Mass Communications, M.A.

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Priority Admission Application Deadlines: http://www.grad.usf.edu/majors

Concentrations:

Media Studies
Strategic Communication Management

Contact Information

College: Arts and Sciences
Department: Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications

Contact Information: http://www.grad.usf.edu/majors

The M.A. in Mass Communications is designed for students who are seeking advanced studies in preparation for professional and academic careers in mass communications. The program offers one degree, the Master of Arts in Mass Communications.

The Media Studies Concentration emphasizes the theoretical principles and research methods of mass communications. The Strategic Communication Management Concentration emphasizes public relations management and social science research.

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

153V (61^th percentile), 144Q (17^th percentile) preferred on the GRE
a resume
three letters of recommendation (academic recommendations preferred)
a strong letter of intent
Students who lack an appropriate background in the selected concentration may be required to take additional courses to meet concentration minimums.

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours: 39 Credit Hours

Core – 12 Credit Hours
Concentration – 21 Credit Hours minimum
Thesis or Applied Research Project – 6 Credit Hours

Core Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

MMC 6920 Introductory Mass Communications Seminar Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6400 Mass Communication Theory Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6447 Quantitative Research Methods in Mass Communications Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6448 Qualitative Research Methods in Mass Communications Credit Hours: 3

Concentration Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

Students select from the following concentration options:

Media Studies (MCM)

The Media Studies concentration is designed to expose students to a variety of ideas centered on the structure, function, and content of media and its role in society. At least twelve (12) hours are taken in the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications.

Students select 12 hours from the following options:

JOU 6501 Media Management Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6206 Mass Communications Ethics Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6306 International Communications Seminar Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6607 Public Opinion and the Mass Media Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6612 Seminar: Law and the Mass Media Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6936 Selected Topics in Mass Communications Credit Hours: 3
The remaining nine (9) Credit hours for the concentration may be taken in graduate-level coruses offered in other departments of the University.

Strategic Communication Management (PRS)

The Strategic Communication Management Concentration emphasizes the integration of organizational communication functions such as public relations and advertising into a single communication management function.

Students complete the following 18 Credit Hours:

PUR 5505 Introduction to Strategic Communication Theory and Practice Credit Hours: 3
PUR 6603 Strategic Communication Campaigns Credit Hours: 3
PUR 6607 Strategic Communication Management Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6415 Strategic Communication Media Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6418 Strategic Message Design Credit Hours: 3
The remaining three (3) credit hours for the concentration may be taken in graduate-level courses offered in other departments of the University.

Comprehensive Exam

.In lieu of comprehensive examination, defense of the thesis or the applied research project is used as the culminating assessment.

Thesis or Applied Research Project (6 Credit Hours)

Students complete either a Thesis or Applied Research Project.
MMC 6971 Thesis: Master’s Credit Hours: 2-3
MMC 6950 Applied Research Project Credit Hours: 1-6

University of South Florida

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