Mass Communication

The School of Journalism & Media Studies offers graduate study leading to the Master of Arts degree in communication with a specialization in mass communication and media studies. 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.

NEW! For students admitted during the 2023-2024 academic year, our M.A. degree in Mass Communication now reflects the following program:

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

Core Courses (6 units) 30 units of the program must include:

JMS 600A - Seminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Mass Communication and Media Studies Units: 3
JMS 600B - Seminar: Research Methods in Mass Communication and Media Studies Units: 3

Research Methods Core (3 units) 3 units selected from:

JMS 619 - Seminar: Qualitative Methods in Mass Media Research Units: 3
JMS 620 - Seminar: Quantitative Methods in Media Research Units: 3

Theory Core (3 units) 3 units selected from:

JMS 595 - Seminar in Theoretical Approaches to Public Relations Units: 3
JMS 701 - Seminar: Mass Communication Problems Units: 3

Applied Media Core (6 units) 6 units selected from:

JMS 515 - Media Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship Units: 3
JMS 525 - News and Social Media Units: 3
JMS 566 - Advertising Strategy and Digital Analytics Platforms Units: 3
JMS 590 - Seminar in Crisis Communication in PR Management Units: 3

Electives (9 units)

Selected with the approval of the graduate advisor. No more than 6 units may be taken as special study (JMS 798). Students may also take graduate courses in other departments with approval by graduate advisor.

JMS 515 - Media Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship Units: 3
JMS 525 - News and Social Media Units: 3
JMS 527 - Advanced Topics in Journalism Units: 3
JMS 547 - Advanced Topics in Media Studies Units: 3
JMS 555 - Border Reporting Units: 3
JMS 566 - Advertising Strategy and Digital Analytics Platforms Units: 3
JMS 590 - Seminar in Crisis Communication in PR Management Units: 3
JMS 591 - Global Technology: Creativity and Innovation in the Digital Age Units: 3
JMS 595 - Seminar in Theoretical Approaches to Public Relations Units: 3
JMS 596 - Selected Topics Units: 1-3 JMS 602 - Seminar: Military Public Affairs Units: 3
JMS 603 - Seminar: Professional Development in Military Public Affairs Units: 3
JMS 619 - Seminar: Qualitative Methods in Mass Media Research Units: 3
JMS 620 - Seminar: Quantitative Methods in Media Research Units: 3
JMS 696 - Special Topics Units: 1-3
JMS 701 - Seminar: Mass Communication Problems Units: 3
JMS 780 - Seminar: Advanced Theory in Public Relations Units: 3
JMS 798 - Special Study Units: 1-3

Thesis/Elective (3 units)

Students may select Plan A, thesis, by completing JMS 799A (3 units) or, if Plan B is selected, the student must complete three additional units of 600-700 level coursework in the School of Journalism and Media Studies and pass the Comprehensive Examination in Journalism and Media Studies.

For students admitted during the 2022-2023 academic year, the M.A. degree in Communication with a specialization in Mass Communication and Mass Media reflects the following program:

Mass Communication Curriculum

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

Core Theory and Methods

Students are required to take the following courses during their first semester of study:

JMS 600A Seminar - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Mass Communication and Media Studies
JMS 600B Seminar - Research Methods in Mass Communication and Media Studies

Specialization Courses

Our graduate course offerings change often, reflecting the evolving nature of modern media. The courses below indicate some of our recent offerings.

LDT 525 - Virtual Reality, Imaginary Worlds and the Future of Learning
LDT 515 - Games, Play and Learning
JMS 785 - Seminar in Advertising Research
JMS 785 - Seminar in Advertising Research
JMS 780 - Seminar in Advanced Theory in Public Relations
JMS 775 - Seminar in Mediated Communication in International Settings
JMS 710 - Seminar in Media and Social Influence
JMS 620 - Quantitative Methods in Media Research
JMS 595 - Seminar in Theoretical Approaches to Public Relations
JMS 581 - Applied Research in Public Relations
JMS 589 - Ethical Issues in Mediated Communication
JMS 591 - Global Technology: Creativity and Innovation in the Digital Age
JMS 574 - International Advertising
JMS 506 - Advertising and Society
JMS 529 - Data-driven Investigative Journalism
JMS 560 - Advertising Research