http://www.com.miami.edu

Departments

The School of Communication offers:

  • the Master of Arts in the Department of Communication Studies (M.A. in Communication Studies), and
  • the Master of Arts in the Department of Journalism and Media Management (M.A. in Journalism), and
  • the Master of Arts in the Department of Strategic Communication (M.A. in Public Relations), and
  • the Master of Science in the Department of Journalism and Media Management (M.S. in Media Management), and
  • the Master of Fine Arts in the Department of Cinematic Arts (M.F.A. in Motion Pictures), and
  • the Master of Fine Arts in the Departments of Cinematic Arts, Journalism and Media Management (M.F.A. in Documentary) and
  • the Master of Fine Arts in the Department of Interactive Media (M.F.A. in Interactive Media), and
  • the Graduate Certificate in Media Management in the Department of Journalism and Media Management (GCMM).

The School also offers a Ph.D. in Communication.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Graduate Studies at the Master’s Level

The following is a list of the required conditions as well as the required documents/fees for your application for admission to the Master of Arts, Master of Science, or Master of Fine Arts degree in the School of Communication:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • The School’s official application
  • An $85.00 non-refundable application fee
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • 500-word typed statement of academic and professional goals
    • Note: for the Interactive Media M.F.A., please visit this web site for specific instructions about the statement.
  • Official transcripts of all college work, both undergraduate and graduate
    • Note: In addition, international applicants must send an official copy of their diploma for all degrees earned, and all documentation that confers their degree, with English translation for all degrees earned.
    • Note: All transcripts must be the original document, forwarded directly from the university; Xerox copies, true copies, notarized copies and other types of copies are not acceptable.
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores
    • Note: Only for international applicants.
  • Copy of current passport
    • Note: Only for international applicants. The name entered on the graduate application must exactly match your name as it appears on your passport.
  • Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
    • Note: Required for M.A. applicants in Communication Studies.
    • Note: Public Relations M.A. the GRE is not required but encouraged.
    • Note: Interactive Media M.F.A. applicants may send GRE scores or a portfolio.
  • Portfolio​
    • Note: Required for Motion Pictures M.F.A., Documentary M.F.A., and Journalism M.A. applicants.

Contact the Office of Graduate Studies, call 305-284-5236 or email, for information.

Admission to Graduate Studies at the Doctoral Level

The following is a list of the required conditions as well as the required documents/fees for your application for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication program:

  • A master’s degree in communication or another appropriate field. The degree must be in addition to a bachelor’s degree. All degrees must be from accredited institutions.
  • The School’s official application
  • An $85.00 non-refundable application fee
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts of all college work, both undergraduate and graduate
    • Note: In addition, international applicants must send an official copy of their diploma for all degrees earned, and all documentation that confers their degree, with English translation for all degrees earned.
    • Note: All transcripts must be the original document, forwarded directly from the university; Xerox copies, true copies, notarized copies and other types of copies are not acceptable.
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores
    • Note: Only for international applicants.
  • Copy of current passport
    • Note: Only for international applicants. The name entered on the graduate application must exactly match your name as it appears on your passport.
  • Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
  • Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • 500-word typed statement of your academic and professional goals, research area you want to pursue and why, and how your background has prepared you for this. A copy of the completed master’s thesis if it has been completed. If the master’s thesis is in progress, submit completed chapters. If a thesis is not required by your master’s program, submit comparable scholarly work.

Admission to Graduate Studies for the Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Communication and Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Media Management Joint Degree

Requirements for admission to graduate studies for the Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Communication or the Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Media Management joint degree are:

  • Students must be admitted to the Law School first, prior to enrollment in the School of Communication, checking a box on their application indicating their interest in the joint degree program. Once accepted to the Law School, the student’s law school application including LSAT score, undergraduate transcript, and letters of recommendation (two of them required for the J.D. program) will be sent to the School of Communication for review. The student will then receive notification from the School of Communication regarding his/her admission to the joint degree program.
  • The LSAT score may be submitted in lieu of the GRE score.

