About
The School of Media and Strategic Communications offers a Master's Degree in Mass Communication (31 hours, thesis or 32 hours, non-thesis).
The master's degree focuses on media theory, ethics and research methods. The degree is designed to give students a more in-depth understanding of today's ever-changing communication landscape.
The program offers three specialty tracks:
Research & Faculty
Our distinguished faculty provide relevant research-based content with practical knowledge and skills that can be put into practice immediately. You will learn the best techniques for research and enhance your critical thinking skills.
Not only are our faculty at OSU dedicated to teaching and mentoring you as a student, but they are also conducting groundbreaking research in the Communication field. Our faculty is pushing boundaries in their research to ask and answer questions that advance knowledge, enrich lives, and stimulate development. Our faculty’s research projects range from conducting intelligence research for Pentagon-based Strategic Assessment groups to eye-scanning research focused on the perception of advertising and public relations messages. Our faculty’s expertise offers you limitless opportunities to engage in collaborative inquiry and innovative study.
4+1 Program
The School of Media & Strategic Communications offers an accelerated master's degree program in Mass Communications to outstanding undergraduate students. The program provides a format for students to complete their bachelor's and master's degree in five years. Oklahoma State University undergraduate students who have completed a total of 90 hours of undergraduate coursework in a major in the School of Media & Strategic Communications may apply to the School for the Accelerated Master's Degree program.
Students accepted into the program will take one graduate class each semester during their senior year plus a 1-hour intro course in the Fall semester their senior year. Students should apply during the semester they will complete 90 hours at the OSU Graduate College website: https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/apply/. Applicants must submit Official College Transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, Three Letters of Recommendation, and a Writing Sample.
How to Apply
Online admissions applications should be completed via the OSU Graduate College website: https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/apply/
The School of Media & Strategic Communication has rolling deadlines, so you can submit your application at any time and begin the program in the Fall, Spring or Summer term. The priority deadline for the Fall semester is March 1st. The priority deadline for the Spring semester is November 1st. For application review, the School of Media and Strategic Communications requires the submission of Official College Transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, Three Letters of Recommendation from professors or supervising employers, and a Writing Sample.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships may be available through a competitive application process. The number of assistantships available varies by semester/year and positions are limited. Assistantships cover full-time tuition and pay a modest stipend in exchange for 20 hours per week of work with a faculty or staff supervisor. Some involve assisting in the classroom, others involve assistance to faculty in research efforts, others involve administrative duties.
Applications for assistantships can be completed at the same time as applications for admission. Graduate assistantship applications can be found in the application portal.
Graduate Student Handbook
The Graduate Student Handbook provides the information necessary to be successful as a graduate student at Oklahoma State University. The handbook covers topics such as course requirements, course registration, academic standards, keys to success and much more. Additional details on the thesis and non-thesis options are provided within the handbook as well. The handbook is designed to answer any questions you may have about your courses or the curriculum during your time at the School of Media and Strategic Communications.
Online Graduate Option
Earn your master's degree from the comfort of your own home. With our new online master's program in Mass Communications, your education is (quite literally) in the palm of your hands. Here is why our program is perfect for the working professional, international students and anyone looking to get a leg-up in their professional communication skills. America's brightest orange is expanding across the nation.
We are currently accepting applications for the Fall 2023 semester. Apply here.