MASTER OF ARTS IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS ABOUT THE DEGREE PROGRAM: MASTER OF ARTS IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS In the Master of Arts (MA) in Mass Communications students can work and study in an environment closely aligned with their ultimate career choice and can tailor their programs to meet specific academic needs. The program offers two tracks of study: Media Studies — The media studies track uses a broad approach to study mass media, and classes are as diverse as mass communication theory, public opinion, research methods, sports and media, women and media, and visual communication. Strategic Communication Management — The strategic communication management track focuses on communication as a management function in an organization. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Below is a sample listing of courses for this degree program. COURSE TITLE CREDIT HOURS MMC 6401 Mass Communication Theory 3 MMC 6920 Introductory Mass Communications Seminar 3 PUR 6603 Strategic Communication Campaigns 3 MMC 6418 Strategic Message Design 3 Mass Communications Electives 12 Thesis or Applied Research 6 Electives 9 Total 39 ABOUT THE SCHOOL: SCHOOL OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES The School of Mass Communications at The Tampa Bay metro area is the largest media market in Florida and the 14th largest USF is fully accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, one of 112 accredited programs in the nation. media market in the country. A graduate degree in mass communications provides versatility when choosing a career. Some suggested positions include: journalist/reporter, broadcast news analyst, market research analyst, advertising manager, public relations manager, copywriter/content production, digital media, social/new media and more. The School of Mass Communications maintains solid relationships with area professionals in advertising, journalism, public relations and telecommunications and offers cutting edge opportunities for students to meet the challenges of contemporary mass communication theory and practice. usf.edu THE SCHOOL OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS’ GOAL IS STUDENT SUCCESS — TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THEIR FIRST PROFESSIONAL POSITION AND A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS. intohigher.com/usf GRADUATE PATHWAY IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS MASTER OF ARTS IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS STANDARD PATHWAY - TWO SEMESTERS STANDARD PATHWAY DEGREE PROGRAM COMPONENTS START DATES • Fall: August 19, 2015 • Spring: January 6, 2016 • 39 credit hour program • 12 credit hours apply from Pathway • 27 credit hours remaining towards degree PROGRAM INFORMATION STANDARD PATHWAY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS SEMESTER 1 COURSE TITLE CREDIT HOURS PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS • 4-year undergraduate degree (Mass Communications or a similar field preferred*) EAP 1850 English for International Students 1 6 Study Skills & GRE Test Preparation 0 • 2.75 GPA out of 4.0 Graduate Level Core Course** 3 • Language proficiency test: Graduate Level Elective*** • Minimum 3.25 GPA in Pathway •• At least one A grade in core graduate courses, and no grade lower than B •• No Incomplete or Withdraw grades •• GRE 147Q, 153V ∙ TOEFL iBT 70-78 3 12 • Statement of intent SEMESTER 2 COURSE TITLE CREDIT HOURS • 3 letters of recommendation EAP 1851 English for International Students 2 6 Study Skills & GRE Test Preparation 0 Graduate Level Core Course** 3 TOTAL ∙ IELTS 6.0 ∙ PTEA 48–52 ∙ Completion of Academic English Level 5 ∙ INTO Password Test Level 6 Graduate Level Elective*** 3 TOTAL 12 ACCELERATED PATHWAY - ONE SEMESTER ACCELERATED PATHWAY DEGREE PROGRAM COMPONENTS START DATES • Fall: August 19, 2015 • Spring: January 6, 2016 • 39 credit hour program • 9 credit hours apply from Pathway • 30 credit hours remaining towards degree SEMESTER 1 MMC 6421 Qualitative Research Methods in Mass Communications (3) • 4-year undergraduate degree (Mass Communications or a similar field preferred*) Study Skills & GRE Test Preparation 0 Graduate Level Core Course** 3 • 2.75 GPA out of 4.0 Graduate Level Core Course** 3 Graduate Level Elective*** 3 ∙ TOEFL iBT 79+ ∙ IELTS 6.5+ ∙ PTEA 53+ TOTAL UNIVERSITY DIRECT ENTRY UNIVERSITY DIRECT ENTRY START DATES • Fall: August 24, 2015 • Spring: January 11, 2016 APPLICATION DEADLINES • Fall: Feb. 15 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS • 4-year undergraduate degree (Mass Communications or a similar field preferred*) 9 MMC 6421 Quantitative Research Methods in Mass Communications (3) MMC 6920 Introductory Mass Communications Seminar (3) ** Students will be advised on which electives to take. These courses are generally delivered through the INTO USF Center and are for Pathway students only. APPLICATION MATERIALS In addition to the application, students must submit: • Two official transcripts • 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 • Detailed statement of intent • Language proficiency test: • 3 Letters of Recommendation • Resume ∙ TOEFL iBT 79+ ∙ IELTS 6.5+ ∙ PTEA 53+ * Examples of similar fields include: Public Relations, Journalism, Telecommunications, Strategic Communications, Advertising and English. MMC 6401 Mass Communication Theory (3) CREDIT HOURS • Language proficiency test: The Graduate Pathway in Mass Communications is a very rigorous writing intensive program for international students. We strongly encourage students only with appropriate backgrounds to apply for this program. * Core Courses include: COURSE TITLE ACCELERATED PATHWAY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS NOTES VISIT: http://masscom.usf.edu/grad/ma/ ABOUT INTO USF ABOUT THE PATHWAY INTO USF’s Pathway programs are ideal for international Pathway highlights include: • Up to 40 hours of GRE/GMAT preparation • Integration with American and international students • Full access to all university facilities and amenities • Dedicated academic advisor and progression advisor to help facilitate transition to the university • Small class sizes students who need additional English language and academic preparation before continuing to a degree program at a U.S. university. In addition, our English language programs can help students acquire the English language skills for university study at USF and attain academic, professional, personal goals. usf.edu intohigher.com/usf