How long will the program take to complete?
If a student takes two courses each semester and one course each summer, the 30-credit M.C.M.M. degree can be completed in two years.
Is there flexibility in the order and pacing of coursework?
Students may choose to begin the program by enrolling in the elective course options prior to taking the core courses. However, students are strongly encouraged to take the six core classes in the order outlined in the curriculum. Students wishing to take fewer classes or to pause their program of study should consult with their advisor.
What are the admission requirements?
You must have completed an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 prior to enrolling in the M.C.M.M. program. The GRE is not required for admission. You must also provide three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a transcript of all completed undergraduate coursework during the application process.
When is the deadline to apply for admission?
For full consideration, you must submit all application materials by the applicable deadline:
- Fall semester: July 19
- Spring semester: November 15
- Summer semester: April 1
Am I required to complete a portfolio as part of my degree?
There is no portfolio requirement for the media communications degree. However, students are encouraged to save a professional portfolio of their creative work, and successful case studies they've developed, for future professional use. You will see examples of how other managers and media producers present their professional work online with examples of differing styles and content that highlights media management.
What is the balance of theory and application within M.C.M.M.?
The Master of Communications and Media Management is first and foremost an applied graduate program. The core courses in the curriculum will provide theories and proven practices related to media management that can be applied every day on the job. The primary focus will be to use these theories as a part of informed practice in each student's chosen career area.
Does this program accept transfer credits?
Transfer credits will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis as to their relevancy to the program and their comparability to similar core and elective courses in the program of study. However, unless the transfer courses utilized a practical case-study approach (often used in many M.B.A.-type degree programs), they will likely not be found to be equivalent.
How much will this degree cost to complete?
Current tuition for this program is $730 per credit. At this rate, the total tuition cost for 30 credits is $21,900 paid over two years. There is also a required technology fee of $32 per semester. These costs may increase year to year, but CSU has held graduate tuition increases to less than 10 percent per year over the past decade. Financial aid is available.
What are the professional benefits of completing this degree program?
One primary goal of using the case study model is that students will acquire key media management insights with the completion of each case and gain useful management knowledge each week in the course. The portfolios developed as an option in the program can be used as a means of demonstrating key lessons learned about day-to-day management in a wide variety of media and communication operations in private industry, nonprofit organizations, and in government.
