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 be tailored to suit each student’s needs.
Master’s candidates can choose either a thesis or a professional project track whether
for a traditional approach to scholarship or for working professionals seeking to
further their careers. Within the thesis track, MTSU is one of the few universities
that offers either a qualitative or quantitative focus. Members of the nationally
and internationally recognized faculty have a wide range of professional and academic
experience. Offerings include specializations in journalism, management, public relations,
advertising, health communication, international communication, traditional/new media,
and media law. 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. Assistantships are available, as well as awards, fellowships, and other
financial support.
Professor examines epidemics and media – at a safe distance
Dr. Katie Foss has spent the last few years tracing media’s coverage of epidemics
in U.S. history. In her latest book project, Foss explores the construction of outbreaks
– from smallpox in colonial newspapers to the March of Dimes campaigns for polio research
– highlighting how such impactful events have been remembered and forgotten in collective
memory. Foss, a professor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, routinely
brings this research into the M.S. program in Media and Communication, where she teaches
Healthcare Communication, Qualitative Methods, and TV Culture and History and advises
master thesis students.
Foss is the author of Breastfeeding and Media: Exploring Conflicting Discourses That Threaten Public Health (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) and Television and Health Responsibility in an Age of Individualism (Lexington Press, 2014). She is the editor ofBeyond Princess Culture: Gender, Marketing, & Media (Peter Lang, 2019) andDemystifying the Big House: Exploring Prison Experience and Media Representations(Southern Illinois University Press, 2018).
International media and youth practices dominate Asthana’s research
Since 2005, Dr. Sanjay Asthana has been researching children and youth media practices
in the Global South. That research resulted in the publication of a monograph for
UNESCO, numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, policy-oriented reports, and several
books. The research dealt with a set of interlinked themes around questions of the
capacity of children and youth to give an account, narrate, and resist, even under
difficult socioeconomic situations wrought by global capitalism. In March 2007, he
presented the research work in Saudi Arabia at an international media education workshop.
A year later, Asthana was invited by the United Nations and the Prime Minister of
Spain to participate at the First Alliance of Civilizations Forum in Madrid. Building
upon these scholarly interests, he researched youth media projects from the United
States, South Africa, India, Israel, and Palestine and published a book in 2012.
Asthana recently published another book entitled India’s State-run Media: Broadcasting, Power, and Narrative, in which he analyzed broadcasting in colonial and postcolonial India, as well as
India’s complex state-run media outlets and the ways in which radio and television
were instituted and the ways in which people encountered them. “In the current scenario,
where broadcast seems to be losing relevance and broadband on the ascendant with the rise of over-the-top streaming media, it is imperative
that we understand how radio and television came to be, and the potential continuities
and discontinuities between broadcast and broadband. Although there is a growing body
of work on Indian media in general and television in particular, I felt that there
is more to be explored and studied, hence this book.”
Related Media
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
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 Wisconsin–Madison
- University of Illinois
- Washington State University
- WESTMARC
Graduate
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;
- acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)—a combined score of 291
(current scale) or 900 (former scale) on the verbal and quantitative portions of the
GRE is usually required.
- a 500-word Statement of Purpose outlining academic interests and professional goals;
- three letters of reference
Through the Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s (ABM) program, qualified undergraduate Journalism students can complete the requirements
for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as a year more than the
bachelor’s program takes. Required are a GPA of at least 3.25, completion of at least
75 hours toward the undergraduate program, and for transfer students, two semesters
full-time at MTSU. Get started by completing the application.
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 the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Media and Communication, M.S.
Jason Reineke, Program Director
(615) 494-7746
Jason.Reineke@mtsu.edu
The School of Journalism and Strategic Media offers the Master of Science degree in Media and Communication. A graduate minor in Mass Communication is also offered.
The degree is designed for students seeking an advanced degree in mass media theory and methods of research. The degree is appropriate for students who may wish to become researchers or as a prerequisite for pursuing a doctoral degree. The degree is also relevant to media professionals in fields such as advertising, electronic media, journalism, public relations, publishing, or recording industries seeking to broaden their understanding of the field of mass communication and to develop skills relevant to decision making in media-related organizations.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Media and Communication requires
- an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college; and
- an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all coursework completed.
NOTE:Students may take up to 6 hours (two courses) before being admitted to the program but must do so as non-degree seeking students. Enrollment in these courses requires the permission of the graduate director.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit a 500-word essay;
- submit three letters of recommendation.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Media and Communication requires completion of 33-39 (thesis) or 33 (non-thesis) semester hours.
