The Master of Arts is a traditional academic program involving a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework including a six-hour thesis. The thesis is designed to demonstrate that the student is capable of conducting independent research under the supervision of a faculty committee.

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Fifteen hours must be earned in graduate-level journalism and mass communication core courses. With the approval of the faculty advisor, the M.A. student may take a minimum of nine semester hours of coursework outside the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

The Master of Arts is especially appropriate for individuals interested in careers in teaching or research for the mass communication industry and for those preparing for doctoral work. Applicants normally must demonstrate significant professional experience in journalism and mass communication.

M.A. CORE REQUIREMENTS
The basic M.A. core consists of five courses plus a six-hour thesis totaling 21 hours. A minimum of three additional elective courses (nine hours) must be taken in journalism and mass communication or outside the School with the approval of the faculty adviser.

To complete the M.A. degree, the student must complete the following:

1. A minimum of 30 graduate credits.

a. The M.A. core (21 hours)

• 701 – Research Methods in Mass Communication
• 702 – Communication Theory
• 706 – Media Law
• 720 – History of Mass Media
• 749 – Literature of Mass Communication
• 799 – Thesis Preparation (six hours)

b. An additional nine hours of approved graduate-level credits.

2. A comprehensive examination (a five-hour written test based on the M.A. core courses).

3. An oral examination in defense of the thesis