Graduate Program
UWM Graduate School Information
- Graduate School Homepage
- Media Studies M.A.
- Application Procedures
- Financial Support
- Tuition and Fees
Media Studies
Note: The M.A. in Media Studies was known as the M.A. in Mass Communication prior to Fall 2008.
Media communication brings information, persuasion, and entertainment to our neighborhoods, our nation, and our world. As the choices expand and the reach of the media becomes more global, media producers can be major corporations or individuals, and media consumers can interact with the products they encounter in a multitude of ways. Those who study media examine the processes, responsibilities, and consequences of this world.
The Media Studies master's program is wide ranging and interdisciplinary. The goal of the program is to foster knowledge and understanding of media and society through critical, cultural, historical, legal, ethical, or social scientific approaches.
The program is oriented toward academic study of media rather than media production. The curriculum focuses on research and critical thinking about the media. Students complete 24 credits of coursework and a 6-credit thesis. They work closely with their faculty advisers to prepare coursework plans and to conduct original research for their theses.
The Media Studies master's program has one of the best graduate faculties in the nation for a program its size. Faculty members have national reputations for research in a wide range of specialties. Students in the master's program are also active in research.
The program's alumni apply what they have learned to a range of purposes, including media-oriented careers, teaching, and advanced academic work. Many continue their scholarship in top Ph.D. programs nationwide.
We invite prospective students to contact us for more information.
Admissions and Assistantships
Students seeking admission to the graduate program in Media Studies must meet the general requirements of UWM's Graduate School. They must also have satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination, strong undergraduate records (including GPAs of 3.0 or higher), solid letters of recommendation, and interests that fit the program's emphases on research and critical thinking. Students need not have backgrounds in media studies to be considered for admission.UWM offers competitive salaries for half-time teaching assistantships. If you wish to explore this opportunity, please mention it when applying.
For more information on how to apply or visit, contact the graduate director, Professor Elana Levine.
Courses Offered
In addition to the course offerings listed on the UWM Graduate School website, the Media Studies M.A. program offers a wide range of special topics seminars on a regular basis. Recent special topics include:Video Games
Newswork and the New Capitalism
Media and Consumer Culture
Gender and Popular Culture
New Media
Digital Media, Law, and Society
Indie Culture
Students also design independent study courses in consultation with faculty to address specific research interests.