Graduate Studies in Mass Communications
Graduate Studies
Mass Communication
4+1 Program
The School of Media and Strategic Communications offers an accelerated master's degree program in mass communications to outstanding undergraduate students. The program provides a format for students to complete their bachelor's and master's degree in five years. Oklahoma State University undergraduate students who have completed a total of 90 hours of undergraduate coursework in a major in the School of Media and Strategic Communications may apply to the School for the Accelerated Master's Degree program.
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Graduation Options
All graduate students have an option to follow a thesis track or a non-thesis track. The thesis option is designed to prepare graduates to teach at the college level or to continue toward a terminal degree. The thesis option consists of 31 hours, including 6 hours of thesis research. Non-thesis students may select from three degree completion options: Creative Component Project, Study Abroad or Advanced Practicum. The non-thesis track is designed to give students an opportunity to develop and implement a project related to the student's interests. All non-thesis options consist of 32 hours of course work with 7 hours devoted to degree completion.
Thesis Option
The thesis option trains students to conduct academic research that involves choosing an original topic, conducting an extensive literature review of the topic, developing research questions and/or formulating hypotheses, and collecting and interpreting data.
Creative Component Option
The creative component option engages applied client-oriented research or special creative endeavors approved by the student’s adviser, such as the development of special promotional campaigns, a series of articles about an important issue, or audiovisual productions.
Creative Component Defense FormAdvanced Practicum Option
Advanced Practicum equips graduate students to relate theory to practice in professional settings. This experience helps students obtain work samples, such as clips or broadcast stories, that are needed to help obtain jobs in the industry. Students enrolled in this option also can augment their knowledge of operations in media-related companies and form industry contacts that may enhance their careers.
Study Abroad Option
Students may take up to six hours of MC Study Abroad as a degree completion option. The School of Media and Strategic Communication offers multiple study abroad opportunities througout the year. Alternatively, study abroad courses may be taken at sister universities via OSU Study Abroad for degree completion.
CAS Study Abroad OSU Study AbroadGraduate Certificates
The School of Media and Strategic Communications offers two graduate certificate options: Brand Communication Certificate and Sport Communication Certificate. Both programs require 15 credit hours to complete, providing students with specialized knowledge and skills in their chosen field. The Brand Communication Certificate is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in brand strategy, management and communication. The Sports Communication Certificate caters to individuals interested in the unique aspects of communication within the sports industry. This program focuses on the specialized knowledge required to work effectively in various sports-related communication roles.
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Graduate Resources
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships may be available through a competitive application process. The number of assistantships available varies by semester/year, and positions are limited. Assistantships cover full-time tuition and pay a modest stipend in exchange for 20 hours per week of work with a faculty or staff supervisor. Some involve assisting in the classroom, others involve assistance to faculty in research efforts, others involve administrative duties. Applications for assistantships can be completed at the same time as applications for admission. Graduate assistantship applications can be found in the application portal.
Application InformationGraduate Student Handbook
The Graduate Student Handbook provides the information necessary to be successful as a graduate student at Oklahoma State University. The handbook covers topics such as course requirements, course registration, academic standards, keys to success and much more. Additional details on the thesis and non-thesis options are provided within the handbook as well. The handbook is designed to answer any questions you may have about your courses or the curriculum during your time at the School of Media and Strategic Communications.
Research
Our distinguished faculty provide relevant research-based content with practical knowledge and skills that can be put into practice immediately. You will learn the best techniques for research and enhance your critical thinking skills. Not only are our faculty at OSU dedicated to teaching and mentoring you as a student, but they are also conducting groundbreaking research in the communication field. Our faculty is pushing boundaries in their research to ask and answer questions that advance knowledge, enrich lives and stimulate development. Our faculty’s research projects range from conducting intelligence research for Pentagon-based strategic assessment groups to eye-scanning research focused on the perception of advertising and public relations messages. Our faculty’s expertise offers you limitless opportunities to engage in collaborative inquiry and innovative study.
MESA Group TREM GroupGraduate Student Association
The purpose of the SMSC Graduate Student Association is to elevate and promote the creative work and research of graduate students within the School of Media and Strategic Communications. SMSCGSA aims to foster collaboration among SMSC graduate students, support their academic excellence, and provide a platform for showcasing their achievements and contributions to the field of media and strategic communications.
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