Communication and Media Studies Master’s Program Degree Requirements

Ready to become a master of media theory? You’ll need to complete at least 46 credits (including 24 graded credits at the UO) covering a mix of media concepts and theory, research methodology courses, and graduate-level electives in your areas of interest.

To see which order most students take these courses, see our sample schedule. Consult the UO Class Schedule to find out when these courses are offered and register.

Minimum Requirements

To graduate from the with a master's degree in Communication and Media Studies, you’ll need:

46+
total graduate credits
(500- or 600-level)
8–16
graduate credits outside of the SOJC
3.00
cumulative UO gpa

Core Courses
All Students Complete

Everyone in your cohort will take these courses during the first year.

  • JCOM 611 Mass Communication and Society 4 credits
  • JCOM 612 Media Theory I 5 credits
  • JCOM 613 Media Theory II 5 credits
  • Choose one:
    • JCOM 641 Qualitative Research Methods 4 credits
    • JCOM 642 Quantitative Research Methods 4 credits

Thesis or Terminal Project
All Students Complete

If you want to pursue doctoral study or a career requiring scholarly research, you should complete a thesis. The terminal project is an option if you plan to pursue a career more focused on creative or professional expertise than traditional research. For more details about and guidelines for the thesis/terminal project, see the graduate handbook.

  • Choose one:
    • JCOM 503 Thesis 9 credits
    • JCOM 609 Terminal Project 6 credits

Additional Courses
All Students Complete

To complete your degree, you'll need to take some additional courses. Refer to the graduate handbook for specific requirements.

  • Additional Methods Course 4 credits
  • Additional SOJC Conceptual Course 4 credits
  • Graduate-level Courses Outside the SOJC 8–16 credits

Questions?

Need some guidance? Here are a few options:

  1. Download our graduate handbook for more details about program requirements and resources.
  2. Contact our Director of Graduate Affairs and Student Experience with questions about the program, the application process, and admission.