Journalism & Media Studies, M.A.

The Department of Journalism and Creative Media offers the Master of Arts degree with a major in Journalism & Media Studies. Students work closely with a faculty dedicated to the principles and practices of sound journalism, mass communication and scholarly inquiry. The program offers three options for study:

• Individuals who seek in-depth knowledge and mastery of one or more of the subfields and methodologies of journalism or media studies — for example, mass communication history, mass communication law, critical and cultural communication, mass communication theory and methods. These individuals typically follow Plan I (see below) and go on to pursue doctorates. Those with significant experience in the journalism field may teach without the PhD degree.
• Individuals who seek to work professionally in writing, editing, visual journalism, electronic news and/or digital journalism, and who wish to develop conceptual knowledge of the field, as well as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. These students typically follow Plan II (see below).
• Individuals who wish to earn graduate credit through distance education can enroll in our online journalism and media studies program. This program is ideal for people eager to expand their knowledge base, individuals looking to start a career in news, and those interested in teaching in the field of journalism and media.

The program serves both recent BA recipients, whether in journalism/mass communication or other fields, and professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge.

To be considered for regular admission to the Graduate School, you must have at least one of the following GPAs (on a 4.0 scale):

• An overall 3.0 GPA.
• An overall 3.0 GPA in your last 60 semester hours.
• A 3.0 GPA in your graduate program.

Non-native speakers are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores unless they meet at least one of the following criteria: 1) at the time of initial enrollment, they will hold a degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in one of the English speaking countries or regions listed below; 2) at the time of initial enrollment, they will have been enrolled in coursework for at least two years at a U.S. institution or an institution in one of the English speaking countries or regions listed below; 3) they are a citizen or legal resident of one of the English speaking countries or regions listed below. Information on registering for the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE is available online or at U.S. embassies, consulates, Institute of International Education offices, AMIDEAST offices, and other organizations concerned with international education. Note that during the application process we only need unofficial language score reports. Official reports must be sent on admission. 

• Copy of your passport
• Relevant visa and immigration documents (This includes PR card, current visa, or F-1/ J-1 visa request and supporting documents)
• Unofficial transcript copies from every secondary school you have attended. This includes academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work.
  • Include an English translation for all documents not written in English. If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend using the American Translators Association to find a certified translator.
  • Students graduating high school in Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, The Gambia or Sierra Leone must submit a copy of their WASSCE results and scratch card information (serial number and PIN) in order to complete their application.
• Students that graduated 6 or more months ago should also provide a brief statement listing any academic activities since graduation (including any post-secondary coursework at institutions inside or outside of the US, English language programs, study abroad programs, etc.) List name(s) of the institutions and dates of attendance. If you have no additional academic activities, please write a short statement that speaks to your activities during the gap period. In the statement, please include the following and send to International Admissions at [email protected]:
  • Full Name
  • Address
  • High School/Secondary School
  • Graduation Date