Syracuse University - S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
M.A. in Media Studies
Syracuse, USA
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
16 Jan 2027
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 2,094 / per credit *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Tuition increases approximately 3% each year. Graduate students are charged a health fee and activity fee per semester plus a one-time program fee.
Key Summary
About: If you have mass media experience and want to study the mass communications process through research, the academic M.A. in Media Studies at The Newhouse School, Syracuse University, examines contemporary media systems and relation to society. You'll investigate media diversity, political communication, social effects, media psychology while doing communications research and media theory.
This programme prepares students for doctoral study and research-oriented careers.
Career Outcomes: Alumni often move into Ph.D. programs, with many teaching at colleges and universities. Graduates also work in non-governmental organizations and corporate communications research, taking roles in media analysis, strategic communications, audience studies, and consulting.
If you have mass media experience and would like to further examine the mass communications process in depth through research, our academic master's program is the right place for you. As a Newhouse media studies student, you will, through investigation of contemporary media systems and processes, assess the media's relationship with the world. Research opportunities abound in our program. Areas of inquiry include media and diversity, political communication, social effects, and media psychology. Media studies is an excellent foundation for doctoral study or for research-oriented jobs in the private or public sector.
Pursue your interests and share your findings with the academic world
Our program provides valuable flexibility, allowing you to pursue your individual academic interests. You can work closely with faculty on your research and present your findings at national conventions.
You begin your two-year program in the fall semester and must complete your degree with a master's thesis in addition to your coursework. You may take electives from any Newhouse department as well as other schools and colleges at Syracuse University.
Media Studies offers an academic research track and a professional research track.
The academic research track is designed for students planning to pursue a Ph.D.
The professional research track is designed to better prepare students for research-oriented jobs.
Various scholarships and fellowships are awarded to incoming Newhouse students to help offset the cost of attendance. Since Newhouse does have limited funding to offer, the majority of these awards are partial. It is also a competitive process, and all awards are merit-based.
Alumni of the Media Studies program often continue their academic careers by moving into Ph.D. programs at top universities throughout the country.
Many of our media studies graduates are teaching at colleges and universities around the world. Others have careers with non-governmental organizations or are doing corporate communications research.