MA Media Studies

The masters program in Radio-Television-Film emphasizes critical and contextual approaches to the study of media objects, industries, and cultures. With globally recognized faculty specializing in a wide array of media studies subfields, we prepare you for future career paths in academia, non-profit work, and the private sector.

The M.A. (Media Studies) is designed as a two-year scholarly degree program in which students produce work that applies theory to original research. There are two options to complete the degree: thesis (30-hour program of work) or master's report (33-hour program of work). Students are also required to take six credit hours in a minor field, outside the Department of Radio-TV-Film. Minor work may be taken in the College of Communication or elsewhere in the University. Coursework is chosen in consultation with the Graduate Advisor.

Thesis Option

Students will incorporate 30 hours of coursework and research culminating in a Thesis, written under the direction of an advisor and second reader.

Report Option

Some students see the M.A. as a primarily professional degree that equips them to work in media or other fields of work at a more advanced level. Such students typically produce a Master’s Report employing applied research or they generate a creative project. 

Learn more about the Program of Work.