Media Studies, MA

Contact:

Bradley Gorham, Director of Media Studies Program

318 Newhouse 3, 315-443-3372, masscomm@syr.edu

Faculty:

See Faculty for the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

This program emphasizes media processes and effects. Areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to, political communication, popular media culture, social and psychological effects, and media and diversity. This program stresses media theory and research, with students exploring a topic of their choosing in a culminating thesis. It is excellent preparation for more advanced study at the doctoral level or for research-oriented jobs in the private or public sector.

This 36-credit program leads to a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Media Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students in the Media Studies program are expected to achieve the following additional learning outcomes:

Apply the core communication theories and concepts of mediated communications.
Apply the key qualitative and quantitative research methods used in the field of communications.
Recognize the role of contemporary media systems and processes in society and culture.
Recognize the basic principles of the First Amendment and communications law.
Recognize the role of media in a diverse and global environment.
Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the field of mass communication.

Core Curriculum (27 credits)

Electives (Choose two-6 Credits)

Elective courses will be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor and be relevant to the student’s course of study. Courses may include those offered in Newhouse, or elsewhere in the University.

For the Professional Research Track, this can include an internship.

Students choose one track (9 Credits)

Academic Research Track

Newhouse Research/Perspectives Courses (Choose two, 6 Credits)

ADV 645 - International Advertising 3 credit(s)
COM 600 - Selected Topics 1-6 credit(s)
COM 688 - Origins of Contemporary Media Issues 3 credit(s)
COM 740 - Topics in Research Communication 3 credit(s)
COM 777 - Seminar in Media Effects 3 credit(s)
ICC 617 - Issues in Media Management 3 credit(s)
TRF 592 - Film Business 3 credit(s)
TRF 594 - Television Business 3 credit(s)
TRF 595 - Programming and Audience Analysis 3 credit(s)
TRF 600 - Selected Topics 1-6 credit(s)
TRF 636 - Critical and Historical Perspectives on Television, Radio, and Film 3 credit(s)
TRF 683 - Communications Industry Frontiers 3 credit(s)

Thesis (3 credits)

COM 997 - Masters Thesis 1-6 credit(s)

Optional Benchmark (0 Credit)

Research benchmark trip

Professional Research Track

Newhouse Professionally Oriented Research Courses (Choose two, 6 Credits)

COM 628 - Social Media Strategy and Practice 3 credit(s)
COM 630 - Topics in Digital Media Content Strategies 3 credit(s)
COM 634 - Trendspotting in Digital Media 3 credit(s)
COM 647 - Applied Media Research 3 credit(s)
ICC 606 - Applied Research in Content Management 3 credit(s)
ICC 617 - Issues in Media Management 3 credit(s)
TRF 592 - Film Business 3 credit(s)
TRF 594 - Television Business 3 credit(s)
TRF 595 - Programming and Audience Analysis 3 credit(s)
TRF 696 - Research for Entertainment Media 3 credit(s)

Course Catalog

Media Studies, MA

Contact:

Faculty:

Student Learning Outcomes

Core Curriculum (27 credits)

Proseminar (0 credits)

Theory Courses (6 Credits)

Methods Courses (6 Credits)

Media Law (Choose one-3 Credits)

Diversity Course (3 Credits)

Research Design Course (3 Credits)