School of Media and Communication

Master of Arts Program in Media & Communication

The Master’s program offered by the School of Media and Communication offers both a  pre-doctoral, research and theory oriented graduate program and a professional program designed for those who want to transition to a career in media and communication or want to advance their knowledge and skills in their current profession. Students in the professional program will now be able to earn their degree through a blended program of on campus and distance learning courses or complete their degree entirely online.

Professional Development Program
This program is recommended for people seeking career advancement or career transitions by expanding their knowledge base, increasing their skills, and deepening their understanding in the areas of:
Public Relations                 Social Media                                  Management & Policy
Social Services                   Non-profit Leadership                Media Production
Governmental Affairs         Intercultural/International Communication

Students are expected to take at least 30 hours of coursework and will choose from a comprehensive exam, research project, or master’s thesis as part of this requirement.

•Core coursework includes the following:
MC 6000: Introduction to Media and Communication
MC 6300: Social Scientific Methods
MC 6400: Humanistic Research Methods

Students will also work with an advisor to assemble a program of study from coursework that is offered through the academic year and best suits their needs for career advancement or transitions to a new career in media and communication. Sample courses:
Communication & Conflict                       Social Media & Public Relations
Media Management                                   Public Relations Theory & Application
Communication & Ethics                          Gender, Media & Culture
Crisis Communication                               Media Law & Ethics
Online Journalism                                      Social Media Analysis
Online Interactive Media                           Contemporary issues in Telecommunications

PhD Preparation Program
The coursework and research in this program prepares MA students for the rigor of PhD study and dissertation work. The program focuses on theory and research methods courses, and allows students to choose coursework within one of three areas of emphasis: Global Communication, Public Communication, and Health Communication. Due to the close interaction with faculty needed for this program, it is offered only in the face-to-face classroom setting at BGSU.

• Students whose interests lie in Global Communication will have opportunities to take courses related to international media and intercultural communication.
• Students who are interested in Public Communication will be able to take courses in media & society and rhetoric.
• Students who are interested in Health Communication will find courses concerning development communication and health & wellness readily available.
Students will proceed through the program over the course of one to two years. Students will take core courses and emphasis courses in consultation with their academic advisor. Students can choose to complete their study from these three options: a comprehensive exam, research project or master’s thesis.

• Core coursework includes the following:
MC 6000: Introduction to Media and Communication
MC 6300: Social Scientific Methods
MC 6400: Humanistic Research Methods
MC 6200: Communication Pedagogy (required for students who are funded as teaching assistants).