Media, Culture, and Communication (MA)
Program Description
The MA degree program trains agile researchers to think critically from diverse perspectives about changing industries, technologies, and cultures. Students work closely with diverse and renowned media studies faculty. MCC research and coursework foreground the study of global media and culture, digital media and new technologies, media history and theory, visual culture, race, and politics.
While graduate courses are primarily theoretical, the Media, Culture, and Communication curriculum is flexible, allowing electives from across the University to align with students' personal academic and professional trajectories.
Media business at NYU Stern, media law at the NYU School of Law, interactive technology at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and media ethnography in NYU Anthropology are just some of the many elective options in addition to graduate study abroad courses in Europe, Asia, and Latin America examining media in comparative contexts.
The MA in Media, Culture, and Communication offers a theoretical foundation for examining global media within political, social, and cultural contexts. The program does not provide practical training in media production, publicity or marketing. MCC MA students can use some of their electives to enroll in such classes elsewhere at NYU, but those seeking a purely practice-based degree should consider applying to the School of Professional Studies' MS in Integrated Marketing or MS in Public Relations, or Tisch's MA in Interactive Media.
Review our FAQs to learn more about the MA program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of MCC's media studies master's build careers as astute analyzers of the global media landscape. Alumni find themselves well positioned for careers at the intersections of media, culture, and tech — ranging from research to creative, strategy to policy. Those who pursue doctoral study enroll in top-tier PhD programs.
Special Opportunities
Students attend special events throughout the year and can apply to present their original research at the department’s annual Neil Postman Graduate Conference. Internships in a wide array of media and communication positions are available to master’s students through the department’s online internship database. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the full academic and professional resources of the University and metropolitan area.
The University and department offer graduate summer and January intersession study-abroad programs to explore globalization, global visual culture, and media and culture in other countries. Locations have included Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Buenos Aires, London, Paris, Prague, and Shanghai. These courses typically examine the social, economic, political, and cultural implications of global media and culture in relation to the site of study. Courses integrate lectures, seminars, and site visits and deploy a comparative approach. Courses vary year to year. Recent topics have included Race and Media (London); Migration, Media, and the Global City (Berlin); Visual Culture of Memory (Buenos Aires).
Admissions
Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:
- Résumé/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- Proficiency in English
See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.
See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.