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    Apr 23, 2024  
American University Catalog 2018-2019 
    
American University Catalog 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Global Media (MA)


Offered jointly by the School of Communication  (SOC) and School of International Service  (SIS), the Global Media (MA) offers students a unique opportunity to integrate study of global communication theory and media production skills. This interdisciplinary program offers both conceptual and applied courses designed to help students master strategic global communication, research methods, and global media tools and frameworks. Students also learn writing skills over a broad range of media, and take production classes that introduce them to filmmaking, newswriting, digital imaging, web design, photography, game design, campaign management, and strategic communication. The program is committed to creating a diverse learning environment to make personal and professional connections across the globe. Students take away a deeper understanding of communication platforms and global economic and political issues, as well as the skills, knowledge, and ethical groundings to be professionally competent international journalists, media producers, visual media makers, campaign managers, or international communication strategists.

Admission to the Program


Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale. Some background knowledge of communication studies, or media/journalism professional experience, or international studies and international work experience is recommended.

All applicants are required to submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). In addition, international applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A strong TOEFL score is necessary to ensure that students can fully benefit from the media production courses and analytical courses. All applicants must also submit two letters of reference evaluating undergraduate academic performance and suitability for graduate study in international affairs and communication.

Students apply to either SOC or SIS. Applications will be reviewed jointly by SOC and SIS, with both schools agreeing on student admission.

Degree Requirements


  • 39 credit hours of approved graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00, including 9 credit hours of core courses, 6 credit hours of professional courses, 6 credit hours of research methods/theory courses, 3 credit hours from a capstone course, and a 15 credit concentration
    • Both SIS and SOC students have the same required courses (24 credit hours) based on pedagogic goals of the program. Both SIS and SOC have 15 credit hours of electives, with the practice of the student’s home school having 3 more credit hours
    • Requests for the transfer of a maximum of six graduate credit hours are considered only on an exceptional basis
  • Capstone Experience: demonstration of research and writing skills through completion of the research/capstone requirement course with grade of B or better
  • Evidence of professional experience in the field: Relevant internship or work experience must be certified
  • Proficiency in a modern foreign language: Research competence in English and another language relevant to the student’s career objectives must be certified

Course Requirements


Research Methods/Theory (6 credit hours)


Complete 6 credit hours from the following, according to home school:

Capstone (3 credit hours)


Complete 3 credit hours from the following, according to home school:

Electives (15 credit hours)


Complete 15 credit hours from both of the following, according to home school:

SOC Areas


SOC home students: Complete 9 credit hours from the following concentrations:

SIS home students: Complete 6 credit hours from the following concentrations:

SIS Areas


SIS home students: Complete 9 credit hours from the following concentrations or other SIS offerings, including regional courses:

SOC home students: Complete 6 credit hours from the following concentrations or other SIS offerings, including regional courses:

Intercultural Relations

Public Diplomacy

Global and Social Media, Technology and Policy

Transnational/International Education

Global Media (MA) and Business Administration (MBA)


For approved dual degree program, see Global Media (MA) and Business Administration (MBA) .