M.S. in Management of Information and Technology
The M.S. in Management of Information and Technology at OU is designed for individuals ...
M.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication
Norman, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication at The University of Oklahoma offers a robust and dynamic graduate experience for students aspiring to become leaders in media, communication, and public discourse. Housed within the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, the program is designed to blend theoretical foundations with practical skill development. Students gain deep insights into the evolving landscape of mass media, strategic communication, digital journalism, and multimedia storytelling. With a flexible curriculum that supports both thesis and non-thesis tracks, the program caters to those aiming for careers in academia, research, or professional media industries.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the M.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication is both comprehensive and customizable, allowing students to tailor their academic journey according to their interests and career goals. Core courses cover research methods, media theory, and communication ethics, while electives span across strategic communication, digital media, journalism innovation, and international media systems. Students can choose between a thesis option, which focuses on original research and prepares graduates for doctoral studies, or a professional project that emphasizes applied communication strategies and real-world media challenges. The academic structure fosters critical thinking, media literacy, and advanced communication strategies.
Research Focus: The University of Oklahoma emphasizes interdisciplinary and impactful research within its journalism and communication disciplines. Faculty and graduate students actively explore cutting-edge topics such as media effects, political communication, health communication, social media dynamics, and crisis communication. Research labs and centers, including the Institute for Research and Training, provide state-of-the-art resources for empirical and theoretical exploration. The program encourages student participation in academic conferences and scholarly publications, positioning graduates as thought leaders in the rapidly changing media environment.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. program is deeply connected to the media industry through internships, workshops, and collaboration with seasoned professionals. The Gaylord College maintains strong ties with local and national media outlets, public relations firms, and digital agencies, offering students hands-on experience and direct pathways to employment. Guest lectures, networking events, and career fairs hosted by the college provide numerous opportunities for industry exposure and professional development. The curriculum also integrates real-world projects, case studies, and client-based assignments to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.
Global Perspective: In an era of globalized communication, the University of Oklahoma’s M.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication integrates international media studies and cross-cultural communication into its core learning objectives. The program welcomes a diverse student body and encourages global collaboration through study abroad programs, international research initiatives, and partnerships with institutions around the world. Students are equipped with the tools to navigate the complexities of global media systems, understand international public opinion, and engage effectively with multicultural audiences, preparing them for careers that transcend borders.
Location
Norman, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 22891
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 60 or higher.
The University of Oklahoma offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community while helping to make education more affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: OU awards several merit-based scholarships to incoming international undergraduate students based on academic excellence, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process or require a separate application.
International Ambassador Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong leadership skills, a commitment to cultural exchange, and active participation in university life. Recipients often serve as ambassadors for OU’s international community, promoting diversity and inclusion.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: For international graduate students, OU offers numerous fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. These positions provide financial support in the form of tuition waivers and stipends while offering valuable professional experience in academic and research settings.
Country-Specific Scholarships: OU periodically partners with governments, foundations, and organizations to offer scholarships targeting students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships foster international collaboration and cultural exchange.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources: In addition to university-funded awards, OU provides guidance and resources to help international students find external scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities available through private organizations, embassies, and international agencies.
Graduating with a Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication from The University of Oklahoma opens up a diverse array of career pathways in media, communication, and related fields. This advanced degree equips students with essential skills in storytelling, research, strategic communication, and digital media, making them highly competitive in today’s evolving job market.
Broadcast Journalist: Professionals in this role report news and events for television, radio, and digital platforms, utilizing advanced skills in multimedia storytelling and on-air presentation learned during their studies.
Public Relations Specialist: Graduates manage public image and communication strategies for organizations, crafting press releases, managing media relations, and handling crisis communication with finesse.
Digital Content Strategist: With strong knowledge of digital media trends, these strategists develop and manage online content plans to enhance brand visibility and audience engagement across platforms.
Media Research Analyst: Using research skills gained through the program, analysts study media consumption patterns, audience behavior, and campaign effectiveness to guide marketing and communication strategies.
Social Media Manager: Experts in social media platforms create, curate, and manage content to build community engagement and promote brands or causes across various digital channels.
Communication Consultant: These professionals advise organizations on effective communication practices, internal messaging, and stakeholder engagement to improve corporate communication strategies.
Investigative Journalist: Equipped with advanced research and reporting techniques, investigative journalists uncover in-depth stories that hold public institutions accountable.
Corporate Communications Manager: This role involves overseeing internal and external communications within corporations, managing reputation, and ensuring consistent messaging across all channels.
Media Planner/Buyer: Graduates work with advertising agencies or companies to plan, negotiate, and purchase media space and time for marketing campaigns, ensuring optimal reach and impact.
Academic Researcher/Professor: Those inclined toward academia can pursue doctoral studies or teaching positions, contributing to the advancement of journalism and mass communication knowledge through research and education.
