Master of Arts in Media, Film and Journalism Studies

Students pursuing an MA in media, film and journalism studies can choose from two program options: the student-designed emphasis or the video emphasis.

Student-Designed Emphasis
This degree is a traditional research-oriented, two-year, 48-credit degree program that offers a great deal of flexibility. Students develop a research topic based on their particular interests in media, using the appropriate methodological tools studied during their first year of course work. After completing 24 credits in the program, students develop a thesis proposal for the research project (along with taking classes per the requirements). Once a student's thesis committee has approved the proposal, the student then concentrates on researching and writing the thesis during the second year of graduate study. To complete this program successfully, a student must defend the thesis before his or her graduate thesis committee.

Summary of Course Work
• Required courses: 20 credits (5 classes)
• Electives: 20–27 credits (5–7 classes, maximum of 12 credit hours outside the department.     Electives may not be taken at either the Women's College or University College.)
• Thesis: 1–8 credits (depending on program plan worked out between student and adviser)
• Total: 48 credits

Required Courses
• MFJS 4160 Mass Communication Theory (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4250 Seminar in Critical Studies of Film, Television and Popular Culture (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4300 Issues in Freedom of Expression (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4550 Effects and Consequences of the Mass Media (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4260 Qualitative Research Methods (4 qtr. hrs.) or MFJS 4560 Quantitative Research Methods (4 qtr. hrs.)

Video Emphasis

This program is designed for students who want to explore the world of video production and/or screenwriting. It is a two-year, 48-credit-hour degree program. Individuals do not need a background in video production to apply successfully for this program. During the first year, students gain an understanding of the field of media and the basic technical and aesthetic skills in video production and writing. After completing 24 credits of the program, students develop a thesis project proposal that will guide them either through the process of researching, shooting and editing a video production, or the process of researching and writing a screenplay or teleplay (along with taking classes per the requirements). The project proposal must be approved by the student's thesis project committee. Once a student's thesis committee has approved the project proposal, the student then concentrates on researching, producing or writing the thesis project during the second year of graduate study. To complete this program successfully, a student must defend the thesis project before his or her graduate thesis committee.

Summary of Course Work
• Required courses: 37 credits (9 classes)
• Electives: 3-10 credits, (1-3 classes, maximum of 12 credit hours, outside the department. Electives may not be taken at either the Women's College or University College.)
• Thesis: 1–8 credits (depending on program plan worked out between student and adviser)
• Total: 48 credits

Required Courses
• MFJS 4160 Mass Communication Theory (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4222 Experimental Video Theory and Production (5 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4250 Seminar in Critical Studies of Film, Television and Popular Culture (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4260 Qualitative Research Methods (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4300 Issues in Freedom of Expression (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4450 Scriptwriting (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4470 Introduction to Field Production and Editing (4 qtr. hrs.)
• At least one of the following two course sequences:

Documentary Sequence
• MFJS 4219 Documentary Film/Video Production I (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4221 Documentary Film/Video Production II (4 qtr. hrs.)
--or--
Narrative Sequence
• MFJS 4218 Narrative Film/Video Production I (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4220 Narrative Film/Video Production II (4 qtr. hrs.)

 Master of Science in Strategic Communication

This program is designed for students who want to build skills or increase understanding of the latest developments in the field of strategic communication and public relations. It is a 48-credit-hour degree program. Full-time students can expect to complete the program in two years. The program synthesizes a strong theoretical background in media, public relations, and strategic communication with the technical, digital and applied writing and design skills needed to be successful in the field. Students have an opportunity for in-depth training in nonprofit, health, and international and intercultural public relations. No thesis or thesis project is required to complete this degree program. An internship is strongly recommended.

Summary of Course Work
• Required courses: 36 credits (9 classes)
• Electives: 12 credits (3 classes)
• Total: 48 credits

Required Courses
• MFJS 4050 Strategic Management of Communication Campaigns (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4060 Strategic Messaging (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4070 Seminar in Public Relations (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4080 International and Intercultural Public Relations (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4160 Mass Communication Theory (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4300 Issues in Freedom of Expression (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4320 Brands and Identities (4 qtr. hrs.) or MFJS 4912 International Health Communication (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4550 Effects and Consequences of the Mass Media (4 qtr. hrs.)
• MFJS 4560 Quantitative Research Methods (4 qtr. hrs.)
Electives (12 credits) can be taken in MFJS or other departments. Electives may not be taken in the Women's College or University College.

Dual or Joint Degree Programs

Students may also choose various dual-degree program combinations including:
• MS in strategic communication/MA in video production
• MA in media, film and journalism studies/JD (with the Sturm College of Law)

Please contact the Media, Film and Journalism studies department for information on these programs.