Master of Science in Communication and Media
The Master of Science in Communication and Media is an advanced degree designed for media and design professionals and recent baccalaureate graduates who plan careers as media and visual design scholars and/or practitioners.The program emphasizes a critical and theoretical analysis of the media while providing students with the necessary skills to create successful messages in the evolving media and visual design environment.
Graduate Admission Standards for M.S. in Communication and Media
Students are required to meet the following prerequisites for admission to the program:
1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Undergraduate GPA 3.0 or higher.
3. Official undergraduate transcripts.
4. A letter of recommendation from an academic or professional source.
5. A writing sample demonstrating the capacity to perform at the graduate level.
6. For international students who have not graduated from an accredited undergraduate institution in the United States, a satisfactory TOEFL score (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based or 80 internet-based) along with an International Transcript Evaluation and a course equivalency report must be provided. International applicants must provide official TOEFL/IELTS/-PTE Academic scores if English is not the applicant’s first language. Applicants with a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (Internet-based), a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a minimum PTE Academic score of 55 will be considered. Consideration may be given to students who fall slightly below Lynn University’s TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic English requirement. These cases will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Office of Admission.
Completion Requirements
1. Complete the degree in four calendar years from the date of a student’s initial registration or be held to any new degree requirements.
2. Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA and achieve a C (2.0) grade or higher in each course.
3. Complete GSR 501, Graduate Orientation Seminar (one credit).
4. Complete 36 graduate credits of foundation and specialization* course work, and a one-credit orientation seminar.
Curriculum
The curriculum seeks a balance of theory and practice by incorporating a substantive foundation of communication and media theory, research, law and history with multiple layers of practical application in design, content production and delivery.
The interdisciplinary nature of the degree permits students who have undergraduate degrees in a variety of majors to enter the program without penalty.
The M.S. in Communication and Media is composed of two sets of courses: eighteen (18) credits of foundation courses and eighteen (18) credits of specialization courses. There is also a one- (1) credit orientation course.
M.S. IN COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA SPECIALIZATIONS
Digital Media Specialization Description
The Specialization in Digital Media offers students an opportunity to explore a broad range of digital media technologies. With a focus on hands-on, experiential learning-based weekly projects, the courses offer students an opportunity to develop advanced skills in drawing, photography, storytelling, image making and animation.
Media Studies and Practice Specialization Description
The specialization in Media Studies and Practice provides a balance between critical media theories and their practical applications in traditional or emerging media environments. The program emphasizes both longstanding and contemporary issues in media and communication with a focus on practical training. Students have an opportunity to develop critical and analytical skills that prepare them for careers in journalism, political communication, advocacy, social media and as communication professionals in both for-profit and non-profit sectors.
Strategic Communication Specialization Description
The specialization in Strategic Communication explores communication strategies that are intentionally goal driven. The program emphasizes socially responsible decision-making, collaborative work, deliberative strategies and the creative use of media platforms to reach targeted audiences effectively. Students gain a strong foundation in the strategies necessary to optimize their messages to the platforms available in today’s rapidly evolving media environment, preparing them for careers in fields such as advertising, public relations and crisis management.
We expect students in this program to take opportunities to apply their knowledge in a work experience through an internship or other form of employment. Faculty will guide students in applying their academic knowledge to the workplace.