The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) offers an online Master of Arts in Mass Communication degree through the School of Mass Communication in conjunction with UA Little Rock Online. A fully online program, the MA can be completed without visiting campus or completing any residency requirements. Students use an online learning management system called Blackboard to access their course materials, submit assignments, participate in class discussions via discussion boards, and communicate with instructors via email and online messaging. Blackboard also connects to the university’s Ottenheimer Library where students can access online resources.
The online Master of Arts in Mass Communication degree requires 33 credit hours of study, and features a flexible curriculum that allows students to explore media design and development, while analyzing the impact of mass media on diverse audiences. The curriculum for the program consists of two Core Requirement courses, a Law/Policy course, and an Ethics/Diversity course, followed by electives that students choose to customize their course of study to their professional interests. The two Core Requirement courses are a Proseminar in Mass Communication, and a class called Mass Communication Processes and Effects. Both of these courses provide students with a foundation in mass communication theory, processes, and research methods.
For the Law/Policy course requirement, students choose one course from three options: News Media and the First Amendment, Seminar in Mass Communication Law, and Internet Policy and Regulation. For their Ethics/Diversity course requirement, students choose one course from three options in Journalistic Freedom and Responsibility, Ethnic and Alternative Media in America, and Images of Minorities in the Media. Upon fulfilling these course requirements, students can choose from a variety of electives in areas such as Visual Journalism, Reporting of Public Affairs, Public Relations Writing, Feature and Magazine Writing, Media Criticism, and New Media Publishing.
For their final graduation requirement, students can choose between a professional project or a thesis. For both options, students benefit from the support and guidance of faculty advisors, to whom they must present and defend their thesis or project once it is complete.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Online Master of Arts in Mass Communication
Overview
Department: School of Mass Communication
Specializations/Concentrations:
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses the Blackboard learning management system where students access course materials and interact with instructors and classmates
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 12 months, but 16 to 24 months is recommended (at least 4 semesters)
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 33 credits (11 courses including project or thesis)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Capstone: master's thesis or professional project
Example Courses: Mass Communication Processes and Effects; Proseminar in Mass Communication; News Media and the First Amendment; Internet Policy and Regulation; Ethnic and Alternative Media in America; Journalistic Freedom and Responsibility; Visual Journalism; Reporting of Public Affairs
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; statement of purpose; resume; two letters of recommendation
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0 in last 60 hours of undergraduate credit
Testing Requirements: GRE not required, students who do not meet regular admission requirements may submit GRE scores for consideration
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$13,068 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $396 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
