World-Renowned Institutions: The USA houses some of the world’s top universities that offer cutting-edge programs in Media & Mass Communication. Schools like Columbia University, New York University, and the University of Southern California are renowned for their strong curricula and influential faculty.
Innovative and Diverse Curriculum: Programs in the USA often emphasize a diverse and comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of media and communication, including digital media, journalism, public relations, and film studies. This breadth provides students with a well-rounded education that is adaptable to various media roles.
Access to Industry Leaders: Being a global hub for media and entertainment, especially cities like New York and Los Angeles, the USA offers unparalleled access to industry professionals and networks. This exposure can lead to internship opportunities, guest lectures, and potential job placements.
Technological Advancements: American institutions are often at the forefront of technological integration in education. Students benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and the latest digital technologies, preparing them for modern media environments.
Cultural Hub: The USA's diverse cultural landscape enriches the learning experience, offering students a broader perspective on global media trends and communication strategies. This diversity is crucial for media students, who must understand and communicate with a varied audience.
Career Opportunities: The USA’s media and communication industry is vast and offers numerous career opportunities. Graduates can find roles in public relations, journalism, broadcasting, and more. The presence of major media conglomerates and startups alike provides a wide range of employment opportunities.
Research Opportunities: Many programs offer strong research components, with opportunities to work on significant projects under the guidance of leading scholars. This research experience is invaluable for students who may wish to pursue further studies or specialize in a specific area of media studies.
Global Perspective: Studying in the USA gives students a chance to develop a global perspective, crucial in a field as internationally interconnected as media and communications. This perspective helps graduates stand out in the job market, whether working in the USA or internationally.
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
Columbia University, New York |
Master of Science in Journalism |
Investigative Journalism, Broadcast |
University of Southern California (USC) |
B.A. in Communication |
Health Communication, Entertainment Communication |
New York University (NYU) |
M.A. in Media, Culture, and Communication |
Visual Culture, Technology and Society |
Northwestern University |
M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications |
Digital and Interactive Marketing |
University of California, Berkeley |
Master of Journalism |
Multimedia, Narrative Writing |
Stanford University |
M.A. in Communication |
Media Studies, Virtual Reality |
University of Texas, Austin |
Ph.D. in Media Studies |
Global Media, Media and Society |
Syracuse University |
B.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism |
Sports Journalism, News Reporting |
Boston University |
M.S. in Mass Communication |
Advertising, Public Relations |
University of Florida |
Master of Arts in Mass Communication |
International Communication, Social Media |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
Columbia University, New York |
Master of Science in Journalism |
Investigative Journalism, Broadcast Journalism |
University of Southern California (USC) |
B.A. in Communication |
Health Communication, Entertainment Communication |
New York University (NYU) |
M.A. in Media, Culture, and Communication |
Visual Culture, Technology and Society |
Northwestern University |
M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications |
Digital and Interactive Marketing, Media Management |
University of California, Berkeley |
Master of Journalism |
Multimedia, Narrative Writing, Data Journalism |
Stanford University |
M.A. in Communication |
Media Studies, Virtual Reality, Human-Computer Interaction |
University of Texas, Austin |
Ph.D. in Media Studies |
Global Media, Media and Society, Film and Media Studies |
Syracuse University |
B.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism |
Sports Journalism, News Reporting, Digital Media Production |
Boston University |
M.S. in Mass Communication |
Advertising, Public Relations, Communication Research |
University of Florida |
Master of Arts in Mass Communication |
International Communication, Social Media, Public Interest Communication |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Southern California (USC) |
B.A. in Communication |
Health Communication, Entertainment Communication, Political Communication |
New York University (NYU) |
B.S. in Media, Culture, and Communication |
Global and Transcultural Communication, Technology and Society, Image and Screen Studies |
Syracuse University |
B.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism |
Sports Journalism, News Reporting, Digital Media Production |
Boston University |
B.S. in Communication |
Advertising, Public Relations, Media Studies |
University of Texas, Austin |
B.S. in Radio-Television-Film |
Media Studies, Production, Writing for Media |
Northwestern University |
B.S. in Communication |
Radio/Television/Film, Theatre, Performance Studies |
Emerson College |
B.S. in Journalism |
Multimedia Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Political Communication |
University of Miami |
B.S. in Communication |
Broadcast Journalism, Electronic Media, Media Management |
University of Florida |
B.S. in Telecommunication |
News, Production, Media and Society |
Pennsylvania State University |
B.A. in Media Studies |
Film and Television Studies, International Communications, Media Effects |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
Columbia University, New York |
Master of Science in Journalism |
Investigative Journalism, Broadcast Journalism |
University of Southern California (USC) |
Master of Communication Management |
Marketing Communication, Strategic and Organizational Communication |
New York University (NYU) |
M.A. in Media, Culture, and Communication |
Visual Culture, Technology and Society, Global Media |
Northwestern University |
M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications |
Digital and Interactive Marketing, Media Management |
University of California, Berkeley |
Master of Journalism |
Multimedia, Narrative Writing, Data Journalism |
Stanford University |
M.A. in Communication |
Media Studies, Virtual Reality, Human-Computer Interaction |
Syracuse University |
M.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism |
Sports Communication, Digital Journalism, Media and Education |
Boston University |
M.S. in Mass Communication |
Advertising, Public Relations, Communication Research |
University of Florida |
Master of Arts in Mass Communication |
International Communication, Social Media, Public Interest Communication |
University of Texas, Austin |
M.A. in Media Studies |
Film and Media Studies, Media and Society, Digital Media |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Southern California (USC) |
PhD in Communication |
Health Communication, Media and Politics, Entertainment and Media Studies |
Stanford University |
PhD in Communication |
Media Studies, Human-Computer Interaction, Political Communication |
University of Texas, Austin |
PhD in Media Studies |
Global Media, Media and Society, Film and Media Studies |
University of Pennsylvania |
PhD in Communication |
Media Institutions, Media Effects, Political Communication |
Northwestern University |
PhD in Media, Technology, and Society |
Digital Media, Media and Technology, Cultural Studies |
University of California, Berkeley |
PhD in Media Studies |
Media Theory, Digital Humanities, Visual Culture |
University of Wisconsin-Madison |
PhD in Mass Communications |
Media Effects, Political Communication, Science Communication |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
PhD in Communication |
Media and Cinema Studies, Rhetoric, Technology and Society |
Syracuse University |
PhD in Mass Communications |
Media and Diversity, Digital Journalism, Political Communication |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
PhD in Media and Communication |
Media History, Social Media, Public Relations |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
UCLA Extension |
Professional Program in Media and Entertainment Studies |
Digital Media, Film and TV Development |
New York Film Academy |
Diploma in Broadcast Journalism |
Broadcast Journalism, Digital Journalism |
University of California, Berkeley Extension |
Professional Diploma in Digital Media and Marketing |
Social Media Marketing, Content Strategy |
Northwestern University School of Professional Studies |
Certificate in Strategic Communication |
Public Relations, Integrated Marketing Communication |
Emerson College |
Professional Studies Certificate in Digital Content Management |
Digital Content Creation, Multimedia Storytelling |
School of Visual Arts (SVA), New York |
Diploma in Visual and Critical Studies |
Media Criticism, Visual Culture |
Boston University MET |
Graduate Certificate in Applied Communication |
Corporate Communication, Media Relations |
University of Washington |
Certificate in Storytelling and Content Strategy |
Narrative Techniques, Digital Storytelling |
American University School of Communication |
Graduate Certificate in Digital Media Skills |
Web Development, Multimedia Production |
Georgetown University |
Certificate in Digital Media Management |
Social Media Strategy, Digital Analytics |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Duration |
---|---|---|---|
UCLA Extension |
Summer Institute for Media and Entertainment Studies |
Digital Media, Film Production |
6 weeks |
New York Film Academy |
8-Week Broadcast Journalism Workshop |
Broadcast Journalism, Digital Journalism |
8 weeks |
University of California, Berkeley Extension |
Intensive Program in Digital Marketing and Media |
Social Media Marketing, Content Strategy |
4 weeks |
Northwestern University School of Professional Studies |
Summer Session in Strategic Communication |
Public Relations, Integrated Marketing Communication |
8 weeks |
Emerson College |
Summer Workshop in Digital Content Creation |
Digital Content Creation, Multimedia Storytelling |
6 weeks |
School of Visual Arts (SVA), New York |
Summer Intensive in Visual and Critical Studies |
Media Criticism, Visual Culture |
4 weeks |
Boston University MET |
Summer Program in Applied Communication |
Corporate Communication, Media Relations |
6 weeks |
University of Washington |
Intensive Course in Storytelling and Content Strategy |
Narrative Techniques, Digital Storytelling |
5 weeks |
American University School of Communication |
Digital Media Skills Workshop |
Web Development, Multimedia Production |
6 weeks |
Georgetown University |
Digital Media Management Bootcamp |
Social Media Strategy, Digital Analytics |
4 weeks |
University |
Course Programs |
---|---|
University of Southern California (USC) |
B.A. in Communication, M.A. in Communication Management, Ph.D. in Communication |
New York University (NYU) |
B.S. in Media, Culture, and Communication, M.A. in Media, Culture, and Communication |
Columbia University, New York |
Master of Science in Journalism, Master of Arts in Journalism |
Northwestern University |
B.S. in Communication, M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications, Ph.D. in Media, Technology, and Society |
University of California, Berkeley |
B.A. in Media Studies, Master of Journalism, Ph.D. in Media Studies |
Stanford University |
B.A. in Communication, M.A. in Communication, Ph.D. in Communication |
Syracuse University |
B.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism, M.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism, Ph.D. in Mass Communications |
Boston University |
B.S. in Communication, M.S. in Mass Communication, Ph.D. in Emerging Media Studies |
University of Texas, Austin |
B.S. in Radio-Television-Film, M.A. in Media Studies, Ph.D. in Media Studies |
University of Florida |
B.S. in Telecommunication, Master of Arts in Mass Communication, Ph.D. in Mass Communication |
University |
Program Name |
Intake Periods |
---|---|---|
University of Southern California (USC) |
B.A. in Communication, M.A. in Communication Management, Ph.D. in Communication |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
New York University (NYU) |
B.S. in Media, Culture, and Communication, M.A. in Media, Culture, and Communication |
Fall (September), Spring (January) |
Columbia University, New York |
Master of Science in Journalism, Master of Arts in Journalism |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
Northwestern University |
B.S. in Communication, M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications, Ph.D. in Media, Technology, and Society |
Fall (September), Spring (January) |
University of California, Berkeley |
B.A. in Media Studies, Master of Journalism, Ph.D. in Media Studies |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
Stanford University |
B.A. in Communication, M.A. in Communication, Ph.D. in Communication |
Fall (September) |
Syracuse University |
B.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism, M.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism, Ph.D. in Mass Communications |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
Boston University |
B.S. in Communication, M.S. in Mass Communication, Ph.D. in Emerging Media Studies |
Fall (September), Spring (January) |
University of Texas, Austin |
B.S. in Radio-Television-Film, M.A. in Media Studies, Ph.D. in Media Studies |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
University of Florida |
B.S. in Telecommunication, Master of Arts in Mass Communication, Ph.D. in Mass Communication |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
University |
Program Name |
Approximate Tuition Fees (USD/year) |
---|---|---|
University of Southern California (USC) |
B.A. in Communication |
$63,468 |
University of Southern California (USC) |
M.A. in Communication Management |
$63,468 |
University of Southern California (USC) |
