MA in Journalism with Emphasis in Strategic Communication

Degree Requirements

The Strategic Communication emphasis area is only available in the online MA program. This area, which includes a minimum of 33 credits to graduate, includes both required and elective courses. The electives may be courses from within the same area, from another area or transferred graduate hours from another accredited institution. For students with special needs, an individualized curriculum may be designed with the student’s advisor, subject to approval of the associate dean for graduate studies.

Core Requirements
The program core is completed by all students:
JOURN 8000Mass Media Seminar3
JOURN 8006Quantitative Research Methods in Journalism3
or JOURN 8008 Qualitative Research Methods in Journalism
JOURN 8070Proseminar in Communications (Section 4)2
JOURN 8070Proseminar in Communications (Section 5)1
JOURN 8080Media Ethics3
Emphasis Area Electives
Students must select 15 hours from the following courses:
JOURN 7000Communications Law3
JOURN 7252Branded Strategic Storytelling3
JOURN 7256Public Relations3
JOURN 7262Digital Strategy I3
JOURN 7510Visual Communications3
JOURN 7700Engaged Journalism3
JOURN 7736Changing Media Business Models3
JOURN 7812Online Audience Development3
JOURN 8042Health News and Promotion3
JOURN 8044Strategic Conflict Management3
JOURN 8056Theory of Mass Communication3
JOURN 8058Communication in Media Organizations3
Capstone Thesis/Project
JOURN 8100
JOURN 8090
MA Thesis Seminar
and Research in Journalism
6
or JOURN 8098
JOURN 8190
MA Project Seminar
and Area Problem in Journalism

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Thesis/Non-Thesis Requirements

Students may choose from two options: thesis or professional project. The thesis is an independent research study and is appropriate for students who may intend to pursue a doctorate. The professional project is appropriate for students who wish to work as professionals in the journalism industry.

To prepare for the capstone semester students will enroll in either JOURN 8100 Thesis Seminar, or JOURN 8098 Project Seminar, in the semester prior to their capstone. During the seminar students will form their faculty committee and develop and gain approval for their thesis or project proposal. Successful completion of the seminar is one of the prerequisites to beginning the capstone semester.

Admissions

Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the requirements of the MA in Journalism program and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School. Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program's graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility and application process. Your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you’ve applied before official admission to the University of Missouri.

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