Graduate Program

The graduate programs in the School of Journalism & Media Studies offers advanced study for individuals seeking additional knowledge of advertising, educational technology/learning design and technology, public relations, journalistic practices, emerging communication technologies, or the impact of mass communication practices on individuals, groups and society as a whole. The programs of study are appropriate for individuals who seek a career in the applied communication fields (journalism, advertising, public relations), who wish to pursue careers involving new media communication industries, who wish to teach at the community college level or who wish to continue studies of mass communication and media at the doctoral level.

Graduate Programs

The School of Journalism & Media Studies offers two Master of Arts degree program: Mass Communication and Learning Design and Technology. The School additionally offers a specialized master’s degree program for military Public Affairs Officers that is only open to PAOs in the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. For a more in-depth look at the areas of graduate study in JMS, please follow the links below.

The School of Journalism & Media Studies offers graduate study leading to the Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication. The degree prepares students for additional graduate work at the doctoral level, leadership positions in key communication industries and professional areas, or teaching careers at the community college level. Graduates occupy leadership positions in advertising, journalism, media and telecommunications management, digital media, public relations and telecommunications policy, as well as enter premier doctoral programs across the country.

Interested in learning more? Fill out this form and our graduate advisor, Dr. Amy Schmitz Weiss, will reach out to you. You can also get a lot of questions answered on our FAQ page, and you can learn more about why you should choose our specific program here.

Mass Communication Curriculum

Please visit the SDSU Graduate Bulletin for detailed information on all JMS graduate courses.

In addition to meeting the requirements for the Master of Arts degree as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees, the student must complete a minimum of 30 units in courses acceptable in master’s degree programs. At least 18 units of the total program must be in courses numbered 600-799. Approval of the graduate adviser is required for all courses in the program. With the approval of the graduate adviser, students may take up to nine units of graduate coursework in departments other than the School of Journalism and Media Studies. Students may not repeat any course in their program of study without consent of the graduate adviser and instructor.

View the program and student learning outcomes for the MA in Mass Communication

Below is the overall program of study for students in the MA Mass Communication program:

Mass Communication Core Courses
  • JMS 600A - Seminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Mass Communication and Media Studies
  • JMS 600B - Seminar: Research Methods in Mass Communication and Media Studies
Research Methods Core Course

One course selected from:

  • JMS 619 - Seminar: Qualitative Methods in Mass Media Research
  • JMS 620 - Seminar: Quantitative Methods in Media Research 
Theory Core Course

One course selected from:

  • JMS 595 - Seminar in Theoretical Approaches to Public Relations
  • JMS 701 - Seminar: Mass Communication Problems 
Applied Media Core Courses

Two courses selected from: 

  • JMS 515 - Media Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship
  • JMS 525 - News and Social Media
  • JMS 566 - Advertising Strategy and Digital Analytics Platforms
  • JMS 590 - Seminar in Crisis Communication in PR Management  
Elective Courses

Selected with the approval of the graduate advisor. No more than 2 courses may be taken as special study (JMS 798). 

  • JMS 515 - Media Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship 
  • JMS 525 - News and Social Media 
  • JMS 527 - Advanced Topics in Journalism 
  • JMS 547 - Advanced Topics in Media Studies 
  • JMS 566 - Advertising Strategy and Digital Analytics Platforms 
  • JMS 590 - Seminar in Crisis Communication in PR Management
  • JMS 591 - Global Technology: Creativity and Innovation in the Digital Age 
  • JMS 595 - Seminar in Theoretical Approaches to Public Relations 
  • JMS 596 - Selected Topics 
  • JMS 602 - Seminar: Military Public Affairs 
  • JMS 603 - Seminar: Professional Development in Military Public Affairs 
  • JMS 619 - Seminar: Qualitative Methods in Mass Media Research 
  • JMS 620 - Seminar: Quantitative Methods in Media Research 
  • JMS 696 - Special Topics 
  • JMS 701 - Seminar: Mass Communication Problems 
  • JMS 780 - Seminar: Advanced Theory in Public Relations 
  • JMS 798 - Special Study 
Thesis/Elective 

Students may select Plan A, thesis, by completing JMS 799A or, if Plan B is selected, the student must complete one additional 600-700 level course within the School of Journalism and Media Studies and pass the Comprehensive Examination in Journalism and Media Studies.

What is the PAO Program at SDSU?

The PAO Program in the School of Journalism & Media Studies at San Diego State University is an intensive graduate program leading to a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies. The program is restricted to mid-career Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Typical PAOs in the program have a minimum of five years of professional experience; some have had 20 years of service as PAOs.

A Brief History

Launched in 2004, the initial impetus for the PAO Program was a request from the U.S. Navy to devise a high-level strategically oriented program for mid-career PAOs. The PAO Program has grown and now involves participation from nearly all branches of the U.S. military.

