Graduate Degree Requirements
30 graduate semester hours, distributed as follows:
- MC 765 Communication Theory
- MC 780 Research Methods)
- MC 850 Applied Research
- Two 700-level level electives in MC
- MC 899 Thesis (6 hours) or report (2 hours)
- Graduate electives in the area of specialization to complete 30 semester hours
Master degree candidates must pass a written comprehensive exam covering research and theory in their area of specialization. All candidates deliver a final oral defense of their thesis or report.
- Also See: Information about Theses and Reports
Courses for Graduate Credit:
MC 600. Media Economics. (3) I, II.
Study of the various economic models applicable to media firms and application of
basic economic concepts and analytical tools necessary to evaluate media company behaviors
and business strategies and assess the merits of public policies toward the media
industry.
MC 612. Gender Issues in the Media. (3) II.
The portrayal of women and men by the media, and media employment issues based on
gender.
MC 625. Media Relations. (3) II, odd years.
Examines management skills necessary for establishing, maintaining, and evaluating
a media relations program. Discussion includes working with journalists, conducting
media events, preparing spokespersons, and developing crisis communications.
MC 640. Advertising Campaigns. (3) I, II.
The managerial development and execution of consumer, industrial and institutional
advertising campaigns.
MC 645. Public Relations Campaigns. (3) I, II.
Advanced study of an organization's public relations needs. Includes researching the
situation, analyzing audiences, and preparing strategic plans for approved clients.
MC 655. Electronic Media Programming. (3) II.
The principles, planning and development of radio-television-cable programs and schedules.
MC 662. International and Intercultural Public Relations. (3) II, in even years.
Global diversity in business, governmental, and charitable organizations and the demographic
changes within countries and across communities that affect the role and practice
of public relations worldwide.
MC 665. Managing Integrated Strategic Communications. (3) II.
Investigation of managerial decision making in advertising and public relation programs.
Emphasizes strategic and logical thinking in the decision-making process. Theories
and practices from media management, social/cognitive psychology, and integrated communication.
MC 670. Advertising and Social Responsibility. (3)
Examines social, ethical and legal issues and problems facing the advertising industry,
and its relationship to the consumer.
MC 680. Readings in Mass Communications. (1-3)
Investigation on literature on mass communications. Three significant books per credit
hour with written analysis and oral presentation. Pr.: Consent of supervisory instructor.
MC 682. Seminar in Public Relations. (3) I, in even years.
Contemporary topics in public relations practice, theory and research.
MC 685. Media Management. (3) I, II.
Issues, ethics and practices in managing media companies, with special emphasis on
problems and practices in converged media operations.
MC 690. Problems in Mass Communications (1-4)
Pr.: Background courses needed for the problem undertaken.
MC 710. History of Journalism. (3) I.
Growth and development of the news media in the United States and their economic,
political and social significance.
MC 712. Environmental Communications. (3) I, II.
Combines theoretical discussions with practical experience regarding communications
about environmental issues and provides introduction to natural and applied science
topics related to a communications plan. (Cross-listed with AGCOM 712)
MC 715. History of Electronic Media. (3) I, II.
Growth and development of the electronic media in the United States and their economic,
political and social significance.
MC 720. Ethics in Mass Communications. (3) I, II.
Moral analysis, argument and decision-making by the mass communicator, with linkage
of ethics to the conduct of media professionals in the United States.
MC 725. International Communication. (3) I.
Comparative study of world media systems and the role of mass communications in national
development.
MC 730. Seminar in the Future of the Media. (3)
A study of philosophical and technological advances in mass communications with emphasis
on projected patterns of future growth and development.
MC 740. Colloquium in Mass Communications. (1-3)
Discussion of selected topics in mass communication research and practice. May be
repeated for credit when topic varies.
MC 745. Seminar in Mass Communication Law. (3)
Analysis of mass communications freedoms and limitations in such areas as defamation,
privacy, copyright, censorship, obscenity, and advertising and electronic media regulation.
MC 750. Strategic Health Communication. (3)
The role of effective communication through mass media and other communication strategies
in health promotion and behavior change. Includes theories and strategies used to
promote public health messages, services or products for multicultural audiences,
with a focus on human, environment and animal health. Legal, ethical issues and gender
issues in health communication will be given special attention.
MC 760. Communication and Risk. (3)
Promotes understanding of strategic communication and media as tools to prepare, mitigate,
and respond to threats to public health and safety.
MC 765. Communication Theory. (3) I.
An examination of major communication theories as they relate to mass communications.
MC 770. Professional Journalism Practicum. (1-4)
For advanced students. Supervised practical work in professional journalism and mass
communications. Includes laboratory investigation, field work and internships.
MC 780. Research Methods in Mass Communications. (3) I.
Survey of research methods used in the study of the mass media.
MC 850. Applied Research in Mass Media. (3) II.
Study and application of mass media research, its literature and methodology.
MC 899. Research in Mass Communication (V)
Thesis/Report credit. Pr.: Sufficient training to carry on the line of research undertaken.