Program Overview
The Master of Mass Communication (MMC) program at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication equips students with the skills and knowledge to become high-impact journalists, storytellers, strategic communicators, or media leaders. The program offers a combination of theoretical and practical training, including a professional immersion experience in one of the Cronkite School's strategic communication labs or news bureaus. Graduates are prepared for careers in various industries, including journalism, strategic communication, non-profit leadership, international affairs, political advocacy, and entrepreneurship.
Program Outline
Mass Communication, MMC - MMC | Degree Details | ASU Degree Search
Degree Overview:
- Program Name: Master of Mass Communication(MMC)
- Offered by: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
- Duration: 36 credit hours
- Format: Can be completed in full-time or part-time mode (30 credit hours mid-career option available for students with extensive professional journalism experience)
Objectives:
- To equip students with the skills and knowledge to become high-impact journalists, storytellers, strategic communicators, or media leaders.
- To prepare students for careers in news, documentary storytelling, advocacy, community engagement, or corporate communications.
- In the second semester, students choose from various advanced courses focused on areas such as narrative writing, podcasting, advanced broadcast production, documentary production, health reporting, Spanish-language news, transborder coverage, public relations research, strategic communications storytelling, and media entrepreneurship.
- The program culminates in a professional immersion experience in one of the Cronkite School’s strategic communication labs or news bureaus in Los Angeles, Phoenix, or Washington, D.C.
- Under the guidance of award-winning journalists and strategists, these capstone programs offer practical experience in a professional news or agency environment.
Outline:
Required Core (9 credit hours):
- MCO 503 Media Law (3 credits)
- or
- MCO 525 21st-Century Media Organization and Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
Electives (6 credit hours):
- Students can choose from a variety of electives based on their interests and career goals.
Other Requirements (12 credit hours):
- MCO 502 Journalism Skills (8 credits)
- MCO 504 Cronkite Master's Seminar (1 credit)
- or
Culminating Experience (3 or 9 credit hours):
- MCO 570 Master of Mass Communication Capstone (3 or 9 credits)
- MCO 593 Applied Project (3 credits)
Other:
- Students must complete a total of eight credit hours of MCO 502, which can be taken multiple times.
- Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.
- However, based on the program description, teaching likely involves a combination of lectures, discussions, workshops, individual mentoring, and practical hands-on experience.
Careers:
- The program prepares students for various careers in journalism, strategic communication, non-profit leadership, international affairs, political advocacy, and entrepreneurship.
- Examples of potential career paths include:
- Digital Strategist
- Documentary Producer
- Editor
- Entrepreneur
- Media Executive
- Photojournalist
- Podcast Producer
- Reporter
- Videographer
- The skills developed in the program, such as strong reporting, research, writing, and multimedia production, are in high demand across these industries.
Other:
- The program is offered concurrently with degrees from ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law and ASU's School of Sustainability.
- It is also offered in a dual MD/MMC degree with the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.
- Students can choose to create their own concurrent degree combination to match their interests, but some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
- Global experience and study abroad opportunities are possible for graduate students through faculty-directed programs and exchange programs. I hope this is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
It includes specific criteria for applicants:
Academic Background:
- any field
- 3.00
Application Materials:
- graduate admission application
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement of interest (350-500 words) describing career goals and reasons for pursuing the MMC degree.
- Resume highlighting academic and professional achievements.
- Proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers (TOEFL score of 100+ for internet-based test).
Review Process:
- Applications are reviewed by the Cronkite School's graduate committee.
- Graduate Admission Services
Additional Notes:
- Applicants with extensive professional journalism experience may be offered a 30 credit hour mid-career option.
- Graduate College It also doesn't indicate required scores for tests other than TOEFL.
