Communication, Specialization in Mass Communication and Media Studies, M.A.

(Major Code: 06011) (Academic Plan Code: 664141MAS)

Specific Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for the Master of Arts degree as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees , the student must complete a minimum of 30 units in courses acceptable in master’s degree programs. At least 18 units of the total program must be in courses numbered 600-799. Approval of the graduate adviser is required for all courses numbered 500-599. With the approval of the graduate adviser, students may take up to nine units of graduate coursework in departments other than the School of Journalism and Media Studies. Students may not repeat any course in their program of study without consent of the graduate adviser and instructor.

Specialization in Mass Communication and Media Studies

This specialization offers advanced study for individuals seeking additional knowledge of advertising, public relations, journalistic practices, emerging digital and social media technologies, or the impact of mediated communication practices on individuals, groups, and society as a whole. The program of study is appropriate for individuals who seek to enhance their careers in journalism, advertising, or public relations; who wish to pursue careers involving new media industries; who wish to teach at the community college level; or who wish to continue studies of mass communication and media at the doctoral level. Please see the School of Journalism and Media Studies website for the most current information.

Proficiency Requirements. Individuals must demonstrate relevant undergraduate coursework for their desired area of focus within the specialization. Individuals without adequate preparation may be asked to take proficiency courses. Specific proficiency courses will be determined in consultation with the graduate adviser after admission to the program.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees .

Graduate Courses

Students may select Plan A, thesis, by completing JMS 799A (3 units) or, if Plan B is selected, the student must complete three additional units of 600-700 level coursework in the School of Journalism and Media Studies and pass the Comprehensive Examination in journalism and media studies. The remaining 27 units of the program must include completion of JMS 600A and JMS 600B with an average grade of B (3.0) or better in the two courses, or consent of the Journalism and Media Studies faculty;

12 Units Selected From

JMS 506 - Advertising and Society Units: 3
JMS 515 - Media Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship Units: 3
JMS 525 - News and Social Media Units: 3
JMS 527 - Advanced Topics in Journalism Units: 3
JMS 552 - Media in Country/Region X Units: 3
JMS 560 - Advertising Research Units: 3
JMS 566 - Advertising Strategy and Digital Analytics Platforms Units: 3
JMS 567 - Advanced Topics in Advertising Units: 3
JMS 574 - International Advertising Units: 3
JMS 581 - Applied Research in Public Relations Units: 3
JMS 585 - Professional Practices in Public Relations Units: 3
JMS 590 - Crisis Communication in PR Management Units: 3
JMS 591 - Global Technology: Creativity and Innovation in the Digital Age Units: 3
JMS 595 - Public Relations Theory Units: 3
JMS 596 - Selected Topics Units: 1-3
JMS 619 - Seminar: Qualitative Methods in Mass Media Research Units: 3
JMS 620 - Seminar: Quantitative Methods in Media Research Units: 3
JMS 696 - Special Topics Units: 1-3
JMS 701 - Seminar: Mass Communication Problems Units: 3
JMS 780 - Seminar: Advanced Theory in Public Relations Units: 3
JMS 798 - Special Study Units: 1-3

And, Nine Units Relevant to the Specialization

Nine units relevant to the specialization selected with the approval of the graduate adviser. No more than nine units may be taken outside the School of Journalism and Media Studies. No more than six units may be taken as special study (798). No more than 12 units taken at the 500-level may count toward the degree.