Florida International University (FIU) offers a Master of Science in Mass Communication through its Department of Communication. The program is offered entirely online and can be completed without any visits to campus. FIU uses Canvas, an online learning management system, for its online course delivery. Students can use the system to access course materials and syllabi, communicate with instructors and professors, watch lectures, submit assignments, participate in course discussions, and more.
The Master of Science in Mass Communication requires 30 credit hours to complete and has a Global Strategic Communications concentration. The program can be completed in as little as a year as FIU offers courses in eight week terms (six terms per year). Students take 6 credits (2 classes) each eight-week term, which is equivalent to taking 12 credits (4 classes) per traditional 15-week semester. The curriculum emphasizes skill development in interdisciplinary communication, teaching students how to effectively communicate and deal with complex communication situations in diverse professional and global settings. Students study topics relevant to the global marketplace, such as branding and reputation management.
The curriculum is divided between core requirements (5 classes) and electives (5 classes). Core classwork introduces students to mass communication theories, research methods, communication management, and ethics. Example class subjects include Applied Research Methods in the Mass Media, Global Strategic Communication Management, and Theories of Mass Communication. Through these classes, students gain knowledge of global public relations and advertising practices, learn how to use research to plan and execute integrated strategic communication campaigns, and analyze mass communication processes.
Electives are wide-ranging, allowing students to craft a program of study that supports their future professional needs. Sample courses include Communication for Change Management, Communication in the Digital Age, Media Planning, Social Media Metrics, and more. Through this coursework, students can build professional-level writing skills, develop knowledge of organizational structure and management, develop tools to handle conflict resolution in the workplace, learn about reputation management, and develop skills in audience behavior and targeting for communication campaigns. In addition, these electives also introduce students to concepts in digital and emerging media, the media selection and buying process, and developing strategic digital content through the use of interactive multimedia tools.
The program culminates in a professional project in mass communication. Students create a research-based project in a chosen strategic communication field that advances or contributes to the larger communication body of knowledge. Depending on their goals, the program also offers an optional graduate certificate in conflict resolution and consensus building.
FIU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Online Master of Science in Mass Communication
Overview
Department: Department of Communication
Specializations/Concentrations: Focus on Global Strategic Communications
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction through the Canvas learning management system
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 12 months
Start Dates: Fall and Spring admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits (10 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Professional project
Example Courses: Applied Research Methods in the Mass Media; Ethics and Social Responsibility; Global Strategic Communication Management; Theories of Mass Communication; Communication for Change Management
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; two letters of recommendation; professional goals essay; resume
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0 in upper-division coursework
Testing Requirements: GRE required - students may petition for a GRE waiver if they have either a master's degree, can demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, or have a history of professional accomplishment
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$25,000 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: Tuition cost for entire program
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
