The M.A. in the Communication Arts establishes a graduate-level venue for studies and research in Communications. This graduate degree offers three distinct specializations:
(a) Electronic Media (b) Hispanic Media and (c) Art Management. The three specializations offer courses that develop analytical and practical skills for effective media-related writing and speaking. They provide an understanding of media and cultural communication theories, and foster the capability to work in varied roles within the communications and art industry or succeed in further studies leading to the Ph.D.
The curriculum is infused with a multicultural approach that trains students to work in the diverse communication environments of today. In addition to providing a global perspective, the program develops in students the necessary analytical skills and technological applications to successfully manage communication projects in today’s technologically oriented world. Through its multidisciplinary curriculum, the program incorporates the diverse educational, professional and cultural resources within the University and the South Florida community.
Admissions Requirements
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the following materials:
1. Completed and signed application. Fee required.
2. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.*
3. Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be submitted by the applicant’s supervisor or academic advisor.
4. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0.
5. An interview with the MA in Communication Arts Program Coordinator or designated faculty member.
6. Full-time healthcare, public-sector and not-for-profit organization employees must submit employment documentation.
7. Testing:
a. All applicants are required to complete a formal writing assessment.
b. International students and domestic students whose language of instruction is other than English are required to take the TOEFL, LOEP, or GRE. A TOEFL score of 550, or 213 or higher for computerized testing since June, 1998, is required for admission consideration.
8. If appropriate, international students must submit English translations of their documents. Copies of certificates and/or diplomas must be submitted.
9. All international students requiring I-20 visas must submit a Certification or Letter of Finances and a notarized Letter of Sponsorship.
*Students in the M.A. in Communication Arts will have either graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications or Art or, if an applicant’s undergraduate degree is completed in another discipline, have worked in a professional capacity in communications, the arts or related fields. Those applicants not meeting these criteria will be individually assessed for admittance to the program.
In addition to the University’s standard requirements for admissions to graduate programs, below are specific requirements for the M. A. in Communication Arts as well as for the Hispanic Media Graduate Certificate program.
1. All applicants will be required to produce a writing sample as well as complete standardized tests to ensure acceptable levels of language abilities in English. Hispanic Media Specialization or Certificate applicants must do so in both English and Spanish. Testing and referrals will be managed by the St. Thomas University Academic Enhancement Center.
2. If the applicant does not score the requisite grade in Spanish, he/she will be referred to undergraduate language courses such as Advanced Spanish for the Spanish Speaker and be re-tested upon re-application to the Masters program.
3. If the applicant does not score the requisite grade in English, he/she may be probationally admitted and be required to take the graduate writing course. Upon completion of the course, the applicant will retake the English exam.
4. Applicant to this program must provide three letters of recommendation.
5. Applicants for the Specialization in Art Management that lack degrees, coursework or experience in either management or art need to take preparatory courses in those areas.
Questions or comments please contact:
Dr. Gloria P. Ruiz, Interim Dean gruiz@stu.edu 305.628 6508
Administrative Offices: mclarke@stu.edu or 305.628.6645