Campuses:
This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.
Twin Cities Campus
Mass Communication M.A.School of Journalism & Mass Communication
College of Liberal Arts
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 111 Murphy Hall, 206 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-625-9824; fax: 612-625-9525)
Email:
sjmcgrad@umn.edu
Website: http://sjmc.umn.edu/grad
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The master's degree in mass communication emphasizes the theoretical study of mass communication and analysis of media systems and effects. The degree is intended for those who wish to pursue PhD degrees or teaching and research careers, as well as those who seek communication-related positions. The general master's program is not designed to provide professional skills training in journalism. Individuals with a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication or with strong social science or liberal arts backgrounds in areas such as political science, psychology, sociology, history, and English are encouraged to apply. Individuals with extensive professional experience in mass communication are also welcome. The program is suffused with the study of new communication technologies.
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Students whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS (academic). In addition, such students seeking teaching assistantships are required to pass the SPEAK test of spoken-English proficiency prior to appointment. Admission is considered for fall semester only; the priority application deadline is January 15, with a rolling deadline of March 1.
The mass communication MA and PhD programs offer a joint degree with the Law School. Applicants to either joint degree--either the MA/JD or the PhD/JD--are reviewed separately by the Law School and the mass communication programs for admission, but are asked to identify themselves as seeking the joint degree option in their statement of intent for the mass communication application. For more information, contact sjmcgrad@umn.edu.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit a department application; a clearly written statement of career interests, goals, and objectives; three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their scholarship and research potential; a complete set of transcripts; academic work samples in English; a resume or curriculum vita; and scores from the General Test of the GRE.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
Key to test
abbreviations
(GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
Plan A: Plan A requires
19
major credits,
6
credits outside the major,
and
10
thesis credits.
The final exam is oral.
This program may not be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 2.80
is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 1 semesters must be completed
before filing a Degree Program Form.
All coursework must be taken A-F, except for JOUR 8009, which is taken S/N.
Electives
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
JOUR 5xxx
·
JOUR 8xxx
·
Courses are chosen in consultation with the advisor.
Outside Coursework
Take 6 credits outside the major.
Thesis Credits
Take exactly 10 credit(s) from the following:
·
JOUR 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
(1.0-18.0 cr)
Joint- or Dual-degree Coursework:
MA in Mass Communication and JD in Law (dual degree)
Students may take a total of 12 credits in common
among the academic programs.
|
|
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0] |
Grading Basis: | No Grade |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |