COMC 30-hour M.A. Track:

Students in class

The College of Mass Communications Master of Arts degree prepares a student either for further academic study in mass communications, or it provides additional experience and skills for those who wish to advance their careers in mass communications. Graduate study in the College of Mass Communications focuses on the integration of different media, communications technologies, theories and disciplines.

The specific goals of the program are to:

  • Introduce students to the research, literature, models, theories and practices in all fields of mass communications.
  • Equip students with the foundational tools to conceptualize, conduct and report original research contributing to the creation of knowledge in mass communications.
  • Enhance students’ ability to strategically plan, construct, and implement effective media messages to achieve goals related to general information dissemination, consumer behavior, marketing, health communications or organizational campaign initiatives.

Coursework


The professional program requires 30 hours of coursework that must include the following course schedule: Students in class
  • Fall
    • MCOM 5364 Research Methods
    • PR 5343 Public Relations Cases and Problems
    • MCOM 5366 Theory
    • College Grad Elective (or “Final Project” course in final semester)
  • Spring
    • ADV 5326 Advertising and the Consumer
    • MCOM 53XX Digital Media
    • MCOM 6315 Integrated Communication Campaigns
    • College Grad Elective (or “Final Project” course in final semester)
  • Summer I
    • MCOM 5349 Administration of Communication Media
    • College Grad Elective (or “Final Project” course in final semester)
  • Summer II
    • MCOM 5344 Public Opinion and Propaganda
    • College Grad Elective (or “Final Project” course in final semester)

Students who prefer to take classes in one summer semester or other may substitute a summer elective in alternate summer semester for either MCOM 5349 or MCOM 5344.

In the final semester, students must enroll in a MCOM 6050 course that will serve as the “Final Comprehensive Evaluation” course for the individual student.

Concerning Final Project

  • The comprehensive exam requirement will be deleted from the MA program.
  • The thesis proposal defense will serve as “final comprehensive evaluation” for thesis-track students.
  • All non-thesis students will complete a “final comprehensive evaluation” in the form of a capstone final project. The course, which will be taken in the student’s final semester:
    • will use the current MCOM 6050 designation.
    • will be listed under a graduate faculty member.
    • will require students to complete an assignment in the form of a:
      • practicum/internship
      • portfolio
      • directed readings
      • applied research project
    • will require students to orally present assignment to graduate faculty.