Degree Requirements

The Master of Communication and Media program is self-paced and consists of 36 credits. All students take the same five program core courses (12 credits), then choose elective and specialization courses (24 credits). Internship and study abroad opportunities are available as electives. There are no language or mathematics requirements. Explore core and specialization requirements on the MCM course map.

Most students finish the program in 18–24 months, although some complete it within 15 months.

Browse the Full Course Directory

Core Courses

All students are required to take these courses (12 credits) regardless of their specialization:

• 17:194:508 E-Portfolio* See our video on the E-Portfolio course
• 17:194:548 Communication Ethics or 17:194:594 Digital Media Ethics*
• 17:194:513 MCM Graduate Experience (0 credit/tuition course, 3-Hour Live Workshop)
• 17:194:514 Communication Research or 17:194:556 Digital Media Research*
• 17:194:519 Capstone Seminar

*Note: Students specializing in Digital Media take Digital Media Ethics and Digital Media Research. All others take Communication Ethics and Communication Research. 
Students specializing in Communication and Media Research are not required to take ePortfolio.

Recommended Course Sequence

First Semester - 17:194:513 MCM Graduate Experience and 17:194:508 E-Portfolio

Second Semester - Research class

Last Semester Before Graduation - 17:194:519 Capstone Seminar

Note: Capstone Seminar is offered in Fall and Spring semesters only.

End‑of‑Program Requirements

To successfully complete the MCM degree, students must:

• Present their Capstone research project at a public colloquium.
• Present their professional ePortfolio at a semester-end showcase event.
• Submit a Leadership Narrative Briefing to the MCM program director.

Credit Transfer Policy

Transfer Credits

A maximum of six graduate credits may be transferred to the MCM program from another program outside the MCM, provided the credits were earned within the past five years, the coursework directly supports your development and preparation in the MCM program, and each course carries a grade of B or better. The MCM degree requires a total of 36 credits; up to 6 credits may be transferred, and at least 30 credits must be completed within the MCM program.

Submitting a Transfer-Credit Request (after admission)

Send a request letter to the MCM Program Director identifying the course(s) and explaining how each supports the MCM degree and your professional goals. Include the course descriptions or syllabi and the Credit Transfer Evaluation Form. Send official transcripts from the transferring institution to the SC&I Office of Student Services. If approved, Student Services will forward the transcripts and the transfer-credit request to the Graduate Registrar.

Review and Notification

The Program Director will evaluate the request. Student Services will notify you of the decision.