Masters of Accounting
The Masters of Accounting program offered by the university is a testament to its commi...
M.A. in Mass Communication
San Marcos, Texas
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mass Communication program at Texas State University offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the rapidly evolving field of media and communication. This program is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in various roles within the media industry. The M.A. in Mass Communication program typically spans two years and is divided into core courses, elective courses, and opportunities for specialized tracks or concentrations. Students have the flexibility to tailor their academic journey based on their interests and career goals. The curriculum emphasizes a combination of theory and hands-on experience to prepare graduates for the challenges of the modern media landscape.
Curriculum:
1. Core Courses: Core courses provide a strong foundation in mass communication theories, research methodologies, and ethical considerations. Students delve into topics such as media effects, communication law, media ethics, and strategic communication. These courses enable students to critically analyze media content, understand its societal impact, and make informed decisions as media professionals.
2. Elective Courses: The program offers a wide range of elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas of interest such as journalism, digital media, public relations, advertising, media production, and more. Elective courses provide practical skills development, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field.
3. Specialized Tracks: Many M.A. in Mass Communication programs offer specialized tracks or concentrations that cater to specific career paths. These tracks may include options like Strategic Communication, Multimedia Journalism, Digital Media Production, and Advertising. Students can choose a track that aligns with their career aspirations and personal interests.
4. Thesis or Non-Thesis Option: Students often have the choice between completing a thesis or a non-thesis option. The thesis track involves in-depth research on a chosen topic within mass communication, while the non-thesis option may involve a comprehensive exam or a capstone project that showcases the student's acquired skills and knowledge.
5. Practicum and Internships: Hands-on experience is a crucial aspect of the program. Many M.A. in Mass Communication programs offer opportunities for students to engage in practicum experiences or internships with media organizations. These experiences provide valuable real-world insights, networking opportunities, and the chance to apply classroom learning to practical scenarios.
6. Faculty Expertise: The faculty members in the M.A. in Mass Communication program are often experienced professionals in the field with a wealth of industry knowledge. They guide students through coursework, research, and projects, offering mentorship and expertise that contribute to students' professional growth.
7. Technological Integration: Given the rapidly evolving nature of the media industry, technology plays a significant role in the program. Students are exposed to the latest tools and technologies used in media production, data analysis, social media management, and more. This ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the digital landscape.
8. Career Preparation: Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared for diverse career paths within the media and communication field. They may pursue roles such as multimedia journalist, social media manager, public relations specialist, advertising executive, media producer, and more. The program's blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and industry insights positions graduates for success in a competitive job market.
Location
San Marcos, Texas
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15600
Entry Requiremtents for Postgraduate Programs
Application Fees : US$ 90
Academic Requirements:
- Prospective postgraduate students must have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is generally required for admission consideration.
English Language Proficiency Requirements:
-
IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
- Overall Score: 6.5 or higher
- No individual band score lower than 6.0
-
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test):
- Overall Score: 78 or higher
-
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic):
- Overall Score: 52 or higher
-
DET (Duolingo English Test):
- Overall Score: 110 or higher
Texas State University recognizes the importance of supporting international students in achieving their educational goals. To assist students in pursuing their academic aspirations, the university offers a range of scholarships tailored to international students' diverse backgrounds and achievements. These scholarships help alleviate the financial burden and make higher education more accessible.
1. International Freshman Scholarships: Texas State University offers merit-based scholarships for incoming international freshman students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. Eligible students are automatically considered during the admission process.
2. International Transfer Scholarships: Transfer students from international institutions are also eligible for scholarships based on their academic performance at their previous institution. These scholarships recognize the hard work and dedication of transfer students as they continue their education at Texas State University.
3. Global Diversity Scholarship: The Global Diversity Scholarship is designed to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of international students. It is awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. This scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
4. President's Honor Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to highly accomplished international students who have exceptional academic achievements and leadership qualities. Recipients of the President's Honor Scholarship receive a significant financial award to support their education at Texas State University.
5. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students have the opportunity to apply for assistantship positions, which provide financial support while gaining valuable professional experience. Graduate assistantships may involve teaching, research, or administrative responsibilities.
6. Donor-Funded Scholarships: Texas State University benefits from the generosity of donors who have established scholarships to support international students. These scholarships may be based on various criteria, such as field of study, leadership, community involvement, or academic excellence.
7. Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments within the university offer scholarships to students pursuing specific majors or disciplines. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic performance and potential within the chosen field.
8. Study Abroad Scholarships: For international students interested in participating in study abroad programs, Texas State University provides scholarships to support their global learning experiences. These scholarships help students broaden their horizons and gain cross-cultural perspectives.
Application Process: The application process for scholarships at Texas State University may vary depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships require a separate application, while others consider all eligible students during the admission process.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mass Communication program at Texas State University offers graduates a wide array of exciting career opportunities in the ever-evolving media and communication landscape. The program's comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience prepare students to excel in various roles within the media industry.
1. Public Relations Specialist: Graduates can pursue careers as public relations specialists, responsible for creating and managing communication strategies that enhance the public image of organizations. They craft press releases, manage media relations, and develop communication campaigns to build a positive reputation for clients.
2. Digital Media Manager: In a digital age, graduates with expertise in digital media can excel as digital media managers. They oversee an organization's online presence, managing social media platforms, website content, and online advertising campaigns to engage audiences effectively.
3. Journalist: For those passionate about storytelling, a career as a journalist awaits. Graduates can work as reporters, news writers, or editors, covering local, national, or international events across various media channels such as print, broadcast, and online platforms.
4. Advertising Account Executive: With a focus on advertising and strategic communication, graduates can thrive as advertising account executives. They collaborate with clients to develop and implement effective advertising campaigns, ensuring messages resonate with target audiences.
5. Media Producer: For creative individuals, the role of a media producer is enticing. Graduates can create and produce multimedia content such as videos, podcasts, documentaries, and more, contributing to engaging and impactful storytelling.
6. Media Researcher: Media researchers play a crucial role in shaping media strategies. Graduates can specialize in audience analysis, media trends, and data analytics, providing valuable insights that drive content creation and decision-making.
7. Communication Strategist: Communication strategists design and execute communication plans for organizations, focusing on internal and external communication to achieve business goals. Graduates with a strategic communication specialization are well-suited for this role.
8. Social Media Manager: In the era of social media dominance, social media managers are essential. Graduates can manage social media platforms for brands, creating content, engaging with audiences, and building a strong online presence.
9. Media Analyst: Graduates skilled in analyzing media trends and data can work as media analysts, providing insights that inform media strategies, content development, and audience engagement.
10. Content Creator: Content creation is a dynamic field that includes writing, video production, graphic design, and more. Graduates can create engaging content for websites, blogs, social media, and other digital platforms.
11. Multimedia Journalist: Multimedia journalists excel in producing stories using various formats like text, images, videos, and audio. They work for news outlets, online platforms, and multimedia organizations.
12. Corporate Communication Specialist: In corporate settings, graduates can specialize in managing internal and external communication, ensuring consistent messaging and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders.