Ph.D. in Communication |
$63,468 (often fully funded for PhD students) |
New York University (NYU) |
B.S. in Media, Culture, and Communication |
$58,168 |
New York University (NYU) |
M.A. in Media, Culture, and Communication |
$58,168 |
Columbia University, New York |
Master of Science in Journalism |
$66,880 |
Columbia University, New York |
Master of Arts in Journalism |
$66,880 |
Northwestern University |
B.S. in Communication |
$63,891 |
Northwestern University |
M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications |
$61,800 |
Northwestern University |
Ph.D. in Media, Technology, and Society |
$61,800 (often fully funded for PhD students) |
University of California, Berkeley |
B.A. in Media Studies |
$44,008 (out-of-state) |
University of California, Berkeley |
Master of Journalism |
$44,178 |
University of California, Berkeley |
Ph.D. in Media Studies |
$44,008 (often fully funded for PhD students) |
Stanford University |
B.A. in Communication |
$60,576 |
Stanford University |
M.A. in Communication |
$60,576 |
Stanford University |
Ph.D. in Communication |
$60,576 (often fully funded for PhD students) |
Syracuse University |
B.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism |
$60,239 |
Syracuse University |
M.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism |
$33,015 (per credit hour) |
Syracuse University |
Ph.D. in Mass Communications |
$33,015 (often fully funded for PhD students) |
Boston University |
B.S. in Communication |
$61,050 |
Boston University |
M.S. in Mass Communication |
$61,050 |
Boston University |
Ph.D. in Emerging Media Studies |
$61,050 (often fully funded for PhD students) |
University of Texas, Austin |
B.S. in Radio-Television-Film |
$42,400 (out-of-state) |
University of Texas, Austin |
M.A. in Media Studies |
$18,168 (in-state), $34,176 (out-of-state) |
University of Texas, Austin |
Ph.D. in Media Studies |
$18,168 (in-state), $34,176 (out-of-state, often fully funded for PhD students) |
University of Florida |
B.S. in Telecommunication |
$28,658 (out-of-state) |
University of Florida |
Master of Arts in Mass Communication |
$30,130 (out-of-state) |
University of Florida |
Ph.D. in Mass Communication |
$30,130 (often fully funded for PhD students) |
High School Diploma: Applicants must have completed secondary education or its equivalent.
Academic Transcripts: Submission of high school transcripts showing a strong academic record.
Standardized Test Scores: Many universities require SAT or ACT scores.
English Proficiency: International students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores if English is not their first language.
Letters of Recommendation: Usually 1-2 letters from teachers or counselors.
Personal Statement/Essay: A written statement outlining the applicant’s interest in Media & Mass Communication and their career goals.
Extracurricular Activities: Participation in relevant extracurricular activities can be beneficial.
Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a related field (e.g., communication, journalism, media studies).
Academic Transcripts: Submission of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
Standardized Test Scores: Some programs require GRE scores, though this requirement is becoming less common.
English Proficiency: International students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores if English is not their first language.
Letters of Recommendation: Usually 2-3 letters from academic or professional references.
Personal Statement/Essay: A written statement outlining the applicant’s academic and professional background, research interests, and career goals.
Professional Experience: Relevant work experience or internships can be advantageous.
Portfolio: Some programs may require a portfolio of relevant work, especially for journalism or multimedia tracks.
Master’s Degree: While some programs accept students with only a bachelor's degree, most prefer applicants to hold a master's degree in a related field.
Academic Transcripts: Submission of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
Standardized Test Scores: GRE scores may be required.
English Proficiency: International students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores if English is not their first language.
Letters of Recommendation: Usually 3 letters from academic or professional references who can speak to the applicant’s research potential.
Personal Statement/Research Proposal: A detailed statement outlining the applicant’s research interests, academic background, and career goals.
Professional Experience: Relevant work experience, research experience, or academic publications can be beneficial.
Writing Sample: Many programs require a writing sample demonstrating the applicant’s research and analytical skills.
Scholarship Name |
University |
Eligibility Criteria |
Approximate Award Amount (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Annenberg Graduate Fellowship |
University of Southern California (USC) |
Graduate students in Communication and Journalism programs |
Full tuition + stipend |
NYU Journalism Global and Joint Program Studies |
New York University (NYU) |
Graduate students in Journalism and International Relations |
Up to full tuition |
Columbia Journalism School Scholarships |
Columbia University, New York |
Graduate students in Journalism |
Varies, partial to full tuition |
Medill School of Journalism Scholarships |
Northwestern University |
Graduate students in Journalism and Integrated Marketing Communications |
Varies, partial to full tuition |
Berkeley Graduate Fellowships |
University of California, Berkeley |
Graduate students in Journalism |
Varies, partial to full tuition |
Knight-Hennessy Scholars |
Stanford University |
Graduate students across disciplines, including Communication |
Full tuition + stipend |
Newhouse Scholarships |
Syracuse University |
Undergraduate and graduate students in Communications |
Varies, partial to full tuition |
BU College of Communication Scholarships |
Boston University |
Undergraduate and graduate students in Communication |
Varies, partial to full tuition |
UT Austin Moody College of Communication Fellowships |
University of Texas, Austin |
Graduate students in Communication |
Varies, partial to full tuition |
UF College of Journalism and Communications Scholarships |
University of Florida |
Undergraduate and graduate students in Communication |
Varies, partial to full tuition |
Career Path |
Job Roles |
Description |
---|---|---|
Journalism |
Reporter, Correspondent, News Anchor |
Covering news stories, reporting events, and presenting news on television, radio, or online platforms. |
Public Relations |
PR Specialist, Media Relations Manager |
Managing public image and communication for organizations or individuals, crafting press releases, and coordinating with media. |
Advertising |
Copywriter, Art Director, Media Planner |
Creating advertising campaigns, developing content, and planning media strategies to promote products or services. |
Broadcasting |
Producer, Director, Broadcast Technician |
Producing and directing television or radio programs, managing technical aspects of broadcasting. |
Digital Media |
Social Media Manager, Content Creator, Digital Strategist |
Managing social media platforms, creating digital content, and developing digital marketing strategies. |
Film and Television |
Screenwriter, Film Director, Cinematographer |
Writing scripts, directing films or television shows, and managing the visual aspects of production. |
Corporate Communication |
Corporate Communications Manager, Internal Communications Specialist |
Handling internal and external communication for businesses, ensuring consistent messaging and engagement. |
Marketing Communication |
Marketing Manager, Brand Strategist |
Developing marketing campaigns, managing brand identity, and communicating with target audiences. |
Media Research |
Media Analyst, Researcher |
Conducting research on media trends, audience behavior, and effectiveness of media campaigns. |
Education and Academia |
Professor, Lecturer, Academic Researcher |
Teaching media and communication courses at universities and conducting academic research. |
Publishing |
Editor, Publisher, Literary Agent |
Managing content for books, magazines, and digital publications, overseeing the publication process. |
Event Management |
Event Planner, Publicist |
Organizing and promoting events, managing logistics, and coordinating media coverage. |
Media Companies: CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox News, The New York Times, The Washington Post
Public Relations Firms: Edelman, Weber Shandwick, FleishmanHillard, Ketchum
Advertising Agencies: Ogilvy, BBDO, McCann, Saatchi & Saatchi
Digital Media and Tech Companies: Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, BuzzFeed
Film and Television Studios: Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Disney, Paramount Pictures
Corporations: Fortune 500 companies with in-house communication teams
Nonprofit Organizations: NGOs, advocacy groups, and public interest organizations
Government Agencies: Communication departments within federal, state, and local government
Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Technical Skills: Proficiency with digital tools, media production software, and social media platforms.
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze media trends, audience data, and market research.
Creativity: Strong creative thinking for content creation and campaign development.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work well in teams, manage relationships, and engage with stakeholders.
Project Management: Effective management of projects, timelines, and resources.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing media landscapes and technologies.
Internships: Gain practical experience through internships at media companies, PR firms, or advertising agencies.
Networking: Build professional connections through industry events, conferences, and alumni networks.
Certifications: Consider certifications in areas like digital marketing, media production, or public relations.
Continued Education: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies through workshops, courses, and advanced degrees.
Journalist: $40,000 - $70,000
PR Specialist: $50,000 - $90,000
Advertising Manager: $60,000 - $120,000
Broadcast Producer: $50,000 - $100,000
Social Media Manager: $45,000 - $85,000
Film Director: $50,000 - $150,000+
Corporate Communications Manager: $70,000 - $130,000
Marketing Manager: $60,000 - $120,000
Media Analyst: $50,000 - $100,000
Professor: $60,000 - $120,000
Editor: $40,000 - $80,000
Event Planner: $40,000 - $75,000