Media and Communication, M.A.

E-mail: smcgrad@bgsu.edu

There are several degree options available to students pursuing the Master of Arts Degree in the School of Media & Communication. Students may seek a degree that prepares them for a PhD program and a career in academia, or they may pursue a degree that allows for professional development. The generalist option allows for MA students to explore the different areas of emphasis within the School of Media & Communication, and build a knowledge base that will prepare them for further academic studies. During their time in the program, MA students have the freedom to take coursework across these three areas of emphasis (media audiences and processes, interpersonal communication or critical media & rhetoric) and some professionally oriented courses up to four classes at 5000 level. Students may concentrate their coursework in one area, or they may take courses across multiple areas. There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach, and MA students pursuing the generalist option should consult with an advisor.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, Media and Communication students in the thesis and research project option are expected to be able to:

• Understand the following:
  • History of the field, as well as the areas of emphasis within SMC.
  • Social science research methods or humanistic research methods.
• Develop theoretically driven research questions and propose competent projects to answer those questions.
• Conduct a research project and compose a quality report based on it.

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, Media and Communication students in the comprehensive exam option are expected to be able to:

• Understand the following:
  • History of the field, as well as the areas of emphasis within SMC.
  • Social science research methods or humanistic research methods.
  • Important theories related to Media and Communication.

Admission Requirements

Additional documents required:

• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Professional Resume - Applicants applying to MA programs, except for the Strategic Communication, are required to provide a curriculum vitae. Applicants applying to the Strategic Communication - MA program are required to provide a resume.
• Quantitative Reasoning Writing Example (if pursuing quantitative research in the program) such as research reports, data analysis in English or statistics and research method course work description
• Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose Checklist:

1. Short personal introduction (no more than one page)
2. Why interested in pursuing a MA program in Media & Communication and why chose BGSU
3. What challenges do you expect in studying for a MA program and your preparation for it
4. Description of courses taken that are related to the study in the graduate program
5. Relate your purpose of study to ONE of the three emphasis areas of study in BGSU Media and Communication on the Web site (Media Audiences & Processes, Interpersonal Communication or Critical Media & Rhetoric)
6. Prior research, teaching and work experience that you think will benefit your study and qualify for assistantship in the program
7. If non-communication related majors, explain why interest in studying communication and how past academic background can help in the study of communication

Please see https://www.bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences/media-and-communication/graduate/application-information.html for details.

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements