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.

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.

Mass Communication, M.A.

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, digital media, public relations and 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.

PAO Program

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.

Learning Design and Technology

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: