Graduate Degrees Offered

The School of Journalism & Mass Communication offers three graduate degree programs:

• Ph.D., Mass Communication
• The Concepts M.A., Journalism & Mass Communication
• The Professional-track M.A., Journalism & Mass Communication

The Ph.D. program

The doctoral program in Mass Communication provides future academics and professionals with rigorous training in theory and research. Students develop highly-individualized programs in a variety of content areas (see research areas for an idea of the different areas of specialization supported by the faculty). Course programs consist of a minimum of 65 credits and are composed by the individual grad student in consultation with his/her advisor. After completion of coursework, doctoral students complete written prelim exams and a dissertation based on original research. Our Ph.D. graduates have gone on to become some of the most successful researchers and administrators in the field of mass communication. Others have gone on to professional careers in the media and research consulting. A Master’s degree is required for admission into the Ph.D. program.

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The Concepts M.A. program

The Concepts M.A. program serves two types of students: those who seek to use this degree as a stepping stone into the doctoral program, and those who take the specialized training in theory and research and return to the professional work world as media professionals, research consultants, and other related careers. Course programs are tailored to the interests of the student and consist of a minimum of 24 credits for those students who write a thesis and a minimum of 30 credits for students who choose the non-thesis option. UW-Madison Concepts M.A. graduates may matriculate into our Ph.D. program following a successful defense of a Master’s thesis, provided they complete their degree on time and receive permission from their M.A. committee.

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The Professional-track M.A. program

The Professional-track M.A. program bridges the gap between real-world reporting and the theoretical ideal of a profession that serves as a foundation for America's democracy. This program offers the prospective master's student practical skills training in journalism combined with a knowledge of the industry, its history, missions, practices, and relationships with the public. Skills classes are a significant component of this program, however press theory and the role journalists play in society are given equal weight. The development of a specialty in journalism is a central component of this program. As such, all applications will be considered, however preference will be given to those seeking to pursue and build journalistic credentials within a specialty area in order to seek a job in the professional world. Course programs are tailored to the interests of the student and consist of a minimum of 30 credits with a final portfolio of professional-grade clips and projects. Professional-track M.A. students generally return to the professional world. However, UW-Madison Professional-track M.A. graduates may matriculate into our Ph.D. program following a successful defense of a Master's thesis, provided they complete their degree on time and receive permission from their M.A. committee.