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Nov 23, 2024
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2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Communication and Media Studies (M.A.)
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 Return to: Programs & Degrees (Listed by Degree Type)
Program Coordinator/Contact
Jenn Anderson, Associate Professor/Graduate Program Coordinator
School of Communication and Journalism
Pugsley Continuing Education Center 115
605-688-6131
Program Information
The Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies is a broad-based graduate degree for students with an undergraduate degree in communication studies, media studies, or related areas. Coursework emphasizes the intersections of academic and professional approaches to understanding, creating, and evaluating messages across contexts. Core coursework covers the foundations of the communication and media studies disciplines (including relevant theories and methods), explores cross-platform communication, and offers applied coursework in either professional communication or media law.
Students who pursue Option A (thesis) complete an additional 9-12 credits of elective coursework and an independent, theoretically-based study that generates new disciplinary knowledge and prepares them for advanced graduate work. Students who pursue Option B (project) complete an additional 15-18 credits of elective coursework and an independent, applied project that addresses a practical issue using skills related to students’ chosen career fields.
Student Learning Outcomes
A graduate with a specialization in Communication Studies will be able to:
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills across various platforms (written, oral, and digital) that are tailored to the professions, audiences, and purposes they serve. (Transferable Skill: Career Preparedness)
- Conduct research and/or evaluation projects using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies.
- Understand the theoretical foundations of the field and generate new, creative insights or contributions to one’s academic or professional field.
- Identify the impact of history, diversity, and intersectionality of social identities on human communication and mass media within personal, professional, organizational, and societal contexts.
- Use current and emerging technologies effectively to adapt fundamental critical thinking and storytelling skills to the interconnected world with digital, networked media.
- Practice professional ethics, as well as principles of freedom of speech and expression, within one’s academic or professional field.
Course Delivery Format
This program is offered at SDSU’s Brookings campus and includes both face-to-face and online instruction options.
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Available Options for Graduate Degrees
| Master of Arts |
Option A - Thesis |
30 Credit Hours |
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Option B - Research/Design Paper |
32 Credit Hours |
Select one of the following options
Option B - Research/Design Paper
Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B)
Additional Admission Requirements
GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 600 paper-based, 100 Internet-based
IELTS: 7.0
GPA: 3.25 undergraduate GPA
Previous coursework: At least 18 credit hours of relevant coursework (e.g., Advertising, Agricultural Communication, Communication Studies, Journalism, Marketing, Media Studies, or Public Relations).
- Priority Deadline: February 1
- All applications received by the priority deadline receive a timely, comprehensive review by the graduate committee. Students admitted during this round of review are prioritized for funding decisions.
- Assistantship funding is only available for applicants admitted for the Fall semester.
- Applications received after the priority deadlines will be periodically reviewed by the graduate committee.
- Admission decisions will be shared at least 10 working days before the April 15 deadline set by the Council of Graduate Schools.
- Application materials
- Resume/CV
- Writing sample (max: 5 pages)
- Cover letter (max: 2 pages) that addresses
- Interest in graduate work in communication & media studies
- How this degree will advance professional goals
- Preparation for success in advanced studies in communication and media studies
- Official Transcripts
- Note: If the coursework was completed at a South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) institution, we have access to your transcript, and you do not need to take any action.
- $35 application fee
- International Applicants may only receive unconditional admission. To receive unconditional admission, international applicants must meet these requirements:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0.
- A professional academic transcript evaluation for degrees earned outside the United States. (This requirement cannot be waived unless your highest degree was earned or will be earned in the U.S. prior to enrollment at SDSU).
- If you are completing your bachelor’s degree at the time of application, you may submit an incomplete evaluation. If you are accepted, a complete transcript and/or evaluation with completed degree will be required by the end of your first semester of coursework.
- Official U.S. transcripts where a degree is earned (or will be earned), and official U.S. transcripts where graduate level coursework has been taken.
- The School of COJO requires higher English proficiency scores than the minimums set by the SDSU Graduate School. International applicants must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 600 paper-based or 100 Internet based, or an IELTS score of 7.0.
- Process for assistantship decisions.
- Admission decisions are made by the graduate committee.
- Assistantship offers are facilitated by the hiring manager.
- Admitted students being considered for an assistantship will provide the hiring manager with additional materials upon request and complete an interview with the hiring manager.
- Assistantship offers will be shared at least 10 working days before the April 15 deadline set by the Council of Graduate Schools.
General Requirements
Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.
For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .
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