MA: Media and Public Engagement
Ìý
The Master of ArtsÌýin Media and Public Engagement (MAPE), is a 2-year interdisciplinary program that spans traditional boundaries between theory and practice, offers a critical study of the history, institutions, economics and social implications of the media, nationally and globally, combined with a practice-based media training geared toward civic engagement and community building. In addition to completing courses in media theory and other fields of interest, students learn how to create thoughtful and engaging projects using a variety of media practices including documentary film, multimedia websites, interactive video installations and other online tools.
In their two years in the program, MAPE students will collaborate with faculty, community leaders, nonprofit organizations and socially engaged corporations to devise innovative pathways to the study, commentary and presentation of social issues. They may also choose to focus on environmental issues and complete the Graduate Certificate in Environment, Policy and Society (EPS), which consists of 18 credit hours met by taking courses both inside and outside CMDI.
MAPE prepares students for a variety of professions, both at the national and international level, in government, media, cultural organizations and the nonprofit sector.
Explore theÌýMAPE handbookÌýfor more details about the program.
Students in the MAPE program take a total of 30 credit hours, including 24 hours of course work and 6 hours of the thesis project. The credit hours should proceed as follow:
The curriculum includes three required foundation courses taken in the first year:
- Theories of Mass Communication—3 hours
- Connected Media Practices—3
- Media Activism and Public Engagement—3
Additionally, the curriculum includes:
- Methods of media practice and/or research—6 hours (2 courses)
- Student’s area of emphasis (this could include an environmental emphasis)—9 hours (3 courses)
- Thesis project—6 hours.
Applicants to the MA in Media and Public Engagement must:
- Hold at least a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
- Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75.
- International applicants must meet a minimum standard of English proficiency; please see the Graduate School guidelines for details.
- Provide three letters of recommendation.
- Provide a 500-word statement of purpose.
- Provide a resume.
For questions about the program, please contact program directors Nathan Schneider or Steven Frost.
Graduate Course Offerings
The following are Media Studies graduate courses. Not all courses are yet available. Please see an advisor if you have any questions.
MDST 5000 (fall) Connected Media Practices—3 credit hours
Helps students understand the evolution of film, television and gaming in the digital era. This course explores how screen media are created, circulated and consumed. Specifically referring to a multi-platform news and entertainment experience, connected media practices integrates digital technology and socially networked communication with traditional screen media practices. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only. Required of students in Media and Public Engagement MA program.
MDST 5002 (spring) Media Activism and Public Engagement—3
Explores the theory on media activism and actual activist practices within both old and new media and on a local, national and global scale. Special attention will be paid to questions of creativity and efficacy and the value of media activism as both an aesthetic and political activity. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only. Required of students in Media and Public Engagement MA program.
MAPE students are welcome to take graduate-level courses across the department, college, and campus that are relevant to their projects and interests, subject to consultation with program directors and, ultimately, the student's advisor.
Resources
FAQÌý|ÌýOnline ApplicationÌý|ÌýInternational Students Online Application
Student Information
Be InvolvedÌýÌý| Current MA Students |ÌýRecent MA Research Theses
Helpful Links
Center For Environmental JournalismÌý|ÌýCenter for Media, Religion and Culture
Expenses and Housing
FundingÌý|ÌýÌý|ÌýHousingÌý|ÌýBill EstimatorÌý|Ìý
Ìý Visit Ìý