Candidate must
- complete either the thesis or non-thesis curriculum as detailed below in the Curriculum section;
- submit and defend either a written thesis or a professional project concentrating on an area of particular interest by exhibiting in-depth independent research. The thesis results in the production of traditional academic research; the professional project results in the application of research knowledge to a professional production or other project.
Curriculum: Media and Communication
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 12 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree requirements for the thesis option.
Thesis Option (33-39 hours)
Required courses (9 hours)
MC 6000 - The Science of Communication
3credit hours
Quantitative and qualitative research dealing with the uses and effects of mass communication.
MC 6010 - Cultural Studies in Communication
3credit hours
Relationship of communication to culture with particular emphasis on the everyday life contexts of media audiences.
MC 6300 - Media Law and Ethics
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. An overview of the laws relating to the media. Ethical and social dimensions of law. Emphasis on case studies.
Electives (12 hours)
MC 5350 - Children and Media
3credit hours
Explores media content created for and by children, examining the many ways that graphic novels, music, social media, videos, and other forms of media influence the way that kids see the world. Topics include the history of the child consumer, children's marketing, ethics in children's media, constructions of gender, race, ability, and other positions of intersectionality, role-playing, identity, and video games, and other salient topics in this area.
MC 6110 - Quantitative Research Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6000. Techniques of communication research emphasizing survey and experimental methods. Sampling, questionnaire construction, data gathering, and statistical methods.
MC 6120 - Qualitative Research Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6010. Techniques of communication research emphasizing participant observation, ethnography, and focus groups. Interviewing, observation, problems of generalization, ethics of fieldwork.
MC 6200 - Media Management
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. Application of the case study method to understanding the role of management and managers in the delivery of media to the marketplace. Application of management and organization theory to the problems of the mass media.
MC 6210 - Public Relations Management
3credit hours
A broad perspective on the field of public relations, its role in society, and the practice of public relations as a management function contributing to the development, operation, and success of organizations. Topics include historical development of the field, its current role in varied organizations, the four-stage PR management process, and the development of a strategic PR campaign plan.
MC 6230 - Media in the Marketplace
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. The use of various forms of audience research in media organizations. Social and ethical conflicts related to marketing.
MC 6240 - Social Media
3credit hours
Develops a broad understanding of both applied social media skills (content creation to social analytics) and the underlying social science theories that ground social media.
MC 6250 - Media Organizations
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. Examines the structure of media organizations. Roles of creators, producers, distributors, publics, institutional frameworks.
MC 6260 - Health Communication
3credit hours
Introduces students to fundamental issues in health communication. Students will gain an understanding of the prominent literature in health communication through readings, discussion, and analysis of the development of this field, the changing structure and economics of health care, the role of interpersonal communication in healthcare, intended and unintended health messages in news and popular media, disseminating health messages and its challenges with cultural and diversity issues, as well as key ethical concerns in researching health communication.
MC 6270 - Public Relations Storytelling
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6210. Introducing the art of storytelling and its use in strategic messaging for public relations. Successful messages must captivate target audiences before they can persuade, and this course identifies the theories and structures necessary for compelling narratives.
MC 6280 - Public Relations Theory
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6210. Introduces on a detailed level the field of public relations theory applied to strategic communications in a range of industries and organizations. Looks at theories in communication, business, and ethics. Focuses on both public relations theory and the application of principles in real-world situations.
MC 6320 - Mass Media and Public Opinion
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6000. Theories of democracy, the nature of a "public" and of "public opinion." Readings in the classics on mass media and democracy and in public opinion research.
MC 6380 - News, Culture, and Democracy
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6010. Critical examination of the news process with attention to the relationship of economic, cultural, and political constraints.
MC 6400 - Communication and Technology
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. Readings in the cultural history of media technology explore technological change and social development as a system of interrelated social relations and practices.
MC 6430 - Special Topics in Communication
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. An in-depth analysis of one or more current issues or subdisciplines. Topics will vary from semester to semester.
MC 6500 - Public Relations Research
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of director. An overview of public relations research. Design, implement, and evaluate public relations research by using qualitative and quantitative methods.
MC 6600 - Seminar in Applied Research
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. A capstone course that emphasizes the application of various research methodologies to decision making in media organizations.
Approved Electives (6 hours)
- taken inside or outside the College of Media and Entertainment as benefits research orientation; no more than 6 credits may be taken at the 5000 level.
Thesis (6-12 hours)
MC 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6 credit hours
(6 credit hours required)(6 credit hours required)
dotslash:(6 credit hours required)
title:(6 credit hours required)
(6 credit hours required)
MC 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6credit hours
Under the direction of a faculty advisor and graduate committee, the student will plan and execute an original research or creative project. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading.
