Graduate Program

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.

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.

Master of Arts in Learning, Design, and Technology 

Are you ready to revolutionize the way you teach, train, and communicate? Our Master of Arts in Learning, Design, and Technology equips graduates with the skills to effectively engage audiences of all ages using cutting-edge digital technologies.

Applications are open through CalApply from October 1, 2024 through February 1, 2025.

Learn more by visiting  the FAQ page or contact the LDT Graduate Advisor, Dr. Rebecca Nee at [email protected]

Program Highlights:

• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
• Format: Fully online, project-based, interactive
• Designed For: Recent undergraduates in all majors and professionals from diverse sectors, including education (K-12 and higher ed), corporate, government, nonprofit, and military

Our alumni work in a variety of careers, including roles as designers, trainers, project managers, evaluators, teachers, communicators, and technologists. Many of our alumni now teach in the program, ensuring that the curriculum is current and relevant in the rapidly evolving landscape of learning and technology. 

Join our LDT LinkedIn group for networking opportunites and follow @SDSU_JMS on our social platforms for updates (links here) 

Learning, Design, and Technology Curriculum

Visit the SDSU graduate course catalog for detailed descriptions of the required and elective courses in the program. Students will typically enroll in 2 to 3 courses per semester (6 to 9 units). A total of 30 units are required to graduate. Courses include:

• LDT 540 - Educational Technology
• LDT 544 - Instructional Design
• LDT 561 - Multimedia Design for Learning
• LDT 525 - Virtual Reality, Imaginary Worlds, and Future of Learning
• LDT 596 - Topics in Learning Design and Technology
• LDT 685 - Performance Technology for Organizations
• LDT 795 - Advanced Seminar: Capstone Project