How to Get a Master's Degree in Communications & Media
Are you interested in reaching the next level of communications, journalism, or media education? Supplement your bachelor's degree, change directions in your career, and unlock greater potential with a master's degree in communications & media.
Begin the degree research process today and enjoy the benefits of becoming more knowledgeable about your potential master's degree. Whether your future is in broadcasting, education, or elsewhere, a master's degree can help you focus your expertise.
If you're returning to school after years away, you need current information about online master's degrees and other new developments in education. If you're enhancing a recent bachelor's degree, you still need to know program rankings, requirements, and other application facts. Regardless of your professional and educational background, there are real rewards in learning about master's degree programs in communications & media before committing to a school. |
Career Paths for Communications & Media Master's Degree Graduates
Completing a master's degree in communications & media means expanding your knowledge and broadening your career options. Graduates of master's programs in communications and media continue on to careers in a range of fields:
- Broadcasting
- New Media
- Social Services
- Business
- Education
Others go on to earn doctoral degrees in communications & media. No matter what your reasons for earning a master's degree in communications & media, it always helps to learn more about a degree and program before you begin the application process.
How to Research and Apply for a Communications & Media Master's Degree Program
Step 1: Choose Your Communications & Media Degree Type
Communications & media master's degrees are typically available in one of two forms. Your educational and career goals can help determine the type of degree you obtain. Here are the two types of communications & media master's degrees:
- Master of Arts (MA): This broad-based degree is customized by the specialization or research you choose. Students in the U.S. typically obtain an MA if they intend to go on to earn a PhD in communications & media.
- Master of Science (MS): This scientifically rigorous degree could require more research or a more research-oriented thesis. Some international students may earn an MS in communications & media because the degree is considered standard in their home countries.
The two degrees are considered academically equivalent and often have similar requirements--it's what you do with the degree that matters. Schools may offer one type of degree or give students the option to choose.
Step 2: Choose Your Master's Program Specialization
Some graduate programs offer a singular broad degree, while others feature different specializations. Here are just a few ways you could focus your communications & media major:
- Media History, Criticism, and Theory
- Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
- Professional Communication
- Organizational and Interpersonal Communications Theory
- New Media
- Journalism
As you consider a potential specialization, think about the courses you're most interested in attending. Some schools post sample coursework requirements online and even list courses you would be required to take to complete a major or specialization. Consider these course lists and let them help determine your ideal focus.
Sample Communications & Media MS/MA Coursework
Master's degree programs generally combine theoretical study with research methods. Sometimes, pedagogical instruction may be included, particularly if students are also serving as teaching assistants. Take a look at sample coursework for a master's degree program in communications & media:
- Theories of Interpersonal Communication
- Theories of Rhetoric
- Small Group Communication
- Experimental Research in Media/Communication
Here's a sample of the coursework you might find within a specialization. Again, specialization options and the coursework within them vary from school to school:
- Persuasion in Social Movements
- Advanced Interviewing
- Legal Dimensions of Communication
- Health Communication
Step 3: Consider Campus-Based and Online Master's Degrees
Because the master's degree does not require hands-on research, it's easy to find a good selection of online master's degree programs in communications & media. The increased popularity of online degree programs means it's possible to obtain your degree from an accredited, professional institution that offers you graduate-level training in a method that is convenient for you. Consider the benefits of each type of learning environment:
- Online Master's Degree Program: If you work well independently and you're looking for training that suits your busy schedule, an online communications & media degree program could provide the best environment for you. Earn a master's degree online and you can choose to continue working full-time, logging on to classes at your convenience.
- On-Campus Master's Degree Program: If you enjoy working in groups or appreciate face-to-face interaction with professors, you may prefer to earn your communications & media degree on a traditional campus. Meeting class requirements does require a time commitment, but students looking for more structure in their education appreciate the environment.
- Hybrid Master's Degree Program: Some programs offer a mix of online education and on-campus coursework. This hybrid master's degree allows students a little more flexibility without sacrificing hands-on interaction.
Use your own learning style and preferences as a guide to determine which type of degree program would be ideal. Use WorldWideLearn.com's guide to online degree programs to get more details about what it means to earn a master's degree online.
Step 4: Create a List of Potential Communications & Media Schools
At this point, you should have a broad understanding of communications & media master's degrees. Now, it's time to compile a list of programs that meet your basic qualifications. Consider programs offered locally or across the country, online master's degree programs, or campus-based programs. Use the following resources to focus your search:
- Explore communications & media professional organizations for more information on potential schools with active faculty members. The National Communication Association maintains an educational resources page, offering insider information and experience in the academic process.
