Mass Communication, M.A.

(Major Code: 06010) (SIMS Code: 664142)

This degree 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.

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 in the program. 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.

Proficiency Requirements

Individuals must demonstrate relevant undergraduate coursework for their desired area of focus. 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.

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 Mass Communication.

Advancement to Candidacy

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

Core Courses (6 units)

30 units of the program must include:

Research Methods Core (3 units)

3 units selected from:

Theory Core (3 units)

3 units selected from:

JMS 595 - Public Relations Theory Units: 3
JMS 701 - Seminar: Mass Communication Problems Units: 3

Applied Media Core (6 units)

6 units selected from:

JMS 515 - Media Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship Units: 3
JMS 525 - News and Social Media Units: 3
JMS 566 - Advertising Strategy and Digital Analytics Platforms Units: 3
JMS 590 - Crisis Communication in PR Management Units: 3

Electives (9 units)

Selected with the approval of the graduate advisor. No more than 6 units may be taken as special study (JMS 798).

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 547 - Advanced Topics in Media Studies Units: 3
JMS 566 - Advertising Strategy and Digital Analytics Platforms 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 602 - Seminar: Military Public Affairs Units: 3
JMS 603 - Seminar: Professional Development in Military Public Affairs Units: 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

Thesis/Elective (3 units)

Students may select Plan A, thesis, by completing JMS 799A (3 units) or, if Plan B is selected, the students 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.