Offered jointly by the School of Communication (SOC) and School of International Service (SIS), the Master of Arts in International Media offers students a unique opportunity to learn international communication theory and research while at the same time developing professional production skills. This interdisciplinary MA program allows students to take concurrent courses in the SOC and SIS that emphasize strategic communication, research, international communication, and global media. In addition, students take hands-on courses designed to hone writing skills over a broad range of media, and production classes that introduce them to filmmaking, newswriting, digital imaging, web design, photography, and strategic communication writing. The media studies component of the program gives students a strong background in research skills, broad knowledge of global economic and political issues, and a deep understanding of how the media works, especially in an international environment. The production portion of the program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical groundings to be professionally competent and literate managers/producers/commissioners.

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale. Some background knowledge of communication studies, or media/journalism professional experience, or international studies and international work experience is recommended.

All applicants are required to submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). In addition, international applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A strong TOEFL score is necessary to ensure that students can fully benefit from the media production courses and analytical courses. All applicants must also submit two letters of reference evaluating undergraduate academic performance and suitability for graduate study in international affairs and communication.

Students apply to either SOC or SIS. Applications will be reviewed jointly by SOC and SIS, with both schools agreeing on student admission.

Degree Requirements

• 45 credit hours of approved graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00, including 12 credit hours of core courses, 6 credit hours of professional courses, 6 credit hours of methods courses, 6 credit hours of research/capstone courses, and 15 credit hours of electives.
  • Based on application, students have a home school in either SIS or SOC and complete a total of 24 credits hours in that home school, including their research/capstone requirement. Students must complete a total of 21 credit hours in the school that is not their home school.
  • Requests for the transfer of a maximum of six graduate credits will be considered only on an exceptional basis.
• Capstone experience: demonstration of research and writing skills through completion of the research/capstone requirement courses with grades of B or better.
• SOC students: a paper discussing the capstone project's relationship to the field of International Media.
• SIS students: evidence of professional experience in the field: relevant internship or work experience must be certified.
• Proficiency in a modern foreign language: Research competence in English and another language relevant to the student's career objectives must be certified.

Course Requirements