2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 11, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Mass Communication (M.M.C.)

Location(s): Online


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Marina Hendricks, Assistant Professor/Graduate Program Coordinator
School of Communication and Journalism
Yeager Hall 211
605-688-4171

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 professionals in journalism, mass communication and related fields 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.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

The Master 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. The majority are eight weeks long and taken consecutively.

Student Learning Outcomes


  • Apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located;
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
  • Demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts;
  • Present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies;
  • Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
  • Apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
  • Effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
  • Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
  • Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work;
  • Contribute to knowledge appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.

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


At least 50% of coursework on the Plan of Study must be skills-based coursework. Skills-based courses are designated below.

Select one of the following options


Option B - Research/Design Paper


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.

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


Additional Admission Requirements


GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 100 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 10.5
IELTS: 7.0
Duolingo: 120

GPA: 3.0 undergraduate GPA

Preferred qualifications:

  • Professional experience and/or previous coursework in fields such as mass communication, journalism, advertising, marketing, public relations and business.
  • Rolling Admissions Deadline
    • Students will only be considered for Fall admission.
    • All applications receive a timely, comprehensive review by the graduate committee.
  • Application materials
    • Professional resume
    • Personal statement (max: 2 pages) that addresses
      • Preparation for success in an independent, online graduate program.
      • How professional experience and/or previous coursework prepares you for this program.
      • How this degree will advance your 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 100 Internet-based, TOEFL Essentials score of 10.5, or an IELTS score of 7.0.

Accelerated Master’s Program


The accelerated master’s program will be available to eligible SDSU students. Up to twelve (12) graduate level credits may apply to the undergraduate degree as major requirements or electives with approval from the student’s academic advisor, department head/school director, and college dean. Students must follow SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

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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