Graduate Studies
Master’s Programs
The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications offers a graduate program in mass communication that has received the top average rating in the nation, according to a survey conducted and published by US News and World Report. Every national ranking of journalism and communication programs since 1983 have placed UF in the Top 10.
In this program, master's students learn the ideas and skills they need for satisfying life-long careers in mass communication. They can choose to obtain a Master of Mass Communication degree by selecting one of the specializations below or enroll in the Master of Advertising program.
Degrees offered
- Master of Advertising
- Master of Arts in Mass Communications with specialization in:
- Journalism (thesis, non-thesis or project options)
- Public Relations (thesis or project options)
- Telecommunication (thesis or non-thesis options)
- International Communication (thesis)
- J.D./M.A.M.C. joint degree (thesis)
- Mass Communication Law (thesis)
- Science/Health Communication (thesis or project options)
- Political Communication/Campaigning (thesis or non-thesis options)
- Concurrent Master’s Degree with Women’s Studies/Gender Studies
Core Courses
All master's students complete four core courses: Communication Proseminar, Mass Communication Theory, Research Methods in Mass Communication, and Mass Communication and Society. The core courses provide a conceptual foundation for continued learning and accomplishment.
Specializations, Minors, and Supporting Fields
Courses are prescribed for some specializations, while in others students may choose from a variety of offerings. Individually designed degree plans may involve combining specialization courses from two or more tracks.
In most specializations, students may elect to complete a minor or a supporting field. A minor requires six or more semester hours at the junior level or above taken in one department outside the college.
A supporting field consists of six or more semester hours taken outside the college. A set of courses focused on a particular area of the world, such as Latin American, Africa, or Asia, often becomes a supporting field. Students in most specializations may pick the particular elective courses that best meet their needs, rather than designating a minor or supporting field. Each student develops a degree plan, working closely with an academic adviser.
Length of Program
Most students complete their master's studies in a year-and-a-half or two years. The time required depends largely on whether the student is working and therefore must carry a reduced course load, or for thesis students on how rapidly progress is made on the thesis.
Studies may be extended for students who lack adequate background in their specialties. They must complete, beyond minimal degree requirements, articulation courses as determined by their advisers. Students also are required to present to their advisers prior to graduation evidence of mastery of the basics of selected social sciences and humanities subjects. The subjects are history, government, economics, and statistics. The requirement often has been fulfilled in undergraduate studies.
Qualification for Doctoral Program
Highly qualified students whose master's requirements have been completed, or will be by their proposed admission date, may be considered for admission to the college's doctoral program.
Registration Information
For those students who have already been accepted into the Master's Program, registration can be hectic at a university as large as University of Florida. For more information on registration, click here.
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