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.

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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 Digital Media Ethics 17:194:594*
• 17:194:513 MCM Graduate Experience (0 credit/tuition course, 3-Hour Live Workshop)
• 17:194:514 Communication Research or Digital Media Research 17:194:556*
• 17:194:519 Capstone Seminar*

*If you specialize in Digital Media, take Digital Media Ethics and Media Research. All others would take Communication Ethics and Communication Research. The program also differentiates the Capstone course to allow students to work on papers or projects related to their specialization. Those students specializing in Communication and Media Research are not required to enroll in E-Portfolio (508).

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

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.