Graduate

Explore Programs

Explore Programs

Graduate

Explore Programs

The mission of the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s graduate programs is to prepare students for academic and professional careers in a global media environment. The Mass Communication MA and PhD programs train students to become leaders in the social scientific study of mass communication. The Professional Master's in Strategic Communication program provides working professionals with the tools they need to succeed as communication experts across a range of fields. 

MA in Mass Communication

The MA in mass communication is a research-based, academic program designed to familiarize students to cutting edge research and to prepare them to conduct scholarly research in the field of mass communication. Upon graduation, students are prepared for careers in communication industries and related professions or to continue their education by pursuing a doctoral degree.

 

What You’ll Study

While our curriculum's interdisciplinary nature allows you to develop unique research projects tailored to your individual interests, most students center their study within several broad areas.

  • Advertising
  • Communication law and regulation
  • Health communication
  • History of mass communication
  • International mass communication
  • Journalism studies
  • Mass media structures, processes, and effects
  • Political communication
  • Public relations
     

Interested in earning your MA in Mass Communication?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and application requirements.

Learn More About the Program

PhD in Mass Communication

The Hubbard School PhD program is designed to prepare independent scholars for academic careers in teaching and research in mass communication and related fields. The typical career path for our PhD students is to take a tenure-track academic position at a university. Our PhD graduates have been placed at top-ranked universities in the U.S. and other countries, and pursued careers at high-profile non-profit organizations, major advertising, public relations and media organizations, research firms, large corporations, and as consultants.

What You’ll Study

You will build a solid foundation in the discipline through multifaceted exploration of the theories and methods that influence the shape and scope of mass communication research. You are strongly encouraged to develop your own theoretical and methodological approach to mass communication research and to interact and collaborate with our multidisciplinary faculty on cutting-edge research in mass communication in the global and multicultural context.

  • Advertising
  • Communication law and regulation
  • Health communication
  • History of mass communication
  • International mass communication
  • Journalism studies
  • Mass media structures, processes, and effects
  • Political communication
  • Public relations
     

 

Interested in earning your PhD in Mass Communication?

Learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements, curriculum, and thesis guidelines. 

Learn More About the Program

Professional Master's in Strategic Communication

Designed exclusively for working professionals in advertising, public relations, corporate or nonprofit communications, the Professional MA in Strategic Communication focuses on the study of communications strategy, planning, and evaluation, as well as persuasion and advertising theory. You’ll learn how to create and implement effective communication strategies while becoming a communicator who provides strategic insight to executives.

What You’ll Study

This program is designed for communications and marketing professionals who are working full-time. Our faculty and your fellow students understand the need for work/life balance. This degree is designed to be completed in two calendar years—period.

  • Advertising
  • Communication Case Studies
  • Communication Strategy
  • Digital Media Strategies
  • Integrated Media Strategies
  • Public Relations
  • Theory

Is This Your Turning Point?

Learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements, curriculum, the cohort model and how to apply.

Learn More About the Program

MA/JD & PhD/JD in Mass Communication & Law

The University of Minnesota offers a unique opportunity to students who are interested in earning either an MA/JD in three years or a PhD/JD in five years. The HSJMC is regarded as one of the top graduate programs in mass communication and the University of Minnesota’s Law School is consistently ranked as one of the top law schools in the nation. This program boasts attributes that other programs cannot: A top law school, a major media market, and a thriving graduate program in mass communication.

What You’ll Study

These innovative degree programs enable students to tailor their education to suit their future career goals. Combined programs allow you to apply your credits toward degree requirements in both schools. This will help you save time and tuition expense because you won't have to pursue separate degrees.

  • First Amendment
  • Libel law
  • Data privacy and collection
  • Freedom of Information (FOIA)
  • Intellectual Property
     

Interested in the Mass Communication & Law Program?

Learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements, the enrollment process, and application instructions. 

Learn More About the Program