Non-Thesis (33 hours)
Required courses (9 hours)
MC 6000 - The Science of Communication
3credit hours
Quantitative and qualitative research dealing with the uses and effects of mass communication.
MC 6010 - Cultural Studies in Communication
3credit hours
Relationship of communication to culture with particular emphasis on the everyday life contexts of media audiences.
MC 6300 - Media Law and Ethics
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. An overview of the laws relating to the media. Ethical and social dimensions of law. Emphasis on case studies.
Electives (12 hours)
MC 5350 - Children and Media
3credit hours
Explores media content created for and by children, examining the many ways that graphic novels, music, social media, videos, and other forms of media influence the way that kids see the world. Topics include the history of the child consumer, children's marketing, ethics in children's media, constructions of gender, race, ability, and other positions of intersectionality, role-playing, identity, and video games, and other salient topics in this area.
MC 6110 - Quantitative Research Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6000. Techniques of communication research emphasizing survey and experimental methods. Sampling, questionnaire construction, data gathering, and statistical methods.
MC 6120 - Qualitative Research Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6010. Techniques of communication research emphasizing participant observation, ethnography, and focus groups. Interviewing, observation, problems of generalization, ethics of fieldwork.
MC 6200 - Media Management
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. Application of the case study method to understanding the role of management and managers in the delivery of media to the marketplace. Application of management and organization theory to the problems of the mass media.
MC 6210 - Public Relations Management
3credit hours
A broad perspective on the field of public relations, its role in society, and the practice of public relations as a management function contributing to the development, operation, and success of organizations. Topics include historical development of the field, its current role in varied organizations, the four-stage PR management process, and the development of a strategic PR campaign plan.
MC 6230 - Media in the Marketplace
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. The use of various forms of audience research in media organizations. Social and ethical conflicts related to marketing.
MC 6240 - Social Media
3credit hours
Develops a broad understanding of both applied social media skills (content creation to social analytics) and the underlying social science theories that ground social media.
MC 6250 - Media Organizations
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. Examines the structure of media organizations. Roles of creators, producers, distributors, publics, institutional frameworks.
MC 6260 - Health Communication
3credit hours
Introduces students to fundamental issues in health communication. Students will gain an understanding of the prominent literature in health communication through readings, discussion, and analysis of the development of this field, the changing structure and economics of health care, the role of interpersonal communication in healthcare, intended and unintended health messages in news and popular media, disseminating health messages and its challenges with cultural and diversity issues, as well as key ethical concerns in researching health communication.
MC 6270 - Public Relations Storytelling
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6210. Introducing the art of storytelling and its use in strategic messaging for public relations. Successful messages must captivate target audiences before they can persuade, and this course identifies the theories and structures necessary for compelling narratives.
MC 6280 - Public Relations Theory
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6210. Introduces on a detailed level the field of public relations theory applied to strategic communications in a range of industries and organizations. Looks at theories in communication, business, and ethics. Focuses on both public relations theory and the application of principles in real-world situations.
MC 6320 - Mass Media and Public Opinion
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6000. Theories of democracy, the nature of a "public" and of "public opinion." Readings in the classics on mass media and democracy and in public opinion research.
MC 6380 - News, Culture, and Democracy
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MC 6010. Critical examination of the news process with attention to the relationship of economic, cultural, and political constraints.
MC 6400 - Communication and Technology
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. Readings in the cultural history of media technology explore technological change and social development as a system of interrelated social relations and practices.
MC 6430 - Special Topics in Communication
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. An in-depth analysis of one or more current issues or subdisciplines. Topics will vary from semester to semester.
MC 6500 - Public Relations Research
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of director. An overview of public relations research. Design, implement, and evaluate public relations research by using qualitative and quantitative methods.
MC 6600 - Seminar in Applied Research
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate director. A capstone course that emphasizes the application of various research methodologies to decision making in media organizations.
Approved Electives (6 hours)
- taken inside or outside the College of Media and Entertainment as benefits research orientation; no more than 6 credits may be taken at the 5000 level
Professional Project (6 hours)
MC 6650 - Professional Project
1 to 6 credit hours
(6 credit hours required)(6 credit hours required)
dotslash:(6 credit hours required)
title:(6 credit hours required)
(6 credit hours required)
MC 6650 - Professional Project
1 to 6credit hours
Completion and execution of a professional project under the direction of a faculty advisor and graduate committee. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's project each semester until graduation. S/U grading.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Thesis and Professional Project Information
Thesis
The thesis option is designed 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.
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 M.S. 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.
