The master of arts (MA) degree in media communications is for students who have both an interest and background in communications. All students entering this program are required to consult with a media communications academic advisor prior to registration. Qualifications and required prerequisite courses will be discussed at this time. Qualifications include a strong educational background in their intended area of graduate communications study or professional experience in their area of interest. Students without a strong educational background or experience in the communications field are required to enroll in 6 credit hours of prerequisite course work. The selection of prerequisites will depend on each student’s area of academic interest in communications. Students must earn a grade of “B” or better in the prerequisite courses before they are allowed to enroll in graduate courses. The prerequisite courses are not counted toward the 36 credit hours required for the degree, nor are they considered as part of the credit hours required for advancement to candidacy. This degree is also available online. Online courses require excellent organizational skills, self-direction, and motivation to master the challenges of this learning environment.

Successful graduates of this program will be able to: * Understand the breadth of media communications; * Examine media using multiple perspectives; * Examine media in multiple contexts: cultural, economic, political, etc.; * Look at media as product, process, and commentary; * Apply qualitative and quantitative research methodologies; * Apply research strategies to analyze media.