Our Process
Fall 2024 Cohort Deadlines
For international students: June 1, 2024
US Citizens: June 15th, 2024
Admission Requirements
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication takes a holistic approach to reviewing graduate applications. All the documents submitted are carefully considered to evaluate the applicant's academic qualifications as well as the skills and experience that indicate the ability of the applicant to successfully complete the graduate program.
The program has a flexible application deadline, which means we can review applicants past the priority deadline. However, our priority deadlines enable full consideration for certain types of funding and may be necessary for international students for visa purposes.
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Application Requirements
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Application
- completed online application
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
or
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
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Transcript
- Submit one official transcript from each college or university attended.
- Copies of official transcripts can be sent.
- A GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale).
- Students who do not have a preferred GPA may be admitted conditionally and must fulfill specific GPA and/or course requirements.
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Statement of Purpose
A 500-word statement of purpose for pursuing graduate studies in mass communication at Texas State University. The purpose statement should include the following:
- Why are you applying to graduate school?
- How will the courses aid in your professional goals?
- How will you apply the courses in your current or future career?
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Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation from individuals competent to assess the applicant's capacity to pursue graduate education in mass communication (for example, former professors, work supervisors, etc.). The names and contact information will be entered into the application system.
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Resume
A current resume with information on educational background, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
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TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS Scores
Non-native English speakers who do not qualify for an English proficiency waiver must submit:
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 100 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 68 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 7.0 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.5
- official Duolingo scores required with a 130 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with a 10.0 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
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Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with a major in Mass Communication requires 36 semester credit hours, including a professional project. All students are required to make a minimum 3.0 GPA in the required courses and a minimum 3.0 GPA in the electives.
Students in the Mass Communication’s master’s program may select between a project or a thesis track. Both tracks require a combination of three core classes (9 credit-hours) and electives that allow students to customize their courses on emerging digital media and strategic storytelling to fit their goals and interests.
Professional Project
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Professional Project Overview
The 36-hour professional project track includes the core of 18 hours, 3 hours of project, and 15 hours of mass communication electives. The electives allow students to select courses in areas that support their special research or job-related needs and interests.
Students on the professional project track will work with a two-member committees to complete the professional project.
Thesis Track
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Thesis Track Overview
The 33-hour thesis track requires the core of 18 hours, 6 hours of thesis, and 9 credits of electives. The electives may allow students to select courses in areas that support their research or career-related needs and interests.
The thesis will consist of original research that contributes to the body of knowledge in mediated communication.
Coursework
Both tracks require a combination of three core classes (9 credit-hours) and electives that allow students to customize their courses on emerging digital media and strategic storytelling to fit their goals and interests. The program offers a variety of skills based, analytical and critical-thinking oriented electives.
In addition, students can choose to earn internship credits, independent studies, have the opportunity to study abroad and may select to take up to 2 graduate classes (9 credit-hours) outside of the department (with approval).
Core Classes
Research Methods in Mass Communication
Investigation of the tools and techniques of both qualitative and quantitative research methods used in the study of mass communication, including surveys, content analysis, experimental designs and case studies.
Digital Media Issues
This course will examine the role of digital media, including the Internet, Web and mobile technologies. Issues discussed will include social media and cyberculture research, technology diffusion, data journalism, analytics and the effects of digital technologies on society and culture, with a focus on ethics and regulation.
Storytelling Across Platforms
Students learn the tools, channels and techniques available for multimedia storytellers The course introduces new and emerging ways to tell stories, including social media, photo and video platforms, branding and audience engagement, mobile media and data visualization.
Electives
The program offers a variety of skills based, analytical and critical-thinking oriented electives.
Our prescribed electives include:
- Media Product Strategy (MC 5340)
- Digital Story Production (MC 5328)
- Seminar in Strategic Communication (MC 5308)
- SxTXState Project (MC5332)
- Social Media Campaigns (MC 5306M)
- Data storytelling (MC 5306I)
- Digital Media Design (MC5312)
- Latinos and Media (MC 5321)
- Psychology of Social Media (MC5306)
- Creative problem solving (MC5315)
Additional electives are also available, including special topics electives, such as Digital Politics and Immersive Technologies.