Journalism and Strategic Media (MA)

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Program objectives are: (1) Apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, both in a global context and in the United States. (2) Demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications. (3) Demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially along racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation and ability differences. (4) Present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies. (5) Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve. (6) Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity. (7) Apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work. (8) Effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts. (9) Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness. (10) Apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work. (11) Contribute to knowledge appropriate to the journalism and strategic media profession.

MA Degree Program

Students in the MA program may take courses in advertising, news, new and emerging media, public relations, and visual communication in keeping with their needs and interests. The curriculum is designed for undergraduates interested in advanced study, practicing professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and sharpen their skills, workers changing careers. Students should consult with the coordinator of graduate studies and with faculty advisors in designing individual course plans.

Program Admission and Prerequisites

Applicants to the program are evaluated on a monthly basis. Students may be admitted for the fall or spring semesters or for the summer session. Admission to the journalism and strategic media program is competitive. Multiple criteria are considered and include cumulative grade point averages, relevant employment history in the form of a resume, and a personal goal statement.

Applicants whose highest degree is from a foreign university must have their credentials evaluated. The university will accept evaluations done by any credentialing agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services web site (http://www.naces.org).

Program Requirements

Courses and credit hours. Students will complete their degrees with a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit. All courses taken for graduate credit must be approved by the graduate faculty of the department. Student work must be completed at a level of performance satisfactory to the graduate faculty. Students must complete all journalism courses with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Course work taken outside the department must be approved by the student’s advisor. No more than 9 credit hours of coursework may be taken at the 6000-level.

Students with graduate credit earned at another institution may petition to have it applied toward their degree requirements at the University of Memphis. Such credit is not transferred automatically and must be approved by the graduate faculty. A maximum of 6 semester hours earned at another regionally accredited university may be applied toward the master’s degree requirements at the University of Memphis.
Students will choose one of three emphasis areas: Integrated Strategic Media (12 hours), Visual Media (12 hours), or News and Storytelling (12 hours) plus electives (9 hours).
Required Courses. All students are required to complete a six-hour core consisting of Pro Seminar and Mass Communication Theory. Students must complete Pro Seminar by the end of their first semester.

Students in the Journalism and Strategic Media program are also required to complete one Mass Communication Research Methods course.

Students are encouraged to prioritize the core courses, and complete them as soon as possible. No more than three hours in either JRSM 7700 or JRSM 7800, but not both, may be applied to the degree. No more than three hours in either JRSM 7600 or JRSM 7650, but not both, may be applied to the degree. All requirements for the degree must be completed in eight years. Courses older than eight years will not be allowed as credit toward the master’s degree. Additionally, students who entered the program without an undergraduate degree in journalism and mass communication or a similar field are required to take JRSM 6700,JRSM 7320, and JRSM 7000.

Students may also complete a practicum or professional project.

Professional Project ( JRSM 7998 - Professional Project **). Students seeking master’s degrees to enhance career progress may complete a professional project under the direction of a faculty member. In a project, students create an original work that can be used by a professional outlet. The way a project is completed depends on the type of work being done. Students are expected to complete a project that would be useful in their careers.

A professional project can take many forms. It might be a marketing plan, business startup, a communications plan for a nonprofit organization, a series of research-based journalism articles, or a visual creative project. Students will determine the expectations and guidelines for the project with a journalism and strategic media faculty mentor.

Students must take 3 credit hours of project credit, and cannot count more than 3 toward graduation, but may take more if needed.

A project might need approval from the Institutional Review Board, depending on the type of research.

Practicum (JRSM 7600 Graduate Media Practicum) Students may take Graduate Media Practicum during the program. Although all graduate students are encouraged to work multiple internships during the program, students may only count one for the graduate media practicum experience.