General notes

  • Students will be admitted to the Law School J.D. program and the School of Communication (SoC) master’s program separately.
  • Students in this joint degree program must commence law study first.
  • Students who have already commenced work on the SoC M.A. are not eligible for the joint program.

Admission to Graduate Studies for the Certificate in Media Management  

Requirements for admission to graduate studies for the Certificate in Media Management are:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • The School of Communication's official application
  • An $85.00 non-refundable application fee
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Official transcripts of all college work, both undergraduate and graduate
  • Resume

Degree Programs

The School of Communication offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Fine Arts, and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Communication Studies (M.A.)

COMMUNICATION STUDIES (M.A.) is a program designed to provide students with a rigorous educational experience, to develop an advanced understanding of the human communication process, to increase awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of the communication field, and to develop oral, written, critical thinking, and research skills. The 30 credit hour thesis track program emphasizes the student’s development of research skills. The 36 credit hour non-thesis track program focuses on a theoretical foundation with emphasis on applied communication. Students have the option to concentrate in Communication Studies, Health Communication, Intercultural Communication, or Organizational Communication.

Journalism (M.A.)

JOURNALISM (M.A.) is an intensive program of academic study and hands-on practice designed to develop competitive, high-level, cross-platform digital media skills appropriate for today’s media landscape. Students take a common core of courses designed to provide a foundation in all aspects of contemporary journalism (e.g., writing, reporting, multimedia, data visualization, broadcasting, media law and ethics). In addition, students have the opportunity to focus their work in various areas of study, including broadcast journalism, news and feature writing, and various aspects of multimedia journalism. Through a combination of journalism courses and related courses offered by other programs, students may also concentrate some of their work on particular areas of interest (e.g., sports reporting, and travel and features). The program begins in the fall semester and lasts 12-18 months depending on the number of classes you choose to take in the summer. No prior training or experience in journalism is required though students with substantial professional experience in a subject may apply to substitute other courses for basic courses in that subject. This program begins in the fall semester. Students can complete the degree in twelve months provided they attend full-time and complete 36 credits as advised. Other students prefer to attend part-time to accommodate employment and other interests. Some summer courses are required whether the student is full-time or part-time. Part-time students typically complete the program in 18-to-24 months. 

Public Relations (M.A.)

PUBLIC RELATIONS (M.A.) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and advanced understanding of the field of public relations. It covers a range of topics related to strategic communication, media relations, crisis management, digital communication, and ethical practices. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of public relations in various industries. 

The 30 credit hour thesis track program provides an opportunity to supplement a working foundation and knowledge with pertinent theory and research methodologies. This track is particularly suitable for those who seek a comprehensive understanding of the academic underpinnings of public relations and development of research skills. A second 36 credit hour, coursework-only non-thesis track program,  builds upon a foundation of public relations and communication courses. This track allows students to develop a robust skill set and practical expertise in the dynamic field of public relations. 

Media Management (M.S.)

MEDIA MANAGEMENT (M.S.) is a 32-credit interdisciplinary graduate program designed for students who seek new or advanced opportunities in the various and expanding areas of the media industry, such as content distribution, news and entertainment programming, research, and analytics. Students complete courses in the Business School to learn or strengthen their knowledge about business fundamentals, including managerial strategy, economics, accounting, and marketing. At the same time, students take courses in the Department of Journalism and Media Management to apply business principles to media situations and evaluate critically how technological and regulatory trends, changing business models, emergent content applications, and new audience measurement techniques influence decision-making in media operations. Students can also customize their coursework by selecting electives in the School of Communication that best match their personal or career interests.

Required classes are held on Saturdays and weekday evenings to provide flexibility for working professionals. Students can study full-time or part-time. The program begins every fall and lasts one year for full-time students or two years for part-time students. No prior business or media management experience or education is required.

Motion Pictures (M.F.A.)

