Master of Arts Media, Technology and Democracy
American University
Key Information
Campus location
Washington, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 1,922 / per credit
Application deadline
01 May 2024*
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* 01 May 2024 for international student (rolling admissions)
Introduction
Internet surveillance, disinformation campaigns, and manipulation of digital media are some of the greatest threats to democracy today. To counter those threats, and to support free and equitable societies, organizations need strategic thinkers with expertise in communications, technology, and policy.
The American University School of Communication MA in Media, Technology & Democracy will give you the tools you need to examine complex social problems, analyze emerging trends in media and technology, and develop and evaluate policy.
In this program designed for working professionals, you will build upon your existing knowledge and experience, completing PhD-level coursework in communication technology, history and law. That solid foundation in theory, combined with practical training in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, will prepare you for a leadership role in a media, government, or non-profit organization or to pursue a PhD in communication studies.
Credits: 30
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
The School of Communication offers prestigious merit-based scholarships and fellowships to graduate students.
Fellowships through partner organizations provide varying amounts of tuition remission and stipend, and allow you to gain professional experience while completing your graduate program. Additional applications materials are required to apply.
SOC scholarships are donor-based funds that are credited to your student account and applied to your tuition or refunded to you if you have a balance. Additional application materials are NOT required to apply.
Curriculum
Core (15 credit hours)
- COMM-704 Media, Technology, and Democracy (3)
- COMM-750 Advanced Media Theory (3)
- COMM-751 Advanced Media Research Methods (3)
- COMM-754 Media Law and Policy (3)
- COMM-755 Research Design in Communication (3)
Electives (12 credit hours)
Complete 12 credit hours from the following, or other courses approved by program director:
- COMM-564 Documentary Storytelling for Social Change (3)
- COMM-567 Communication and Social Change (3)
- COMM-611 History of Documentary (3)
- COMM-614 History of Cross-Cultural Cinema (3)
- COMM-620 Topics in Mass Media (1-3)
- COMM-643 Foreign Policy and the Press (3)
- COMM-667 Communication, Copyright and Culture (3)
- COMM-668 Musical Cultures and Industries (3)
- GAME-610 Game Research Methods (3)
- PUAD-601 Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis I (3)
- PUAD-602 Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis II (3)
- PUAD-603 Policy Process (3)
- PUAD-606 Foundations of Policy Analysis (3)
- PUAD-607 Economics and Politics of Public Policy (3)
- PUAD-619 Ethical Issues in Public Policy (3)
- PUAD-670 Economics for Policy Analysis (3)
- PUAD-671 Cost Benefit Analysis (3)
- PUAD-672 Advanced Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis (3)
- PUAD-684 Organizational Analysis (3)
- SIS-640 International Communication (3)
- SIS-642 Intercultural Relations (3)
- SIS-711 Topics in Intercultural and International Communication (3) : Foreign Policy, the News Media and New Channels of Communication
- SIS-750 Research and Professional Methods in International Affairs (3) (topics)
Capstone (3 credit hours)
Complete 3 credit hours from COMM-797 with completion of thesis:
- COMM-797 Master's Thesis Research (1-6)