Program of study

Through an intensive summer session program and a heavy program of study in the fall and spring semesters, PAOs complete the rigorous 30-unit master’s degree program in 10 months. Candidates are selected for the program by various branches of the military and assigned to full-time studies at SDSU. The candidates, in turn, compete selectively with civilians for admissions to the master’s degree program in the School of Journalism & Media Studies.

What PAOs learn at SDSU

Through training and experience, PAOs arrive at SDSU with extensive expertise in the technical aspects of public relations, including news writing, media relations, and message distribution. In the Mass Communication and Media Studies master’s program, PAOs learn strategic analytic skills that permit them to plan public affairs programs with measurable outcomes, implement those programs, and measure their effectiveness. Further, PAOs learn skills that help them play the critical role of strategic counselors to their commanders.

PAO Program Curriculum

PAO Program Bootcamp (Required Summer Courses)

  • JMS 603 - Seminar in Professional Development in Military Public Affairs
  • JMS 602 - Seminar in Military Public Affairs

Core Theory and Methods (Required Fall Semester Courses)

  • JMS 595 - Seminar in Theoretical Approaches to Public Relations
  • JMS 600A Seminar - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Mass Communication and Media Studies
  • JMS 600B Seminar - Research Methods in Mass Communication and Media Studies

Advanced Theory and Methods (Required Spring Semester Courses)

  • JMS 620 - Quantitative Methods in Media Research

Electives

PAO graduate students may take 2 additional courses as electives. All electives must have the prior approval of the PAO program coordinator and the JMS graduate adviser. Electives taken without approval may not be counted toward the student’s program of study. No more than six units of electives may be taken as special study (JMS 798) units.

Established more than 30 years ago, we are proud to be one of the first master’s degree and certificate programs in the field! As a student in one of our programs, you will engage in courses taught by our internationally recognized faculty, as well as seasoned professionals currently working across all sectors of our field.

Our Hands-On, High-Touch LDT Program 

Classwork is challenging, but it’s fundamentally practical and always interesting. Students in our program learn:

  • New technologies proven to help children and adults learn and perform
  • Course design for online or face-to-face instruction and performance support – applicable to any field and organization.
  • Game design for learning experiences that are fun and effective.
  • Social media to support learning and collaboration in organizations.
  • Evaluation techniques to demonstrate the impact and value of programs, projects, and materials.

All Programs are NOT the Same

While all of our courses are now delivered fully online, they don’t follow the usual impersonal format of many other programs. You will still attend class sessions just as you would face-to-face on campus; regular meetings are held via videoconferencing software that allows for engaging, real-time interaction. Not only will you see your instructor and the course materials up close, you’ll meet in breakout rooms with fellow students for activities and collaboration. 

Another thing that sets us apart is our balance of theory and practice. Our courses are centered on real projects, real clients, and real opportunities for leadership and collaboration with community partner organizations. We infuse our innovative DesignLAB model throughout the curriculum, with the master’s culminating in a client-based practicum experience.

Because of the relationships among students developed in our program, LDT has an active and tight-knit LDT alumni network that helps students make lasting and valuable connections reaching well beyond their studies. Many of our alumni contribute to curriculum revisions, serve as lecturers, bring an array of projects to the table, and take on mentorship roles. Our graduates are ready for a wide variety of careers in every sector in which learning professionals work: K-12 (charter, private, public, for-profit), higher education (2- and 4-year institutions), government, corporate, nonprofit, and military.

On the job, LDT graduates assume the roles such as designers, trainers, project managers, evaluators, teachers, communicators, and technologists. Working locally and/or globally, they:

  • Analyze learning needs and performance opportunities.
  • Design training and performance support programs, courses and resources.
  • Design electronic performance support systems and mobile learning solutions.
  • Work on usability and human-computer interaction design.
  • Build prototypes, websites, games, simulations, mobile apps and much more.
  • Build coaching and mentoring systems.
  • Build VR or AR-supported learning environments.
  • Provide consulting for organizations on issues related to instructional design and technology.
  • Oversee learning management and content management systems and the implementation of innovative solutions.
  • Conduct research related to teaching, learning, and training.
  • Evaluate program effectiveness and impact.

Our In-State Program

Whether you’re a resident in the San Diego area, or anywhere in California, you can attend LDT@SDSU online as an in-state student. That means that you will pay the regular in-state tuition, and those with financial need can apply for both state and federal aid.

Want to learn more about our Program?

There are many opportunities to learn more about LDT:

Questions? We encourage you to complete the JMS/LDT Prospective Student Form so our graduate advisors can respond right away to answer any questions and keep you updated on stateside programs. Or, email us at [email protected].

Review the Curriculum

Click below for a detailed listing of courses and curriculum

Learning Design and Technology Curriculum