Media and Communication
Elevate your media career with customizable tracks for research, academia, or professional growth.
Media and Communication, M.S.
The School of Journalism and Strategic Media offers the Master of Science degree in Media and Communication. The M.S. degree is for students seeking an advanced degree in media theory and methods of research.
A Master's in Media and Communication degree is appropriate for students who may wish to:
- advance the level of their work and value as professional
- become researchers
- or pursue a doctoral degree
This degree is most relevant to fields such as:
- advertising
- journalism
- online and social media
- political communication
- public relations
- publishing
- sports media
The degree is especially useful for those seeking to broaden their understanding of the field of media communication and to develop skills relevant to decision making in media-related organizations. The dynamic Media and Communication Master's program has a slogan: A time to reflect, a time to advance. Whether the goal is to become a professor, conduct research, or enhance a media career, graduate studies can suit each student's needs.
Master's in Media and Communication Coursework
One quarter of the coursework in the degree builds a required, strong foundation based on media theory, research, an the First Amendment. The remaining three quarters of coursework are electives chosen by the student in consultation with the program's expert faculty to best customize the degree to the students goals.
Thesis or Professional Project
Media and Communication Master's candidates can choose either a thesis or a professional project track. The thesis is a time-honored approach using cutting-edge methods to create research that generates new knowledge about media and communication. The professional project creates work that helps media and communication professionals add to their career portfolios in innovative ways. MTSU is one of the few universities that offers extensive expertise from both qualitative or quantitative perspectives.
What To Expect
Members of the nationally and internationally recognized Media and Communication Master's faculty have a wide range of professional and academic experience. Students are encouraged to think critically and develop creatively with support from peers, guidance from faculty, and resources for research and production. The relatively small size of graduate classes allows for individualized attention to students. Assistant-ships are available, as well as awards, fellowships, and other financial support.
News Briefs
MTSU’s Department of Media Arts’ production truck celebrates 500th shoot
t's been an accomplishment nearly 13 years to the day in the making — the mobile production lab truck used by students in Middle Tennessee State University's Department of Media Arts in the College of Media and Entertainment celebrated its 500th shoot since going online in 2011.[ Read More ]
College of Media and Entertainment adds 3 more alums to its ‘Wall of Fame’
The college’s Wall of Fame recognizes outstanding alumni and community leaders who have made significant professional contributions to the industry or Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Media and Entertainment. [ Read More ]
News Briefs
MTSU’s Department of Media Arts’ production truck celebrates 500th shoot
t's been an accomplishment nearly 13 years to the day in the making — the mobile production lab truck used by students in Middle Tennessee State University's Department of Media Arts in the College of Media and Entertainment celebrated its 500th shoot since going online in 2011.[ Read More ]
College of Media and Entertainment adds 3 more alums to its ‘Wall of Fame’
The college’s Wall of Fame recognizes outstanding alumni and community leaders who have made significant professional contributions to the industry or Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Media and Entertainment. [ Read More ]
Media and Communication, M.S.
The Media and Entertainment M.S. program has a successful placement record for students. The MTSU Master's degree also has a national reputation for preparing students for doctoral study at prestigious programs throughout the nation. Some potential professional careers include
- Advertising executive
- Content manager
- Designer account executive
- Director of communication
- Director of marketing
- Director of management
- Editor
- Health care communication
- Media expert
- Professor
- Public relations executive
- Reporter
- Researcher
- Writer (professional/technical)
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Apple
- Bohan Advertising
- Bone McAllester Norton
- Courthouse News Service
- Dupuch Publications
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Emeril's Homebase
- Jarrard, Phillips, Cate, & Hancock
- Sherwin-Williams Paints
- The Albany (N.Y.) Times-Union
- The Tennessean
- TNA Impact Wrestling
- University of WisconsinMadison
- University of Illinois
- Washington State University
- WESTMARC
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Master's in Media and Communication Degree
The College of Media and Entertainment offers the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Media and Communication, designed for students seeking an advanced degree in mass media theory and methods of research or for those wishing to advance in their professional field. The degree is appropriate for students who wish to become researchers or pursue a doctoral degree or for media professionals already in the field who seek a broader understanding of the field of media and communication and to develop research and management skills for decision-making in media-related businesses.
A graduate minor in Mass Communication is also available.
Applicants to the M.S. in Media and Communication program must have
- an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college with official transcripts;
- an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all coursework completed;
- a 500-word Statement of Purpose outlining academic interests and professional goals;
- three letters of reference
All students in the Media and Communication graduate program must take MC 6000 and 6010 among their first year of coursework.
For complete curriculum details, click on REQUIREMENTS.
Thesis and Professional Project Information
Thesis
The thesis option is for the student seeking to concentrate studies in a particular area and to experience in-depth independent research. The thesis results in the production of traditional academic research.
- Recent Graduate Theses and Projects
- Writing a Master's Thesis
- Thesis Advisory Committee and Advancement to Candidacy Form
- Change in Thesis Advisor Committee Form
- Thesis Checklist
- Thesis Title Page Example
- Thesis Approval Page
Professional Project
A professional project is an opportunity for a graduate student to produce work that is both researched and theorized but that also has a professional component.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to complete the Master's in Media and Communication degree?
A: The program requires completion of 12 courses (designated for the option or concentration the student is seeking) and is designed to be completed in two years for full time students taking three courses for each fall and spring semester. Students taking two courses in the fall, spring and summer semesters, can potentially complete the degree in two years (12 courses). You can have up to six years to complete the degree.
Q: Where do I send my application materials?
A: Admission forms can be found in the Graduate Catalog or online at the College of Graduate Studies. Send admission forms and fees, transcripts, and three letters of reference and statement of purpose to the MTSU College of Graduate Studies, 121A Sam Ingram Building, Murfreesboro, TN 37132.
Q: May I enroll in classes before being formally admitted into the program?
A: Yes. MTSU is an open enrollment university, which means that you may enroll in one course in the Mass Communication program before being formally admitted into our program. However, only certain classes are permitted for students not formally admitted and require a permission of department to enroll. You must be admitted to the program in the semester after you apply for admission into the Mass Communication program in order to continue taking courses in the program.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Yes. Limited numbers of graduate teaching assistantships and scholarships are available in addition to other forms of aid. Applications may be obtained from the College of Graduate Studies or from the academic department.Those seeking an assistantship must meet requirements for admission to graduate school and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. A student who is conditionally admitted cannot be considered for a Graduate Assistantship until the student has met the requirements of the conditional admission. The Student Financial Aid Office in Student Services & Admissions Center, Room 150 has information on various kinds of financial aid.
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