master's program core courses
Students need to take a total of 36 credits. Most students take two years to complete the degree.
Students take 5 core courses (15 credit hours). Students with extraordinary backgrounds may petition for waiver from any of the core courses.
1. Theories of Mediated Communication. Students learn about the institutional functions and individual effects of mediated communication; the impacts of different textual content and format on individual thinking and emotion; and forces that shape content production.
2. Research Methods (Quantitative emphasis, brief exposure to qualitative). Students learn to conduct research projects using a variety of different methods.
3. Media and Foreign Policy . This course focuses on the effects of US media on foreign governments, and foreign media on the US; effects of other countries’ media on each other; the impact of the internet, inexpensive global telephone calling, CNN, al Jazeera, and other new technologies and networks on the conduct of international relations, diplomacy, military operations, and trade negotiations.
4. Comparative Media Systems. Different forms of mediated communication, their institutional shape and functions, and the impacts of public policy and market forces on their operations are discussed. This course compares: the US media to media systems across countries and cultures; relationships between varied market pressures, communication policies, political cultures and party systems; and the outputs and effects of the media systems on the politics and policies of different countries.
5. The History and Concept of Globalization. Students explore theories of media and globalization; discuss the changing role of communication media, including the internet and other newer technologies, as well as traditional media, in establishing closer relationships and interdependencies among people, their cultures, and their organizations in different countries.
electives
Students take 5 elective courses (15 credit hours.) Courses are selected in consultation with faculty advisors and can be chosen from SMPA and other programs on campus. Students interested in Documentary Filmmaking may take up to 9 credits as part of their elective course work. Information on the process can be found here and the petition to receive the certificate in Documentary Filmmaking is here. Please also see the Documentary Center website.
thesis or alternatives (6 hours)
Options include: (1) writing a research thesis; (2) taking and (earning at least B+ in) two additional graduate courses related to the specialization, followed by a comprehensive examination in that focus area; (3) writing a supervised in-depth journalism project; or (4) writing a supervised strategic communication report addressed to solving a client’s communication-related problem.
The Graduate Curriculum
The Graduate Faculty
The University and its Location
Application Process
The Joint Master’s with the Elliott School of International Affairs