Frequently Asked Questions

Our program is four semesters (fall/spring) over two years. Students typically enroll in 3 courses per semester. Our program is 10 courses over the two years (3 units per class).

Three courses a semester at 3 units each (9 units total) is considered a full-load.

A GPA of 2.85 for undergraduate students is required for admission to SDSU. For international students, a GPA of at least 3.0.

No, the GRE is not required for the application.

TOEFL minimum score of 80 iBT/ 550 PBT: Score must be sent electronically from Educational Testing Service (ETS) using the SDSU institution code: 4682. Test score must be from within the past two years.

IELTS overall score of 6.5 or higher: Score report must be sent directly to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Test score must be from within the past two years.

PTE minimum score of 58 or higher: Score report must be sent directly to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Or score of 105 or higher on the Duolingo English Test. Test score must be from within the past two years.

Official transcripts have been received indicating English as the principal language of instruction.

The tuition and fees will vary by semester and academic year. Please consult this page for the latest information.

We have a variety of university-wide scholarships available to students to apply to when they are admitted into the program. These scholarships and funding sources are competitive and we encourage students to apply to them as soon as they are admitted. Our School of JMS offers a limited number of assistantships every academic year. We can provide a tuition waiver to a select number of graduate students admitted.

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.

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. 

A bachelor’s degree in mass communication or communication field is not required. Yes, you can still apply. Please be clear in your statement of purpose, your background, and your interest in going into mass communication and why.

You will be notified in late Spring as to the status of your application.

Our students pursue a variety of different paths. They become community college teachers, they go onto pursue a Ph.D. and become a professor, others have obtained strategic/managerial and senior leadership positions in mass communication related fields. 

If you have more questions, please reach out to Prof. Schmitz Weiss who is the graduate adviser of the program at [email protected].