete the Free Application for Student Aid because as graduate students you may qualify for Grants. Please look at the Student Financial Aid Web site: www.fina.ttu.edu. |
Graduate Assistantships |
Graduate assistantships provide some financial support for superior students in good academic standing. Students who are awarded assistantships are expected to work 20 hours per week for the College of Media & Communication , are required to be full time students and may not hold any other employment. MA level graduate assistants generally assist with class administration such as taking roll and/or with faculty research. Based on their academic and work performance MA level assistants may be reappointed for up to four academic terms; typically three long semesters and one summer term. |
More |
At our Web site, www.depts.ttu.edu/mcom, you will find more information and applications, plus links to Texas Tech’s Graduate School Web site. For the Graduate Catalog and Course Schedule, go to www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications. Please print the applications and start preparing them. After you look at the Web site, please contact the Graduate Advisor if you have questions.
Michael Parkinson, Graduate Advisor |
College of Media & Communication, Box 43082, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
806.742.6500