Master of Arts in Communication and Media

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The M.A. in Communication and Media degree requires a total of 48 units, which can be completed at an accelerated pace in 12-months or spread out over multiple years. Once admitted, students have the option of selecting a plan of study that best suits them. Courses are offered face-to-face, completely online or in a hybrid format which combines online study along with face-to-face meetings. The goal of the MA is to prepare students to become leaders in the area of communication and media within a business or individualized setting.

The goals of the M.A. in Communication and Media program are to graduate students who:

1. Are well prepared for a professional career in their field;

2. Are able of producing and communicating original research information;

3. Conduct themselves in an ethical manner personally and professionally;

4. Can communicate effectively in interpersonal and intercultural environments; and

5. Engage in on-going critical thinking for life-long personal and professional growth.

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. PLO 1: Understand theories and concepts in communication and media;

2. PLO 2: Know research methods applicable to a variety of subjects;

3. PLO 3: Develop critical thinking frameworks for solving practical business communication and media problems;

4. PLO 4: Make decisions on and manage projects and programs in multimedia communication; and

5. PLO 5: Ability to write and speak in a manner that befits a communication professional.

JOB PREPARATION

This program prepares you to pursue a variety of careers in diverse types of media and business organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to start ups and consulting firms across industries, including entertainment, research, non- profit, and government/public entities. The career fields include but are not limited to the following:

• Media Announcer
• Editor
• Film and Video Editor
• Interpreter and Translator
• Public Relations and Fundraising Manager
• Public Relations Specialist
• Digital marketeer
• Media planner
• Social media manager
• Television/film/video producer
• Event manager
• Magazine journalist
• Market researcher
• Marketing manager
• Media researcher
• UX designer
• Writer

APPLICATION MATERIALS

We do not admit “Ability to Benefit” students for graduate programs. Students need to submit the following materials for admission of acceptance:

1. Application fee for all students (non-refundable): US$70;

2. Completed application form;

3. Statement of Purpose;

4. Evidence of completion of bachelor’s degree. Official transcripts of all degrees. Transcripts from international institutions of higher education may require course credit evaluation by a recognized evaluation service selected by GGC;

5. Proof of Language Proficiency (See “Admission” Policies for more details);

6. Financial Verification Form (FVF) with supporting documents; and

7. Foreign Transcript Evaluation (international applicants only).

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION AND PREREQUISITES

• Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited or state approved college or university or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

• Students without a background in Communication and Media or related field as determined by the Program Chair may be required to take one or more of the following foundations courses as prerequisite:

MACM 501 Foundations of Writing and Pronunciation (4 units)
MACM 502 Foundations of Business Communication (4 units)
MACM 503 Storytelling in Multimedia Communication (4 units)

DEGREE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To receive a Master of Arts in Communication and Media, students must successfully complete a minimum of 48 quarter credit units. The following are specific degree requirements:

• 5 Required Courses (20 units)
• 6 Elective Courses (24 units)
• 1 Internship (4 units)