… Graduate School Policies & Procedures This section includes basic information about graduate school in general and about the Master of Mass Communication at SDSU. How does the program relate to others? Master’s degree programs in most disciplines fall into three general categories: Option A, thesis only; Option B, research paper or project; Option C, classwork only. Typically, option A is 30 credits, including a thesis for five to seven credits. Option B is often 32 credits, with a paper or project for two or three credits. Option C is usually around 36 credits. The MMC is available as … take and cohorts “mix.” This means that students from more than one cohort can be enrolled in the same course at the same time. Half of the total credits must be 600/700 level courses open only to graduate students. This requirement ensures a higher-level classroom experience that is more challenging than 400/500 classes which contain both undergrad and grad …
… of the questions new students ask us. If you don’t find your question or answer below, ask your adviser. How will a master’s degree benefit me? Anyone, of course, can be a lifelong learner, but pursuing learning within the confines of an advanced degree has several benefits, such as: Increased knowledge —A master’s degree can deepen your knowledge in familiar … move to a new position or change careers. Material benefits—In many public, and some private organizations, a master’s degree will move you up the pay scale. Journalism and mass communication graduates with a master’s degree tend to earn $6,000 more, on average, than bachelor’s degree graduates. How does a master’s differ from a bachelor’s? In an undergraduate … to engage you in the content. The characteristics of successful distance ed students include: the ability to communicate through writing; self-discipline and self-motivation; open-mindedness about sharing life, work, and professional experiences. While there is flexibility in when you engage in course content, there are also clear deadlines and …
… MMC Project/Portfolio Presentation When students finish their project, they schedule a presentation before their committee, including a professional representative, whose role is as a “referee” and “quality control.” The presentation is especially important in an online program, as it requires students to … are conducted via video conference, however, students are welcome to come to campus if they so choose. Students must be actively enrolled the term they present and their advisor may decide to postpone the presentation if they feel the student and/or work is not prepared. The typical presentation process is as follows: Student introduction (3-5 minutes) Project …
… and, at the end of the program, a two-credit professional project. For the project, students identify a problem or ask an important question, solve the problem/find an answer, or complete a creative project. The project is practical, assisting students in their current position or enhancing their career aspirations. The project must be written for a specific audience. For advertising, marketing and public relations … the target audience is your client. For journalism projects, your audience is your readership – either the general public or a specific niche audience like that of a particular magazine. If your project is an educational project, your audience is those who will decide to offer the class and/or teach it. Some topics, such as social media, are …