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The MMC degree program is designed for (1) individuals with undergraduate degrees in mass communication or a related discipline who wish to build upon their prior academic experience, (2) college or university graduates now working as professional mass communication practitioners who wish to supplement their experience with advanced study, (3) individuals without an undergraduate education in mass communication or professional media experience who desire a career change, and (4) international students interested in understanding the U.S. mass communication system.

Admission

Procedures and Requirements

• Admission to the MMC program is highly competitive, especially for students seeking assistantships. Compliance with the minimum admission standards listed below does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

• Applications are accepted for fall admission only. All applicants must meet the following minimum admission standards:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in a relevant course of study

• A 3.0 undergraduate GPA ("A"=4.0)

• A combined score of 1000 on the quantitative and verbal portions of the GRE, with a least 500 on the verbal section.

International students need to have a 600 (213 computer-based score) or higher score on the TOEFL.

Applicants must fill out and submit the LSU Graduate School application form, available online: http://gradlsu.gs.lsu.edu/


Note: Send application and all transcripts and test scores to the LSU Graduate School.

In addition to meeting the above requirements, applicants must submit the following to Dr. Margaret DeFleur, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, The Manship School of Mass Communication, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-7202; Phone: 225-578-0334; e-mail: defleur@lsu.edu

• A letter in which the applicant describes his or her objectives in pursuing the MMC degree, career goals, and research interests.

• A resume that provides a summary of the applicant's academic and employment history, honors, publications (if any).

• Three letters of recommendation that attest to the applicant's aptitude for study at the Master's level. At least one must be from a College or University Professor.

Examples of professional and scholarly work also may be submitted.

An applicant whose scholastic average or GRE scores does not meet the Manship School requirement may be considered if the applicant presents evidence of notable professional qualifications or outstanding undergraduate and/or graduate academic work. Although the Manship School may consider applications received after the deadline, applications must be received by January 25 to receive full consideration for assistantships and fellowships. Inquiries concerning this master's program, financial assistance, and application procedures should be directed to Associate Dean Margaret DeFleur at the address above.

Requirements For The MMC Degree
 

The Master of Mass Communication degree in the Manship School of Mass Communication specializes in media and public affairs. It is anticipated that students will make course selections to further focus on a specific type of mass media practice. For example, students may view their study of public affairs as public relations/advertising, as political communications in general or as journalistic (reporting of public affairs). An additional semester of work, shown below as Foundation Courses, must be taken by students without mass communication backgrounds. Decisions about which foundation courses must be taken will be by the associate dean for graduate studies and research.

Foundation Courses  (For students without mass media backgrounds)

Mass Media  (No degree credit)

4111  Mass Media Practices (3)

4211  Mass Media Principles (3)

Statistics (For students without statistics classes. No degree credit. Choose one: Political Science  4001, 7962; Sociology 2211, 4211 or  7201; or Psychology 2011, 4111, 7111)

Media Law (For students who have not taken a media law class, this course is required and will count as elective.) MC7018  Legal Problems of the Mass

Media (3)

Core Courses (16)

            7000  Proseminar in Mass Communication (Should be taken in first

           semester) (1)

            7001  Research Methods in Mass Communication (3)

            7002  Mass Communication Philosophy and Principles (3)

            7021  Mass Communication Theory (3)

            7005  Public Opinion and Public Affairs (3)

            7004  The News Media and Governance (3)

 Take two classes from one of the following sets (6):                        

     SET 1:                                        

            7006  Public Relations Strategies and Tactics (3)

           7007  Public Relations Administration (3)

            7025  Advertising Theory and Processes (3)

            7999  Public Affairs Advertising Campaigns (*7013)

     SET 2:     

           4270  News Production for the Internet (3)

           7011 -- News Workers and Their Organizations (3)

            4250 -- Public Affairs Reporting (3)

            4500  Advanced Journalism (3)

     SET 3:         

            7209  Public Communication Practices (3)

            7210  Public Communication Administration (3)

            7036  Seminar in Media and Public Affairs Theory (3)

 Electives (6)

Select two courses at the 4000 or 7000 level. These may come from the School of Mass Communication, Political Science or, with approval of the associate dean for graduate studies, another appropriate discipline. Non-thesis students must take three electives.

Thesis (6) 8000 (6)

 or 

Non-Thesis (6)   8002  Professional Projects (6)

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