Master of Liberal Arts Mass Communication

The Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in Mass Communication is designed to prepare students to produce literary scholarship of professional quality and to participate in ongoing academic discussions in the field of Mass Communications. The program emphasizes self-directed study and deeper instruction in Mass Communications, with increased knowledge and skill in the area.

The curriculum requires 33 credit hours of coursework plus a capstone project for degree completion. Progression to degree completion includes an oral defense of the thesis. Students complete core liberal arts courses, concentration courses in areas such as media theory, communication research methods, and social media, and interdisciplinary electives. The capstone involves independent research on a question or problem under the guidance of graduate faculty.

Modules

• ILA 500 Introduction to Liberal Arts
• ILA 501 Research in the Liberal Arts
• CO 521 Mass Communication Law and Policy
• CO 525 Current Issues and Trends in Mass Media
• CO 540 Theory of Mass Communication
• CO 550 Communication Research Methods
• CO 560 Social Media: Objectives, Strategies and Tactics
• CO 591 Communication and Public Opinion
• GT 501Advanced Constitutional Law
• HI 501 Historiography
• HI 502 Global World Studies
• HI 503 Colonial American History

• Submit an application for admission.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 for regular admission and 2.5 for conditional admission at the undergraduate level.
• Two letters of recommendation from references sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies.
• A personal statement of no more than 750 words explaining qualifications for this concentration area and career goals after completing the degree.
• Official transcript from an accredited school (if a student has attended more than one school, transcripts must be submitted from all schools attended). At least one transcript must document the student has a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Some departments have additional requirements students must meet for admission.
• Immunization Record.
• Decisions are made only after receipt of all credentials by the department’s admission committee. The department uses an admission formula to accept students. The entire application packet, including all supporting materials, must be submitted to the Graduate School.
• Official transcripts from the sending school, and Credential Evaluations (International students) from an approved Credential Evaluation Service.