M.A. Application &
Program Requirements


Application
Process

All graduate students must be accepted for study by both the Graduate School at Texas Tech University and the College of Mass Communications.

Applicants should submit the following to the Graduate School:

  • A graduate application available on the College of Mass Communications website
  • Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate (if any) work
  • Current scores for the Graduate Record Examination.

Admission to a graduate program in the College of Mass Communications 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. Evidence of language skills is particularly important because these skills are essential to success in any communications program.

International students must submit TOEFL scores of at least 550 (75 on the modified TOEFL).

In addition to materials submitted to the Graduate School, applicants for the M.A. program should submit the following to the College of Mass Communications:

  • Master of Arts Student Application form available on the College of Mass Communications web site,
  • Written personal statement,
  • A description of academic and professional experiences in mass communications,
  • Written samples of academic or professional work in mass communications, and
  • Letters of recommendation from two people who can attest to your ability to succeed in graduate work.

TAPES, DISKS AND PORTFOLIOS SHOULD NOT BE SUBMITTED.

Students who would like an appointment as a graduate assistant or who seek financial assistance should submit their applications at least six months prior to the date they plan to begin classes.


Curriculum Requirements
& Core Courses

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.

View available M.A. Tracks
View courses offered


Thesis & Comprehensive
Evaluation

All master’s students in the College of Mass Communications must pass the comprehensive examination before graduation. Further, no student may select a thesis chair, form a thesis committee, or defend a thesis or project until after she or he has passed the comprehensive examination.

Students must complete all core courses with a grade of B or higher before they may take the comprehensive examination.

Find out more