College of Communication > Academics > Communication and Media > Graduate Program > Communication and Media (MA) > Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

The MA in Communication and Media degree requires a minimum of 48 credit hours to earn. Courses include a set of core courses, a methods course, concentration electives in either Applied Communication or Media and Popular Culture, and general electives. Students complete the program with either a comprehensive exam or a project/thesis.

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours and a degree completion option.
  • Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

Communication and Media Concentrations

Completion Requirement: Comprehensive Final Exam or Project/Thesis

Students in the Master of Arts in Communication and Media complete their degree requirements by passing a comprehensive final exam. Students who attain a 3.75 GPA or higher and obtain prior approval from the graduate program director have the option to complete a culminating project or thesis instead of the comprehensive final exam. Students completing a project or thesis will enroll in CMNS 599 as their 12th and final course in the quarter they defend their project/thesis.  

Grade Requirements  

All students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.000 in their coursework. If a student's cumulative GPA falls below 3.000, the student will be allowed to complete an additional 16 credits or 3 quarters (whichever comes first) to attain the 3.000 minimum GPA. If the cumulative GPA remains below a 3.000 at the conclusion of this time period, the student may be dismissed from the program. The student's cumulative and term GPAs along with overall academic performance will be factored into the dismissal decision.

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