University of Colorado - Boulder

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A. in Journalism or Mass Communication, Ph.D. in Communication (Media Studies

Format: Campus

Program Description:

Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) offers a Ph.D. and two M.A. programs. The Ph.D. in Communication is an interdisciplinary program drawing from contemporary cultural and critical theory. The program focuses on the interactions of modern communication components, such as media institutions, their contents, and their audiences. The curriculum examines these processes through social, economic, political, historical, legal/policy/regulatory, and international perspectives. There is a strong emphasis on issues involving new technology. Doctoral students in media studies take a minimum of 42 semester hours of course work, then pass written and oral comprehensive examinations, and prepare and defend a dissertation. Applicants to the Ph.D. program are expected to hold a M.A. degree or to present evidence of other relevant graduate study. The newsgathering M.A. program prepares students to work as journalists and offers an emphasis in print and/or broadcast. It is appropriate for students with limited academic or professional experience in journalism, includes internships and a professional project. The mass communication research M.A. program offers an opportunity for critical reflection on contemporary media structures, performance, policy, and practice. It provides basic graduate-level study in communication theory, research methods, and relevant realms of culture, law, history, politics and ethics, and requires completion of a thesis. Each M.A. program can be completed by a full-time student in three semesters and a summer, but must be completed in 4 years. In collaboration with the University's Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Program in Environmental Policy, the SJMC also offers students the opportunity to earn both the M.A. degree in journalism, with an emphasis in environmental journalism, and the University's Certificate in Environmental Policy. This option is compatible with either the research or newsgathering track.

Accreditation:

Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication

Eligibility Requirements:

Qualifying exam minimum scores: Ph.D.'s 60% V+Q; M.A.'s 60% V
GPA's: Ph.D.'s - 3.25 undergrad, 3.5 grad; M.A.'s - 2.75

# of Credits Required:

33 - 72

International Student Requirements:

Bachelor's and master's (for Ph.D.) or bachelor's (for M.A.) degrees equivalent to U.S. degrees; TOEFL score of 600 MA, 625 Ph.D.; 3 recommendations; proof of financial support (M.A.'s)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

$521 or $1,419 USD

Tuition In-State Full Time:

9400 USD

Tuition Out of State Full Time:

25500 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Small City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above