www.mediaschool.ohiou.edu/

The School of Media Arts and Studies (formerly the School of Telecommunications) offers programs of study leading to the Master of Arts in Media Arts and Studies and the Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communication. The Ph.D. is offered in conjunction with the School of Journalism.

At the master‘s level, students design their own program s of study with approval of a faculty committee. Specializations may include international communication, management, policy/regulation, media studies, and multimedia. The master’s program prepares students for careers in the media industries and related fields. It can also serve as the basis for doctoral studies.

A specialization in public broadcasting is also available. It focuses on noncommercial radio and television, and provides practical experience through Ohio University’s Telecommunications Center and through internships. Assistantships are available for women and minorities who have a minimum of three years of full-time public broadcasting experience.

Admission

Admission to graduate study in Media Arts and Studies requires a baccalaureate degree for the master’s program and a completed master’s degree for the Ph.D.  program . For master’s applicants, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is expected, although other factors—professional experience or test results, for exam­ple—will be considered.  Doctoral applicants are expected to present academic credentials of a   particularly high academic standard.

Applicants are required to submit letters of recom­menda­tion, Graduate Record Examination, writing samples, an applicant information form (available from the School of Telecommunications), an application form, and transcripts of all university academic work. Applicants should have prior professional or academic experience in electronic media or closely allied fields of communication. However, academic and professional potential as documented in application materials can offset the lack of a strong background in the field. On advice from the school’s graduate committee, individuals may be required to make up deficiencies by enrolling in appropriate undergraduate courses or by completing a directed readings program.

All application materials must be received no later than February 1 for applications from U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, international applicants should ensure that all materials are received no later than December 31 to allow time for international transcripts to be evaluated. Applications will be accepted only for fall quarter entry.

Requirements

The nonthesis master’s program consists of coursework totaling 56 hours, including a minimum of 25 hours in the major field of study and at least 8 hours in a supporting area. These supporting courses are selected from one or more departments outside the School of Telecommunications and may include courses from more than one department. A thesis option exists for those students with a special interest in academic research.

All master’s students are required to take two courses: MDIA (TCOM) 501, Introduction to Graduate Study, and MDIA (TCOM) 601, Introduction to Mass Communication Research. At the end of their studies, nonthesis students must successfully complete a comprehensive examination and thesis students must present an  approved thesis.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained. Those who earn a grade below a B (3.0) in more than two courses will not be permitted to continue in the  program.

Ph.D. requirements are listed under Mass Communication.