Mass Communication (MA)
San Marcos, Texas, USA, United States
Master of Arts in Mass Communication (Digital Media Communication)
Texas State University
Mass Communication & Digital Media
Program Overview: MA in Mass Communication at Texas State University
The Master of Arts in Mass Communication at Texas State University, offered through the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, prepares students for careers in digital media communication by combining theoretical foundations with hands-on skills-based training. The program is geared toward working professionals with or without a background in mass communication, and most students complete the degree in two years while working full time.
Students choose between two completion tracks: a professional project option or a thesis option. Core courses focus on media writing, digital storytelling, law and ethics, digital media issues, mass communication theory, and research methods. Electives cover topics such as human-computer interaction, web design, media design, content management, strategic communication campaigns, and crisis communication.
Courses are offered in face-to-face evening, online, and hybrid formats to accommodate working professionals. Students can also earn internship credit, participate in study abroad opportunities, or take independent study courses to personalize their graduate experience. Graduates from the program have gone on to work at prominent media organizations including The New York Times, CNN, and NPR.
Key Program Highlights
- Flexible scheduling with evening, online, and hybrid course formats designed for working professionals
- Two completion tracks available: professional project or academic thesis
- Graduate assistantships offered with competitive stipends and out-of-state tuition waivers
- Curriculum blends digital media skills with communication theory and research methods
Curriculum & Modules
The MA in Mass Communication curriculum consists of an 18-credit-hour core complemented by elective courses and a capstone requirement (professional project or thesis). Core courses build a strong foundation in media writing, digital storytelling, communication theory, and research, while electives allow you to specialize in areas aligned with your career goals.
Mass Communication Theory
3 Credit HoursExamines foundational and contemporary theories of mass communication, exploring how media influences individuals, groups, and societies in the digital age.
Media Law and Ethics
3 Credit HoursStudy of laws and regulations as they pertain to media operations and the internal and external codes that guide media behavior in professional practice.
Digital Media Design
3 Credit HoursInstructs students in web development and design, including HTML and CSS coding, graphics, multimedia programs, and web development frameworks, while addressing the social implications of creating for the web.
Global Media Issues
3 Credit HoursExamines media systems worldwide in different socioeconomic contexts and studies the patterns of international information flow across global communication networks.
Seminar in Strategic Communication
3 Credit HoursBroadens students' understanding of advertising and public relations through an integrated communication perspective, covering client-agency relationships, strategic planning, and globalization.
Gender, Race, and Class in the Media
3 Credit HoursTakes a theoretical approach to studying representations of gender, race, and class in the mass media, combining historical overview with in-depth analysis of current conditions.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MA in Mass Communication program at Texas State University is competitive and designed to identify candidates who demonstrate academic readiness and professional potential. The program welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including those without a prior degree in mass communication. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on your application.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's DegreeBaccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university; non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree
- Minimum GPA2.75 overall GPA or 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework (plus any completed graduate courses)
- Letters of RecommendationTwo letters from individuals competent to assess your capacity for graduate education in mass communication
- Statement of PurposeA professional narrative (up to 500 words) discussing how the skills learned in the program will be applied in current or future careers
- Resume/CVDetailed resume including educational background, work experience, and extracurricular activities
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score required; contact Uni4Edu for current score thresholds
- IELTS (Academic)Minimum score required; contact Uni4Edu for current score thresholds
- Other Accepted TestsDuolingo English Test and PTE Academic are also accepted; contact Uni4Edu for details
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Texas State University and its Graduate College offer a variety of scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to support graduate students in the MA in Mass Communication program. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication also provides departmental funding opportunities. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding options available to you.
SJMC Graduate Assistantships
Competitive stipend plus out-of-state tuition waiverGraduate assistantships within the School of Journalism and Mass Communication provide valuable teaching or research experience along with financial support, including competitive stipends and out-of-state tuition waivers for qualifying students.
Texas State Merit Fellowships
16% to 50% tuition reduction for the first yearThe Graduate College's Merit Fellowships are intended to recruit high-quality master's degree-seeking students. Admitted students in eligible programs are automatically considered with no separate application required.
Thesis Research Support Fellowship
Up to USD 2,000Available to master's students on the thesis track, this fellowship covers expenses directly related to conducting thesis research. Two rounds of funding applications are offered each year through the Graduate College.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA in Mass Communication program at Texas State University are well-prepared for leadership roles across the rapidly evolving media and communications landscape. The program's blend of digital skills, strategic thinking, and theoretical knowledge positions alumni for success in diverse industries ranging from journalism and public relations to digital media consulting and corporate communications.
Potential Career Roles
Where Graduates Work
Rankings & Recognition
Texas State University has earned recognition across multiple national ranking systems, reflecting its commitment to academic quality, social mobility, and student outcomes. The university has been climbing steadily in major rankings and is recognized by Princeton Review among the Best 391 Colleges in America.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| National Universities | U.S. News & World Report | #257 |
| Top Public Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #145 |
| Top Performers on Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | #144 |
| Best Colleges in America | Princeton Review | Best 391 Colleges (2026) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Journalism
Texas State University, San Marcos, United States
Earliest Intake
September 2026
Gross Tuition
24520 $
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Communication (MA)
University Of Arizona, Tucson, United States
Earliest Intake
July 2025
Gross Tuition
32065 $
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Media and Communication BA
University of Winchester, , United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
16700 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
International Media and Management
Prifysgol Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
18000 £
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Media - BA (Hons)
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2025
Gross Tuition
23500 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
