The Masters Program
Masters programs in the School of Media Arts and Studies focus on theory making, research, and stress the non-technical aspects of electronic media. Coursework is geared towards preparing students to enter or continue working in electronic media and related fields, and for doctoral studies. Masters students can select from a broad range of specializations in international media, new technology, media management, media policy, media studies, multimedia, public broadcasting, or communication and development.

The Public Broadcasting master’s program is jointly administered by the School of Media Arts and Studies and WOUB Radio and WOUB Television, the University’s PBS and NPR stations. After completing the Public Broadcasting master’s program, students are prepared to return to public broadcasting careers with specialized skills and experiences gained through their coursework and its professional application, working for WOUB during their studies.

The Communication and Development master’s program is jointly administered by the School of Media Arts and Studies and the Center for International Studies. With a focus on communication strategies and implementation for positive social change, the Communication and Development program is unique in its approach to the study of international development.

Masters Programs of Study
Ohio University operates on a quarter system. The masters program is generally a 4-quarter course of study. Masters students take a minimum of 25 hours of coursework within the School of Media Arts and Studies, plus MDIA (TCOM) 501 Introduction to Graduate Studies and MDIA 601 Introduction to Research. Additionally, graduate students are required to take a minimum of 8 credit hours outside the School of Media Arts and Studies.

Degree completion requirements differ for students enrolled in the Communication and Development program. For information on the program of study requirements for the Communication and Development program, jointly administered by the School of Media Arts and Studies and the Center for International Studies, please consult the Communication and Development website. Applicants must apply directly to the Communication and Development program rather than to the School of Media Arts and Studies.

For a list of Mass Communication courses offered by the School of Media Arts and Studies refer to Course Descriptions.

Masters Advisory Committee
During the first quarter of study, master’s students select a faculty member from the School of Media Arts and Studies to serve as their advisor and chairperson on their advisory committee. The chair assists in laying out program goals and the selection of courses in the program of study. The committee must approve the student’s program of study, and will also evaluate the comprehensive examination or approve the thesis proposal and final draft.

Masters Examination and Thesis Options
In addition to course requirements, students in the master’s program must successfully complete either a comprehensive examination or a thesis.

A list of Past Dissertations/Theses completed by graduates of the School of Media Arts and Studies provides examples of the ways in which students developed their areas of specialization based on the research concentrations of their master’s program of study.