Graduate Overview

Graduate Study in the School of Mass Communication and Journalism

The School of Mass Communication and Journalism provides graduate curricula at the master's and doctoral levels as part of a graduate program in Communication shared with the Department of Speech Communication.

School of Mass Communication and Journalism Graduate Programs

Mass Communication
Master of Arts in Communication - Mass Communication Emphasis
Master of Science in Communication - Mass Communication Emphasis
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication - Mass Communication Emphasis

Public Relations
Master of Science in Public Relations

(Note: The Department of Speech Communication offers the Communication - Speech Communication Emphasis at the master's and doctoral levels.

Mass Communication and Journalism Graduate Handbook
Plan of Study
Advising Transcript
Degree Coversheet
Deferment Graduation Form
Readmission Application
Tuition & Fees

Master's Degree Programs

For additional details, please refer to the current Graduate Bulletin of The University of Southern Mississippi. Additional information about the Graduate School, including admissions, costs, and housing, can be found at the Web site of the Graduate School.

Admission

Admission deadlines for master's students are the same as those published by the Graduate School. Admission requirements are the same as those of the university, with the following additions:

Admission (Regular or Conditional) is based on evaluation of the following:

Undergraduate academic record.
Regular Admission: An overall 3.0 GPA is required as well as a 3.0 major GPA. A cumulative GPA on the last 60 hours from all institutions of our applicants has ranged from 3.0 to 4.0.
Conditional Admission: The cumulative GPA of the last 60 hours from all institutions is usually 2.75 or better. Students admitted on conditional admission status must take their first nine semester hours of graduate level course work in the School of Mass Communication and Journalism and earn a 3.0 GPA on all course work taken while completing the nine-hour requirement.

Graduate Record Examination - Scores from the GRE must be submitted.

Test of English as a Foreign Language - Applicants whose native language is not English must attain a TOEFL score of 550.

A statement of purpose indicating why he/she wishes to pursue a master's degree at Southern Miss.

Letters of Recommendation - The admission committee reviews letters of recommendation to gain a more personal understanding of the applicant's abilities in communication areas and in critical thinking. Each applicant should request three current letters of recommendation by faculty in their major field of study who are well acquainted with their major field of study. For admission to master's level study, at least one of the letters may be submitted by a media or public relations professional who is familiar with the applicant's work and his or her suitability for graduate study.

Degree requirements

All master's degree programs require:
- completion of at least 18 semester hours in courses numbered 600 and above
- a written comprehensive examination
- a minimum GPA of 3.0 for graduation

Doctor of Philosophy in Communication - Mass Communication Emphasis

For additional details, please refer to the current Graduate Bulletin of The University of Southern Mississippi. Additional information about the Graduate School including admissions, costs, and housing can be found at the Web site of the USM Graduate School.

Admission

Regular Admission

Master's Record - A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better is required.

Graduate Record Examination - Scores from the GRE must be submitted.

Test of English as a Foreign Language - Applicants whose native language is not English must attain a TOEFL score of 550.

Letters of Recommendation - The admission committee reviews letters of recommendation to gain a better understanding of the applicant's abilities in communication areas and in critical thinking. Three current letters of recommendation that address the applicant's readiness for doctoral study are required. Applicants should request letters of recommendation from faculty in their major field of study who are well acquainted with their academic abilities.

Statement of Goals - Applicants must submit a written statement of goals (500-750 words). This statement enables the applicant to discuss career plans and to supply additional information that will assist in selecting those individuals who can most benefit from and contribute to, the graduate communication programs.

Work Experience - Applicants with relevant work experience are encouraged to submit a résumé showing job responsibilities and accomplishments.

Conditional admission:

Students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission may be considered for conditional admission, provided the applicant possesses a GPA of 3.25 in his or her master's program. The requirements for letters of recommendation, TOEFL score, and statement of goals are the same as for regular admission.

Doctoral students admitted on conditional admission status must earn a 3.50 on the first nine semester hours of course work numbered 600 or above or on all course work taken while completing this nine-hour requirement. The courses must be taken in the School of Mass Communication and Journalism.