2015-2016 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
School of Mass Communication and Journalism
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 Return to: College of Arts and Letters
David R. Davies, Ph.D., Interim Director
118 College Drive #5121
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001 (601) 266-4258
www.usm.edu/mcj
Blackwell, Campbell, Davies, Gentile, Jenkins, Murphree, Sheffer, Shin, Xue
Vanessa Murphree, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
118 College Drive #5121
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-6574
communications@usm.edu
The School of Mass Communication and Journalism provides graduate curricula in mass communication as part of a graduate program in communication that is shared with the Department of Communication Studies. Master of arts, master of science, and doctor of philosophy degrees in communication with an emphasis in mass communication are offered. In addition, a master of science in public relations degree is available.
Master’s degree students emphasizing mass communication or majoring in public relations are required to have prior academic training or professional experience in the mass media or public relations practice. Those not meeting the requirement can be admitted into the program but will be required to correct the deficiency without receiving graduate credit for the additional work. For doctoral students the degree program is structured in consultation with a student’s doctoral committee. Students entering doctoral study in mass communication from other disciplines may be required to take additional course work at lower levels to make up for background deficiencies.
A course in which a student has earned a grade of D will not apply toward a graduate degree. A student who earns more than six hours of D or three hours of F may not be considered a candidate for degree. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA for good standing.
Deadlines for admission are as follows:
All admission materials for doctoral students seeking to enroll in spring, summer, and fall terms must be received by November 1, March 1, and July 1, respectively. Students seeking assistantships for the fall semester are strongly encouraged to apply prior to the March 1 deadline.
Admission deadlines for master’s students are the same as those published by the Graduate School.
Admission requirements are the same as those of the university, with the following additions:
Applicants for the Master’s Program
Regular Admission
Undergraduate Record—A cumulative GPA on the last 60 hours from all institutions of our applicants has ranged from 3.0 to 4.0. A 3.0 GPA is required; a 3.0 major GPA is also required.
Graduate Record Examination—Official scores from the GRE must be submitted (All sections).
Test of English as a Foreign Language—Applicants whose native language is not English must attain a TOEFL score of 550 (Internet-based test:79) or at least 6.5 on the IELTS exam.
Letters of Recommendation—Three current letters of recommendation are required and should address the applicant’s readiness for graduate study. Ordinarily such letters should be requested by applicants from faculty in their major field of study who are well-acquainted with the applicant’s academic abilities. For master’s level admission, it is acceptable for one of the letters to be submitted by a media or public relations professional who is familiar with the applicant’s work and his or her suitability for graduate study.
Applicants are also required to provide a statement of purpose indicating why the applicant wishes to pursue a master’s degree at Southern Miss and submit a resume of their professional experience and accomplishments.
Conditional Admission
Undergraduate Record—The cumulative GPA of the last 60 hours from all institutions is usually 2.75 or better.
Graduate Record Examination—GRE scores must be submitted.
Test of English as a Foreign Language—Applicants whose native language is not English must attain a TOEFL score of 550 (Internet-based test:79).
Letters of Recommendation—Three current letters of recommendation are required and should address the applicant’s readiness for graduate study. Ordinarily such letters should be requested by applicants from faculty in their major field of study who are well-acquainted with the applicant’s academic abilities. For master’s level admission, it is acceptable for one of the letters to be submitted by a media or public relations professional who is familiar with the applicant’s work and his or her suitability for graduate study.
Applicants are also required to provide a statement of purpose indicating why the applicant wishes to pursue a master’s degree at Southern Miss and submit a resume of their professional experience and accomplishments.
To remove conditional admission status, students must earn a 3.0 on the first nine (9) semester hours of course work numbered 500 or above or on all course work taken while completing this nine (9)-hour requirement. The courses must be taken in the School of Mass Communication and Journalism.
Applicants for the Doctoral Program
Regular Admission
Master’s Record—A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better is required.
Graduate Record Examination—Official scores from the GRE must be submitted (All sections).
Test of English as a Foreign Language—Applicants whose native language is not English must attain a TOEFL score of 550 (Internet-based test:79).
Letters of Recommendation—Three current letters of recommendation are required and should address the applicant’s readiness for graduate study. Ordinarily such letters should be requested by applicants from faculty in their major field of study who are well-acquainted with the applicant’s academic abilities.
Applicants are also encouraged to submit a resume of their professional experience and accomplishments.
Statement of Goals—Applicants must submit a written statement of goals (500-750 words). This statement enables the applicant to discuss career plans, and to supply additional information that will assist in selecting those individuals who can most benefit from and contribute to the graduate communication programs.
Conditional Admission
Students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission may be considered for conditional admission. The requirements for letters of recommendation and statement of goals are the same as for regular admission.
To remove conditional admission status, doctoral students must earn a 3.50 on the first nine (9) semester hours of course work numbered 600 or above or on all course work taken while completing this nine (9)-hour requirement. The courses must be in the School of Mass Communication and Journalism.
Research and Scholarly Integrity Education
All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status, must complete CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page – www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.
ProgramsMaster of ArtsMaster of ScienceDoctor of Philosophy
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