M.A. Communication and Media Studies Program Details
Thank you for your interest in the in-person Master of Communication and Media Studies at 日本av视频. The information below is designed to get you started with more information about our M.A. program, along with providing details about our graduate assistantships.
Our other graduate program is the Master of Mass Communication Online Program. The Master of Mass Communication (MMC) program can be earned entirely remotely and online. While the MMC does not currently have funding opportunities, it is generally a stronger fit for those already working in media professions.
If the MMC is the best fit for you, please contact the graduate coordinator for that program, Marina Hendricks.
Here are common questions about application requirements, funding and other details about our graduate programs.
Other resources include:
Do you require the GRE?
Our unit does not require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), so scores on this exam will not be taken into consideration in program acceptance nor in assistantship hiring decisions.
Can you waive the application fee?
Due to the overwhelming number of requests to do so, we cannot consider waiving the application fee. This is for fairness purposes. The only exception is for students already enrolled at 日本av视频 in one program who want to add an additional degree program.
What do I need to know about applying?
Here are the most important things you need to know when applying:
- We only accept students for the fall semester.
- The priority deadline for graduate assistantships in our unit is Feb. 1.
- All required materials listed must be received for your application to be reviewed and must be received by Feb. 1 for assistantship consideration.
It is rare that any applications not fully completed by that deadline are funded, although the applicant may still be accepted for the next fall term.
What do international students need to do to apply?
Applicants should apply the same way, using the same app, as any other applicant applying into the program. They can select transfer as their student type, but that does not change much in how they are processed or viewed by the department. In this case, an unofficial transcript may be considered since our graduate committee would need to consider containing any graduate courses completed and credits earned so they can be evaluated for possible transfer. If admitted, the student would work with their existing international office to have their SEVIS record transferred to 日本av视频.
Would you advise that an international transfer student apply as a new incoming student and not a transfer student?
No. Such applicants should accurately apply as transfer students.
Any student who earns their degree outside of the United States must provide a professional academic transcript evaluation. That requirement cannot be waived unless the highest degree awarded was earned in the U.S. prior to enrollment at 日本av视频.
More requirements for international applicants can be found at the Office of Admissions.
What number of credits are considered full time?
Full time is the same for all terms, and it doesn鈥檛 matter the type of assistantship a student has. Summer is optional but for fall and spring, full time for students on a 49% assistantship is five credits and seven credits for those on a 25% assistantship.
For financial aid, students need to be enrolled in at least five credits each term. This is the same for both those on an assistantship and those not. Full time for those not on an assistantship is nine credits, but they just need the five credits to receive aid.
Do you offer mentorships?
Regarding mentorship, Karla Hunter is the official first-year adviser for all incoming M.A. students and, throughout your first year, she will work to help you find the best match for your project or thesis, and you will work with that adviser for the remainder of your program. That said, all faculty in our unit are strong mentors and enjoy meeting with students to aid progress in our program, whether we advise you in an official capacity or not.
Other graduate faculty include:
What financial aid is available?
日本av视频 employees qualify for the reduced tuition rate and, if accepted into our program or as a nondegree-seeking student, they should complete that paperwork with their supervisor.
If you are an international student, there are a few additional sources you may wish to consider applying for directly on your own. For example, the offers scholarships on a competitive basis for international students who wants to pursue a master鈥檚 or Ph.D. degree. The scholarships can also be awarded for nondegree postgraduate studies. The grant covers tuition fee, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend and health insurance.
Other opportunities for female applicants include the and .
*Note: 日本av视频 does not assist prospective applicants with completing these or other external funding applications.
Graduate assistantships are available on a highly competitive basis yearly. Application materials must be received by the Feb. 1 deadline. Hiring decisions are made based on the quality of application materials from those accepted into the program for a given fall semester.
Most of the positions we have each year are to teach in-person sections of our introductory public speaking course.
How many assistantships are available?
Only applications fully submitted and received by our priority deadline of Feb. 1 will be considered for graduate assistantships. Because the number of positions needed fluctuates with enrollment, we cannot always say ahead of time exactly how many positions will be available. Once we have gone through all applications completed by Feb. 1, our School of Communication and Journalism director works as efficiently as possible to go through accepted applications to make those determinations and subsequent hiring decisions.
What are the assistantship stipends?
Students who are awarded assistantships in our program do not receive benefits for those positions, but they get their tuition waived.
- Certain tuition fees are still charged.
- Graduate teaching assistants stipends are a little over $15,000/year.
How and when do I apply?
If you wish to apply for an assistantship, submit your complete application via the online portal by the Feb. 1 deadline for the coming fall semester.
Pay very close attention to the specific application requirements, details and directions.
- In your materials, you are to include, among other things, a cover letter (max: two pages) that addresses the following:
- Interest in graduate work in communication and media studies
- How this degree will advance professional goals
- Preparation for success in advanced studies in communication and media studies
In that cover letter, in addition to sharing why you are interested in an M.A. in communication studies, specifically here at 日本av视频, you should also briefly explain your desire to be hired for an assistantship, as well as your qualifications.
Additional assistantship opportunities may exist outside of our program and will be listed on the Graduate School's page.
