BTMM Masters: Students in the Media Education Lab

THE BTMM masters program

Welcome to the Master of Arts Program in BTMM. A component of the School of Communications and Theater, Temple University's BTMM MA program provides students with both professional and scholarly enrichment.

This site offers an overview of the MA program and includes information pertinent to both incoming and current MA students. Look for contact information, request applications and other materials, browse our concentrations and curriculum, download or view the all important MA Manual.

Overview

The Master of Arts in Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Mass Media is designed for two types of degree candidates.

Some BTMM Master's students pursue the degree to advance in corporate, public or non-profit communication industries. These students take courses in relevant applied communication courses such as advertising, public relations, TV production, management and organizational communication.


Other BTMM Master's students pursue a course of study that prepares them for a doctoral program in communication or a cognate discipline. Some students who earn the MA in BTMM proceed to the doctoral program in Mass Media & Communication (MM&C) at Temple.

Program Concentrations


The BTMM Master's Program provides graduate students with both scholarly and professional training.


Communication Scholarship


The BTMM MA offers a strong and diverse scholarly curriculum with a general foundation in communication theory and methodology. Introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses are offered in the following areas of study:


• Institutions
The history, economics, law, regulation, and policy pertaining to broadcast, cable, and new technology industries in both national and international contexts.


• Social Processes
The psychology, sociology, cultural study and politics of both mass media and communications technology, particularly in terms of their impact on everyday life.


• Organizations and Networks
The analysis of the behavior and management of communications systems, particularly in terms of mass media industries and institutions.


Many BTMM students concentrate wholly on the Department's scholarly curriculum as an excellent preparation for doctoral training, and the MA in BTMM can be a preparatory degree for Temple's doctoral program in communication.


Media Production and Business


In preparation for a professional career, BTMM master's students may pursue media training in areas such as:


• TV, radio, computer, and multimedia production
• Corporate communications
• Media management, marketing, and research
• Media publicity and advertising


BTMM's media production and business orientation points students toward careers in:


• TV and radio corporations and stations
• Marketing and advertising agencies
• Educational Institutions
• Profit and non-profit industries


The program also offers internship opportunities in media industries relevant to the students' interests.


Your Academic Advisor


Upon admission to the program, students are advised by the MA program director. During the first year of the program, students then choose an academic advisor. This person can help the student plan his or her program of study; provide necessary approval signatures during the registration process each semester; and serve as chairperson of the student's comprehensive examination committee.

Since goals may evolve or affinities change, the student may opt at any point following admission to change his or her advisor with the approval of the new advisor. Such changes are not unusual, nor are they problematic and the student should feel free to make them.

Program Timeline

By February 15 for fall admission
Submit application materials (GRE scores, official transcripts, TOEFL [if required], letters of reference, statement of purpose)

By February 1
Submit Request for Tuition Assistance

By February 15
Submit Application for Graduate Assistantship (repeat as appropriate each year)

Semester 1 (Fall)
(Suggested: 8 credits)
Take three core courses: BTMM 5011, BTMM 5114 and BTMM 9845
Meet with academic advisor
Submit Petition for Transfer Credit form [if appropriate]

Semester 2
(Suggested: 12 credits)
Take remaining required course: BTMM 5021 or BTMM 5041—and two other courses*

Semester 3
(Suggested: 12 credits)
Take three courses
Meet with academic advisor to discuss Comprehensive Examinations

Semester 4
(Suggested: 8 credits)
Take two courses, including possibly Master's Thesis or Project
Submit application to graduate (deadline is typically early in semester; see SCT Dean's Office for details)
Prepare for and take Comprehensive Examinations

Graduation