MOTION PICTURES (M.F.A.)  M.F.A. candidates are expected to follow a set sequence of courses during the first two semesters of their studies. During the second year of studies, candidates are strongly encouraged to explore not only a primary but also a secondary area of specialization in the program and develop a minimum of two creative projects consistent with their areas of primary interest and secondary specialization. A minimum of 6 credit hours in each area of specialization is required. Under faculty committee supervision, students will develop one or two creative projects in the third year of their studies. This three-year program culminates with a thesis portfolio that demonstrates, not only skillful execution of craft, but strong conceptual development rooted in collaborative work and innovative uses of technology.

Graduate students are encouraged to pursue independent and critical thinking, research and creative work as appropriate to the fulfillment of the requirements of their degree. In addition, the graduate program seeks to support innovative approaches and ideas and to aid in the pursuit of relevant scholarly and creative endeavors.

Interactive Media (M.F.A)

INTERACTIVE MEDIA (M.F.A.) The Interactive Media graduate program aims to prepare a new generation of innovators and leaders in the field of interaction design. Our mission is to explore the use of technology, design, human behavior, and its impact on communication. The multidisciplinary curriculum brings together students from different backgrounds to learn about user experience design, game design, human-computer interaction, data visualization, wearables, immersive computing, and other emerging technologies. The program trains students to research, prototype, design, and build projects in business, social, academic, and cultural contexts.

Documentary (M.F.A)

DOCUMENTARY (M.F.A.) The Department of Cinematic Arts and the Department of Journalism and Media Management offer a 54-credit, two-year, M.F.A. degree in Documentary. This interdisciplinary degree provides students with advanced skills in non-fiction creative storytelling and knowledge in documentary production and distribution delivered across a range of platforms. By building on the School of Communication's strengths in both cinematic and journalistic documentary, the Documentary M.F.A. program distinguishes itself by converging disciplines and promoting experimentation with the goal of producing forms that best serve story content. Students will be exposed to a variety of documentary styles, including observational, expository, reflexive, performative, participatory, and poetic (e.g. impressionistic, associative, or affective modes). While immersed in a wide range of approaches, the program emphasizes the social responsibility of the storyteller and explores the standards and ethics of journalism. 

Communication (Ph.D.)

COMMUNICATION (Ph.D.) provides students with the theory and research skills required to use communication to make positive change in society, community, and individuals. Possible areas of specialization, within this overarching framework of social and behavioral change, include health communication (broadly defined), intercultural communication, organizational communication, international communication, advocacy, and journalism studies and accompanying new/digital media foundations and skills.

Joint Degree Juris Doctor (J.D.)/M.A. in Communication and J.D./M.S. in Media Management

JOINT DEGREE JURIS DOCTOR (J.D.)/M.A. IN COMMUNICATION. A powerful background in law and in communication can be a launching pad for a career in law, business, entertainment or government. For this reason, the University of Miami School of Law and School of Communication have brought together these two dynamic fields to offer a joint degree program with various specializations. Through this joint program, students can acquire a law degree and a master’s degree in communication or in media management in less time (3 to 3½ years). The joint degree program is intended for students with a variety of goals including students who plan to practice professionally in a communication field such as journalism, media management or strategic communication with a law-related emphasis. Graduates of these programs may also work as in-house counsel for new communication technology companies, or serve with government agencies concerned with communication law or with law firms practicing in that field. This program also provides a solid foundation for future journalists who wish to report on legal affairs, and offers ideal preparation for the rapidly growing field of public affairs management, in which practitioners work in business, government and non-profits to communicate with key audiences.

The School of Communication M.A. and M.S. degree programs participating in the joint J.D. program are:

  • M.A. in Communication Studies (Communication Studies, Health Communication, Intercultural Communication, Organizational Communication)
  • M.A. in Public Relations
  • M.A. in Journalism
  • M.S. in Media Management

Graduate Certificate Programs

The School of Communication offers a Certificate Program in Media Management. 

Media Management (GCMM)

Media Management (GCMM) The Graduate Certificate in Media Management will help professionals discover key aspects of media management and content strategy or advance their existing knowledge of the business side of the media industry. The certificate will cover current topics of media technology, economics, programming, distribution, and policy. Students will gain strategic and analytical skills through media case studies and applications. Certificate credits can apply towards the Master of Science in Media Management.