Online MA in Communications & Media Studies – Courses

Curriculum Details

30 total credits required

Brenau University’s online MA in Communication and Media Studies includes 10 flexible online courses that address the most pertinent topics in today’s media industry. You’ll master skills in emerging media, business, negotiation, research and more to graduate prepared to advance in your career.

Connect with your peers as you learn in small classes led by expert faculty members who bring a student-centered approach to teaching. Brenau’s online program helps you build the expertise to adapt to new trends and technologies as you successfully navigate the changing communications field. Graduate with your degree in two years or less, ready to confidently pursue your goals. From here, you can.

View the course catalog.

Degree Requirements

Credits

MM 600 Communication Theory Credit Hours: 3

Critical Analysis of the major theories of communication processes, including systems theory, structural theories and semiotics, behaviorism, symbolic interactionism, theories of the social construction of reality, and other theoretical approaches to the study of communication.

MM 610 Applied Communication Research Credit Hours: 3

This combined research course will focus on prominent research methods in communication including qualitative methods (historical, critical, descriptive including content analysis and focus groups) and quantitative methods (experimental, survey, and data analytics). We will specifically address Digital Media Analytics which provide a manner in which to understand, utilize, manipulate, and analyze “big data” to meet communication and business objectives.

MM 620 Communication in Society Credit Hours: 3

Class examines the underlying construction of rhetorical messages as well as critical perspectives for the analysis of public communications discourse. Several topics for discussion include audience theory, classical rhetorical communications theory, the construction of public discourse through mass communication, and media economics and governance.

CR 620 Negotiation and Mediation Credit Hours: 3

This course addresses the theory, skills, and limits of the negotiation and mediation processes. Students explore the practical application of negotiation and mediation methodologies through readings, discussions, and role-playing exercises.

MM 630 Media Globalization Credit Hours: 3

This course explores how media and cultural practices flow across, between, and through national and geographic borders. Exploring concepts like media convergence, transnationalism, localization, and cultural hybridity, this course examines the ever changing cultural landscapes of the 21st century and how the flow of popular media around the world forces a reconsideration of traditional perceptions of identity.

MM 640 Film Theory Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed for graduate students to become conversant in various theoretical approaches to film, how these approaches might assist in the teaching and writing about film texts, as well as trends in film theory.

MM 650 Media Industries and Business Practices Credit Hours: 3

A study of business dynamics that drive major media sectors. A focus will be on digital convergence and the influence of digital media on all media sectors. The course will examine corporate business strategy, marketing, conglomerates, consolidation and integration, regulation, disruptive transformation, globalization of media industries, etc. Additionally, the course will examine recent and historical trends, concepts, models, and strategies in media and the implications for all elements of the industry value chain.

MM 660 Emerging Media Landscapes and Technology Credit Hours: 3

This course explores the ever changing media and technological landscape of the 21st century. Students will learn about the new theoretical and critical discourse that has emerged around these new media artifacts, their socio-cultural function, and consider what changes the future has in store. Sample topics that this course explores include new media studies, social media, technology integration, transmedia texts, and video game studies.

MM 670 Communication Consulting and Training Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed for people interested in understanding consulting as a profession and industry, the consulting process, and the tools and techniques that can be used to help organizations improve performance and become more effective. Students will learn the fundamentals of consulting practice including how to complete a needs assessment for communication competency; how to develop, deliver, and evaluate a training program. Additionally, students will learn common mistakes and ethical issues in consulting, as well as a variety of diagnostic and problem-solving methodologies.

MM 680 Communication Seminar Credit Hours: 3

Advanced treatment of contemporary topics, trends, current research findings and opportunities in the field of communication. This course designates new or occasional courses that capitalize on timely topics. The format of the course will be a seminar in which students will actively participate in the lectures and discussions by presenting their own research in the field of communication and media studies.

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