Jul 04, 2022

2019-2020 Graduate Catalog

2019-2020 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mass Communications, M.A.

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Degree Information

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

Minimum Total Hours: 39
Level: Masters
CIP Code: 9.0102
Dept. Code: MCM
Major/College Codes: COM AS
Approved: 1978

Concentrations:

Media Studies (MCM)
Strategic Communication Management (PRS)
Multimedia Journalism (MMJ)

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. The Multimedia Journalism Studies Concentration focuses on storytelling through the integration of different delivery platforms, and on management issues in converged newsrooms.

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

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:

Concentration in Media Studies

At least twenty-four hours are taken in the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications. The remaining 9-12 hours may be taken in graduate-level courses offered in other departments of the University.

Concentration in Multimedia Journalism

The graduate concentration in Multimedia Journalism prepares students to take leadership positions in journalism through their knowledge of the field of mass communications, management in the media environment and the ability to combine storytelling skills in the areas of print, broadcast and electronic communication. This option requires a total of 39 hours of which 12 are core requirements, 12 are in the multimedia core, 6 are thesis or applied research project, 6 are electives in the Mass Communications graduate program and 3 are in an outside requirement.

Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

JOU 6501 Media Management Credit Hours: 3
JOU 5344 Multimedia Journalism Credit Hours: 3
JOU 6349 Advanced Multimedia Journalism Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6612 Seminar: Law and the Mass Media Credit Hours: 3
Thesis Credit(s): 6
or
MMC 6950 Applied Research Project Credit Hours: 1-6 (6 credits for this program)
Electives Credit(s): 6

1 Outside Requirement:

EME 6936 Applications of Computers as Educational Tools Credit Hours: 3

Concentration in Strategic Communication Management

The Strategic Communication Management Concentration emphasizes the integration of organizational communication functions such as public relations and advertising into a single communication management function. This option requires 39 hours of course work, including six (6) hours of thesis or six (6) hours of an applied research project, twelve (12) hours of the mass communications core, fifteen (15) hours of the strategic communication core, three (3) hours in management or leadership studies, and six (6) hours of electives.

Core Requirements (15 Credit Hours)

PUR 6603 Strategic Communication Campaigns Credit Hours: 3
PUR 6607 Strategic Communication Management Credit Hours: 3
PUR 5505 Introduction to Strategic Communication Theory and Practice Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6415 Strategic Communication Media Credit Hours: 3
MMC 6418 Strategic Message Design Credit Hours: 3
Outside requirement Credit(s): 3 (A course in organizational communication, management or leadership.)
Thesis OR Applied research project Credit(s): 3 (arranged with project committee chair.)
Mass Communications or other electives Credit(s): 3

Comprehensive Exam

Students in these concentrations are required to take a comprehensive written examination after they have completed at least 21 hours of mass communications course work, including the required courses for each concentration of study.

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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