Mass Communication (M.M.C.)

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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 Mass Communication (M.M.C.) consists of advanced professional studies. While it has theoretical underpinnings, the primary purpose is to enhance knowledge and skills for application in professional practice. Fifty percent or more of the courses must be skills-based. This degree targets mid-career professionals in journalism and mass communication and builds on students’ current levels of experience and skills making them more marketable. The Master of Mass Communication prepares students for the increasingly competitive workforce and changing disciplines in mass communications.

Student Learning Outcomes

Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications; (Transferable Skill: Diversity Awareness)
Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity; (Transferable Skill: Diversity Awareness; Ethics - Moral Decision Making/Moral Reasoning)
Think critically, creatively and independently;
Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
Write correctly and clearly, in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve; (Transferable Skill: Communication Skills)
Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work; and
Students will contribute to knowledge appropriate to the communications professions in which they work. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

The Masters of Mass Communication Degree is accredited by the national accrediting body of journalism and mass communication, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

Course Delivery Format

Courses for the M.M.C. program are delivered online and are eight weeks long.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Mass Communication	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	36 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

MCOM 705 - Introduction to Master of Mass Communication Credits: 3
MCOM 710 - Cross-Platform Storytelling Credits: 3
MCOM 730 - Media Law Case Studies Credits: 3
MCOM 746 - Cross-Platform Campaigns Credits: 3
MCOM 786 - Conducting Professional Research Credits: 3

Select one of the following options

Option B - Research/Design Paper

MCOM 788 - Master’s Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-6 (2 credits required)
Electives Credits: 15

Option C - Coursework Only

Electives Credits: 21

Electives for Option B & C

Select from the following list of courses. Other courses may be selected with prior approval.

MCOM 513 - International Media (COM) Credits: 3
MCOM 519 - Women in Media Credits: 3
MCOM 574 - Media Administration and Management (COM) Credits: 3
MCOM 615 - Opinion Writing Credits: 3
MCOM 653 - Mass Communications Teaching Methods Credits: 1-4 (3 credits required)
MCOM 760 - Social Marketing for Health and Behavioral Change Credits: 3
MCOM 785 - Health Journalism Credits: 3
MCOM 791 - Independent Study (COM) Credits: 1-3
MCOM 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-3

Total Required Credits: 32 (Option B), 36 (Option C)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 600 paper-based, 100 Internet-based
IELTS: 7.0

GPA: 3.0 undergraduate GPA

Preferred qualifications:

Professional experience in fields such as journalism, advertising, marketing, or public relations.
Previous coursework in areas such as journalism, advertising, marketing, or public relations.
Priority Deadline: February 1
- Students will only be considered for Fall admission.
- All applications received by the priority deadline receive a timely, comprehensive review by the graduate committee.
- 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
- Professional resume
- Professional portfolio
- Cover letter (max: 2 pages) that addresses
  - Preparation for success in an accelerated, online graduate program.
  - How this degree will advance professional goals.
- 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.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .