Admission to Graduate Study
Admission to Graduate Study
Advancement to Candidacy
Advancement to Candidacy
Associateships
Faculty
General Information
Specific Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree
Specific Requirements for the
Master of Arts Degree
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Michael R. Real, Ph.D., Professor of Communication, Director of the School of Communication
Janis F. Andersen, Ed.D., Professor of Communication, Interim Dean, Imperial Valley Campus
Peter A. Andersen, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
Hayes L. Anderson, Ph.D., Professor of Communication, Associate Dean, College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Wayne A. Beach, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
Carroll Parrott Blue, M.F.A., Professor of Communication (Graduate Adviser to Television, Film, and New Media Production, Specialization in Telecommunications and Media Management)
Glen M. Broom, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
James K. Buckalew, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
George N. Dionisopoulos, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
David M. Dozier, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
Gregory C. Durbin, M.F.A., Professor of Communication
Barbara W. Hartung, Ph.D., Professor of Communication, Executive Assistant to the President,
Susan A. Hellweg, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
Joseph S. Johnson, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
Martha M. Lauzen, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
Myron W. Lustig, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
Barbara Mueller, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
Jack Ofield, Professor of Communication, Filmmaker in Residence in Communication
Larry A. Samovar, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
Brian H. Spitzberg, Ph.D., Professor of Communication, Graduate Director, School of Communication
Al R. Weitzel, Ph.D., Professor of Communication
K. Tim Wulfemeyer, Ed.D., Professor of Communication
Joel J. Davis, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication (Graduate Adviser to Specializations in Advertising and Public Relations, New Media Studies, News and Information Studies)
Patricia J. Geist, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication (Graduate Adviser to Specializations in Critical-Cultural Studies, Interaction Studies, Intercultural and International Studies)
Donald R. Martin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication
Thomas C. Meador, M.A., Associate Professor of Communication
Gregory R. Miller, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication
Christiane Robbins, M.F.A., Assistant Professor of Communication
Joseph E. Spevak, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication
John M. Eger, J.D., The Lionel Van Deerlin Professor of Communication and Public Policy
Jonathan Freedman, Adjunct Professor in Communication
Graduate students are employed in the School of Communication in teaching, research, and other areas. Graduate teaching associateships in communication are available to a limited -number of qualified students. A limited number of graduate assistantships also are available in the School of Communication for those with academic or professional experience in various research and creative areas. Contact the Graduate Director or any of the graduate advisers for further information. Call (619) 594-5450 for an application.
The School of Communication offers graduate study leading to the Master of Arts degree in communication or the Master of Arts degree in television, film, and new media production. The Master of Arts degree in communication prepares students either for additional graduate work leading to a doctoral degree or for various careers in industry. The Master of Arts degree in television, film, and new media production prepares students for careers in creative areas of media design and production.
The School of Communication houses the Production Center for Documentary and Drama, which is integral to the technical and artistic training of senior students in film, video and the interface between these technologies, and in documentary production. In the Center, students participate in full-scale location and studio production and are mentored by the Filmmaker in Residence in the creation of their required course film and video projects.
Master of Arts Degree in
Communication
The Master of Arts degree in communication provides advanced studies in seven areas of specialization, including advertising and public relations, critical-cultural studies, interaction studies, intercultural and international studies, new media studies, news and information studies, and telecommunications and media management. Each specialization prepares students for one of three career paths: 1) Rigorous theoretical and methodological studies prepare students for additional graduate work at the doctoral level. 2) Studies in specific content areas prepare students for leadership positions in key communication industries and professional areas. 3) Combining studies in communication with selected courses in the College of Education prepare students for teaching careers at the community college level. Placement of communication graduates in doctoral programs is excellent; speech communication professors recently rated this program as one of the top five master's programs in the nation. Other graduates occupy leadership positions in advertising, human resource development, media and telecommunications management, new media, organizational communication, organizational training, public relations, and telecommunications policy.
Research interests of faculty and students include conversation analysis, interpersonal communication, rhetorical criticism, relational communication, group communication, organizational communication, social influence processes, communication message and program strategies, instructional processes, media organizations and professionals, audience uses of media, media history, media production, media ethics, new media studies and technologies, media -criticism, media management, political communication, communication regulation and policy, international communication and intercultural communication.
Graduate students in the School of Communication have access to computer equipment to support research endeavors. Master's degree students are encouraged to work with faculty on research projects and to develop their own research programs. In addition, the School of Communication operates a large color television studio, a film and video production center, and a radio complex as instructional and research facilities. The School collaborates with other departments in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts to operate the Multimedia Center.
| Students will be admitted for the Fall and Spring semester. For Fall admission, applications must be received by March 1. For Spring admission, applications must be received by November 1. |
In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the University with classified graduate standing as outlined in Part Two of this bulletin, students applying for admission to the Master of Arts degree in communication are evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. Undergraduate major or minor in advertising, communication, film, journalism, radio-television, speech communication, public relations, or a related communication discipline. Those lacking adequate undergraduate preparation may be admitted conditionally to the program and are required to take one or more proficiency courses identified for each specialization, as determined by the graduate adviser for that specialization. Proficiency courses do not count toward the 30 units of a student's graduate program.
2. Minimum grade point average of 3.4 in the last 60 semester units attempted or an overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.8 with a 3.0 in the last 60 semester units attempted.
3. Acceptable Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on the verbal and quantitative sections of the test.
4. Three letters of recommendation from academic references that speak to the student's ability to succeed in graduate studies. Students applying to the specializations in advertising and public relations, news and information, and telecommunications and media management may substitute up to two professional references for academic references.
5. A personal Statement of Purpose composed by the applicant that: 1) identifies the degree specialization that provides the best fit with the applicant's objectives, 2) describes the applicant's undergraduate and/or professional preparation for graduate studies in the program and specialization, and 3) articulates the personal and/or career objectives that graduate studies in communication will help the applicant pursue.
All documents required for admission, including letters of recommendation and Statement of Purpose, are submitted directly to Graduate Admissions, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-7455.
In addition to meeting the general requirements for advancement to candidacy described in Part Two of this bulletin, students seeking the Master of Arts degree in communication must complete Communication 600A and 600B with a B grade or better prior to advancement.
In addition to meeting the requirements for the Master of Arts degree as described in Part Two of this bulletin and the requirements for one of the following seven communication specializations, the student must complete a minimum of 30 units in courses acceptable on master's degree programs. At least 18 units of the total program must be in courses numbered 600-799. In addition to courses in the School of Communication, students may take six units of graduate coursework in other departments and schools of the University, depending on their communication specialization and with prior approval of their graduate adviser.
This specialization offers systematic training for individuals who seek advanced knowledge of advertising and public relations theory for application to careers in advertising, public relations, or allied field or who plan to continue studies of advertising or public relations at the doctoral level.
Proficiency Requirements. Undergraduate degree in journalism, advertising, public relations, or related field. Students lacking an undergraduate background in advertising or public relations are required to select 12 units from Communication 460, 461, 480, 481; Journalism 220.
Graduate Courses. Students may select Plan A, thesis, by completing Communication 799A (3 units) or, if Plan B is selected, the student must complete three units of 600-700 level coursework in the School of Communication and pass the Comprehensive Examination in Communication. With approval of the graduate adviser, at least nine units from Communication 506, 540, 560, 565, 580, 585, 589, 700, 701, 777, 780, 785; and 12 units from Communication 610, 630, 640, 696, 708, 720, 725, 771, 792; Sociology 527, 531, 537, 556, 557, 602, 603, 700, 740, 760, 797, 798 or from other graduate courses outside the School of Communication. No more than six units may be taken outside the School of Communication.
This specialization offers a wide-ranging examination of criticism, culture, and communication, drawing from international developments in critical studies and cultural studies as incisive intellectual activities. Rhetorical criticism, film theory, postmodernism, and related but diverse sources prepare students for scholarly or applied careers in communication.
Proficiency Requirements. At least three undergraduate courses in media history and criticism and/or rhetorical theory and criticism.
Graduate Courses. Student may select Plan A, thesis, by completing Communication 799A (3 units) or, if Plan B is selected, the student must complete three units of 600-700 level coursework in the School of Communication and pass the Comprehensive Examination in Communication. Requirements include Communication 640 and at least six units selected from Communication 545, 590, 630, 730, 740, 745, and at least six additional units from Communication 545, 590, 630, 700, 701, 708, 720, 740, 745, 747, 755, 760, 764, 766, 771, 792. With approval of the graduate adviser, six units of electives selected from Communication 500-596; Anthropology 580, 582, 603; Television, Film, and New Media 615, 660; Women's Studies 515, 590, 603, 604; or other graduate courses outside the School of Communication. No more than six units may be taken outside the School of Communication.
This specialization recognizes interaction as the original and fundamental communication process, as well as the predominant means through which social life is practically accomplished. Systematic attention is given to the organization of interaction across diverse social relationships, activities, and contexts.
Proficiency Requirements. Students lacking an undergraduate background in communication are required to select 12 units from Communication 371, 406, 415, 445, 530, 535, 579, 583, 584, 592.
Graduate Courses. Students may select Plan A, thesis, by completing Communication 799A (3 units) or, if Plan B is selected, the student must complete three units of 600-700 level coursework in the School of Communication and pass the Comprehensive Examination in Communication. With approval of the graduate adviser, a minimum of six units selected from Communication 620, 630, 730; a minimum of nine units selected from Communication 610, 640, 706, 715, 720, 735, 771, 791, 792, 798; and six units of electives in Communication courses at the 500-700 level not listed as specialization courses above; or Anthropology 580, 603, 604; Linguistics 525, 551, 651; Philosophy 531; Psychology 745; and may include up to six units of graduate coursework outside the School of Communication.
This specialization recognizes the growing need for international and intercultural understanding in a world made smaller by increased travel and improved communication technologies. The globalization of communication enterprises increases the need for improved international understanding as well as increased professional competence in dealing with enterprises that transcend national borders.
Proficiency Requirements. No additional proficiency requirements.
Graduate Courses. Students may select Plan A, thesis, by completing Communication 799A (3 units) or, if Plan B is selected, the student must complete three units of 600-700 level coursework in the School of Communication and pass the Comprehensive Examination in Communication. With approval of the graduate adviser, a minimum of nine units selected from Communication 591, 715, 720, 771; and three units selected from the following methods courses: Communication 620, 630, 640, 730; and nine elective units of graduate courses selected from the School of Communication; or Anthropology 580, 582, 583, 600, 603, 604, 621; Women's Studies 530, 580, 605; or courses in other departments relevant to intercultural and international studies. No more than six units may be taken outside the School of Communication.
This specialization involves advanced studies of emerging communication technologies and their impact on the communication industries and professions, as well as society as a whole. Such studies help students pursue careers involving new media in communication industries and in education.
Proficiency Requirements. No additional proficiency requirements.
Graduate Courses. Students may select Plan A, thesis, by completing Communication 799A (3 units) or, if Plan B is selected, the student must complete three units of 600-700 level coursework in the School of Communication and pass the Comprehensive Examination in Communication. With approval of the graduate adviser, a minimum of nine units, of which six must be at the 600-700 level selected from Communication 505, 540, 555, 575, 591, 596, 700, 705, 730, 740, 760, 762, 764. Six units from the following research courses: Communication 610, 620, 630, 640, 725; Sociology 602, 603, 760; and six units of electives from communication courses numbered 500-799; Computer Science 520, 524, 530, 532; Educational Technology 540, 541, 544, 553, 572, 640, 653, 685; Information and Decision Systems 609, 688, 705; or Sociology 527, 531, 537, 556, 557, 602, 603, 700, 740, 760, 797. No more than six units may be taken outside the School of Communication.
This specialization involves advanced studies of journalistic practices in print and electronic media, including ethics, history, law, and the impact of journalistic practices on society as a whole. Such studies serve those pursuing careers in journalism who seek a broader and deeper understanding of the profession and its impact on society and those planning to continue studies at the doctoral level
Proficiency Requirements. Undergraduate coursework (three courses) in writing for the media, principles of journalism, and information gathering and reporting.
Graduate Courses. Students may select Plan A, thesis, by completing Communication 799A (3 units) or, if Plan B is selected, the student must complete three units of 600-700 level coursework in the School of Communication and pass the Comprehensive Examination in Communication. With approval of the graduate adviser, a minimum of nine units, of which six must be at the 600-700 level selected from Communication 500, 502, 503, 696, 700, 701, 705, 707, 708, 725, 770, 771; and 12 units of electives in Communication at the 500-700 level; Sociology 527, 531, 537, 556, 557, 602, 603, 700, 740, 760, 797; or other graduate courses outside the School of Communication. No more than six units may be taken outside the School of Communication.