- WorldWideLearn.com features a listing of online master's degrees in journalism and communications program offerings.
- See WorldWideLearn.com's list of campus-based master's degrees in communications & media to learn more about on-campus programs. Keep your search broad or filter by journalism schools. Make first contact with schools and gain insight on potential colleges and universities.
Your initial school list may be fairly long, and as you learn more about each school and determine your key preferences, you can narrow your options to best suit your needs and career goals. Be sure to keep the Web addresses for each communications, media, or journalism school on your list--you'll use them for further, more in-depth research.
Step 5: Determine Communications & Media School Accreditation
The next step of the process is to ensure that each school meets accreditation standards. This can help ensure the quality of your education. The accreditation process occurs when a third-party accrediting agency determines the quality of a school. Considering elements like financial practices, faculty credentials, and academics, the accrediting agency explores all aspects of a college or university and makes its findings known. There are a number of benefits to ensuring the accreditation status of each potential communications & media school. You can:
- Prove the quality of your degree for hiring managers in future positions or promotions.
- Receive federal financial aid only when you attend an accredited institution.
- Ensure your degree is recognized by PhD programs and other qualified schools.
Ensuring the accreditation status of each potential school is an essential step in the degree research process. Fortunately, it's easy to do. Simply use the searchable database at the U.S. Department of Education for a full search of accredited institutions. Schools may be searched by name, location, or accrediting agency.
Once you've confirmed the accreditation status of each school, you can further investigate each of their programs with more confidence. For more information on the process of accreditation and its importance, see WorldWideLearn.com's Accreditation Answers page.
Step 6: Focus On the Best Communications & Media Master's Degree Programs
By the time you reach this step, you should have compiled a list of professional, accredited master's degree programs in communications & media. Depending on your specialization, you may have a large number of options from which to choose. It's likely at this point that you have determined whether an online or campus-based program suits you better, and whether you intend to pursue an MA or MS degree.
The good news is that it's easy to narrow down potential schools to the strongest candidates. Consider these categories as you modify your list:
- Area: It's important to think about potential careers in the area if you hope to work there while you're in school or after you graduate. Location becomes less important if you choose to earn a master's degree online, but it is crucial otherwise.
- Admissions: The admissions requirements vary for each master's degree program. Some schools require you to submit a statement of purpose, scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), letters of recommendation, and more. Additionally, international students must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam.
- Rankings: Think about how your potential schools are viewed by the rest of the world. Rankings like those published by U.S. News & World Report may be viewed in the most favorable light by hiring managers, but these schools may also come with the highest tuition and the most application requirements. Consider a school's ranking along with other qualities, and don't choose a school by its ranking alone.
- Funding: Sometimes financial aid packages are offered by schools hoping to appeal to their strongest applicants. Find out which communications & media master's degree programs offer the most promising teaching stipends, grants, and financial aid packages. Accredited schools additionally work with the federal government for more financial aid options.
- Faculty: While it's tempting to choose a school on the strength of one professor, base your application on the general strength of a school's faculty. Professors come and go, but the tone set by the faculty as a whole can have a big impact on your happiness as a student.
- Other Perks: Students might be encouraged to complete media & communications internships in the community, attend conferences or do research beyond the degree, or enjoy a healthy career services department. These extras are important and should be the final category you consider when narrowing down your list.
Researching communications & media schools does require a time commitment. However, you'll enjoy the benefits of honing your list of schools to a strong selection of the best options for you. You can save time and money on applications, and increase your chances of getting into a program that best meets your needs and goals as a student.
Apply for Communications & Media Master's Degree Programs
After you have zeroed in on your requirements as a student, you should have a clear idea on which schools and programs offer the greatest potential for you. Be sure to organize all of the application materials you need for each of these programs. As you apply to your short list of schools, keep the following in mind:
- Deadlines: Each program may have different deadlines for financial aid, transcripts, and general applications. Stay organized and don't risk missing an important date.
- Personalization: Though you may be tempted to use the same statement of intent or cover letter for each application, it is wise to personalize it for each program you wish to attend. Writing about how your personality matches each individual school proves that you've considered the program thoughtfully.
Apply for master's degree programs in communications & media with the confidence that you're making an informed decision about your education. Use this guide as a starting point to learn more about the master's degree program that could drastically change the future of your career.
Sources
- Best Graduate Schools U.S. News and World Report
- Educational Resources National Communication Association
- M.A./M.S. in Professional Communication Indiana University
- Search Institutional Accreditation System U.S. Department of Education
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