MASS COMMUNICATIONS 2007/2008
The Department of Mass Communications and Journalism Studies graduate programs offer a broad-based understanding of the role and operation of the mass media in contemporary society.
Students may choose from four specialized programs:
- MA in mass communications, student-designed emphasis
- MA in mass communications, video production emphasis
- MS in public relations
- MS in advertising management
Students may also choose various dual degree program combinations including:
- MS in advertising management/MA in video production
- MS in public relations/MA in video production
- MS in advertising management/MS in public relations
- MA in mass communications/JD (with the DU Sturm College of Law)
Our programs provide a unique curriculum focusing on the social, economic, cultural, legal and public policy implications of the mass media, rather than simply offering advanced degrees in journalism, broadcasting and the like. The programs allow students to specialize in particular areas, preparing them for careers in media research, public relations, journalism, video production, media criticism, advertising, media management, and media regulation and policy.
The department maintains a video production studio and state-of-the-industry portable field production equipment. Studio equipment includes three-color three chip cameras, an extensive studio control room, including multi-camera switcher, multi-channel audio console and computer-based source routing. Editing operations utilize Final Cut Pro, which runs on the Apple Power PC computer platform. Students whose emphasis is in video production use professional field production equipment: JVC DV camcorders, sound, lighting and support equipment. In addition, the department has two Pentium-based computer labs with capacity for desktop publishing, statistical analysis, Web development, publishing and image manipulation. Each station uses the MS Office premium suite for word processing, and the labs utilize a client/server-based local area network for printing and file sharing.
Our alumni work in a variety of areas including: corporate, nonprofit and government public relations, advertising agencies, video and film production, journalism, media research analysis, telecommunications and teaching, as well as doctoral programs at prestigious schools around the country.
An undergraduate degree in mass communications is not required for admission to our graduate programs. However, prerequisites are required for the video and advertising management programs. Appropriate undergraduate courses may satisfy these prerequisites, or students may fulfill them after admission to the program.
All master's programs require 48 credits (12 courses) for completion of the degree. While some students take a heavier load, 8 credit hours per quarter is the normal load for mass communications graduate students—particularly those who complete a thesis. Because of the sequencing of classes, it will take at least five quarters to complete the MA video emphasis degree.
Many graduate-level courses are scheduled during late afternoon and early evening as a convenience to employed persons who wish to enroll in select courses or pursue their degree on a part-time basis.