This specialization involves advanced study of management principles and practices to enhance conceptual understandings and to improve entrepreneurial and organizational skills.
Proficiency Requirements. No additional proficiency requirements.
Graduate Courses. Students may select Plan A, thesis, by completing Communication 799A for 3 units or, if Plan B is selected, the student must complete three units of 600-700 level coursework in the School of Communication and pass the Comprehensive Examination in Communication. With approval of the graduate adviser, a minimum of nine units from Communication 700, 705, 762, 764; and 12 units of electives from graduate courses in the School of Communication or graduate courses in other departments appropriate to studies in this specialization. No more than six units may be taken outside the School of Communication.
Master of Arts Degree in
Television, Film, and
New Media Production
The School of Communication, in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, offers graduate study leading to the Master of Arts degree in television, film, and new media production. This degree is especially useful for those pursuing careers in film, television, radio, new media, or related production activities where sophisticated and disciplined ability to conceive, initiate and complete original media messages is required. Graduates of this -program occupy leadership positions in the media industries. This degree offers advanced study in the history and criticism of broadcasting and film; scriptwriting; financing, preproduction, and postproduction; advanced audio, video, and film production; broadcast and film performance; international broadcasting and cinema; educational and instructional media; and development of production expertise in a wide range of emerging communication technologies. The Master of Arts degree in television, film, and new media production emphasizes advanced media design and production. Admission to this degree program normally requires undergraduate preparation or equivalent professional experience, documented through submission of a portfolio of previous creative activity or other evidence of creativity. Postbaccalaureate students who are without previous media production education or experience and who wish to learn television and film production should consider pursuing a second bachelor's degree in media production or completing basic production courses elsewhere before enrolling in graduate study at San Diego State University. Students with an undergraduate major or minor in media may enroll in advanced production courses for graduate credit as part of their master's program.
The School of Communication operates a large color television studio and a radio complex as teaching facilities. KPBS-TV and KPBS-FM, public broadcasting stations for San Diego, are located on campus and encourage student involvement. San Diego State University operates a closed-circuit instructional television service for the entire campus, a student-operated radio station (KCR), computer facilities, the International Center for Communications, the Multimedia Center, and the Center for Documentary and Drama Production.
| Students will be admitted to the graduate program only in the Fall semester and application must be received by the School of Communication by March 1. |
In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the University with classified graduate standing, as outlined in Part Two of this bulletin, students applying for admission to the Master of Arts degree in television, film, and new media production are evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. Undergraduate major or minor in radio and television, film, or a related communication discipline. Those lacking adequate undergraduate preparation or equivalent professional experience for the program will be required to complete one or more lower division and upper division courses as determined by the graduate adviser. Such courses do not apply toward the 30 graduate units required for the degree.
2. Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.8 and 3.0 in the last 60 semester units attempted.
3. Acceptable Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on the verbal and quantitative sections of the test.
4. Three letters of recommendation. At least one letter from an academic reference and at least one letter from a professor or professional acquainted with the applicant's creative activities.
5. A personal Statement of Purpose, composed by the applicant that discusses the applicant's background, interests, and abilities as they apply to the desire for an advanced degree in telecommunications at San Diego State University.
6. Applicants must be prepared to submit a portfolio of previous creative activity.
Admission to the program is competitive and satisfying these requirements does not guarantee admission. The decision to admit is based on consideration of the entire application file; promising applicants in unusual circumstances are encouraged to apply.
Students accepted for graduate study in the Master of Arts degree in television, film, and new media production are initially admitted with conditional graduate standing (classified). Full classified standing is awarded only after the student has completed Television, Film, and New Media 600 with a grade of B or better. In addition, all students must meet the requirements for classified standing described in Part Two of this bulletin.
In addition to meeting the general requirements for advancement to candidacy described in Part Two of this bulletin, students seeking the Master of Arts in television, film, and new media production must complete Television, Film, and New Media 600 and 702 with a grade of B or better prior to advancement.
Candidates for the Master of Arts degree in television, film, and new media production must complete 30 units of coursework and to include the following:
1. Communication 799A (Plan A, the thesis option, is required of all students in the program), Television, Film, and New Media 600 (required for classified graduate standing), and 702.
2. With approval of the graduate adviser, 21 additional graduate units in Television, Film, and New Media, Communication, and other departments, of which nine units must be at the 600-700 level.
3. No more than nine units of electives outside the School of Communication.
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