Communication and Media Studies (M.A.)

Student Learning Outcomes

A graduate with a degree in Communication and Media 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.
• Conduct research and/or evaluation projects, with diverse samples of participants, 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.
• 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.

Academic Requirements

Students enrolled in this graduate program must earn a grade of B or higher in CMST 787 - Research in Communication and Media .

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Core Requirements

• CMST 700 - Instructional Communication Credits: 3 (Required only for Graduate Teaching Assistants)
• CMST 702 - Theories of Communication and Media Credits: 3
• CMST 720 - Professional Communication Credits: 3

• or MCOM 730 - Media Law Case Studies Credits: 3  

• CMST 787 - Research in Communication and Media Credits: 3
• MCOM 710 - Cross-Platform Storytelling Credits: 3

• or MCOM 746 - Cross-Platform Campaigns Credits: 3 

Additional Admission Requirements

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

GPA: 3.0 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 deadline 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 minimum set by the SDSU Graduate School. International applicants must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 600 paper-based or 100 Internet-based, TOEFL Essentials score of 10.5, 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 .