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M.A. in Television Studies

Television Studies students in lecture class

Program Overview

The Rowan Experience
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The Diana King Master of Arts (M.A.) in Television Studies offers a graduate degree in Television Studies for students who who want to pursue the advanced academic study of television, film, and other media, while gaining professional skills in critical thinking, research, and analysis. 

Courses explore media aesthetics, industries, and audiences/fandoms within various historical and global contexts. Students can build on this foundation with elective coursework in criticism, screenwriting, archiving, and pedagogy and from other related disciplines (e.g. writing arts, history, digital humanities, communications), and they can pursue their professional and creative goals through internships, independent studies, and research assistantships. While all students in the program benefit from close mentorships with Rowan’s dedicated faculty who are leading scholars in the field of media studies, students also have the option to develop their own research project under the direct supervision of a faculty advisor. We also welcome students interested in deepening their understanding of media texts and industries for personal fulfillment and an intellectual challenge.

Our program equips students with research and communication skills that are valuable for a wide variety of careers in the media industries. The MA in Television Studies can assist in the career advancement of high school media educators and help prepare students interested in pursuing doctoral programs in film, television, communication, and media studies at other institutions. In addition, the MA in Television Studies program offers students financial assistance in the form of scholarships and teaching assistant opportunities.

Curriculum
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The M.A. in Television Studies is a full-time or part-time program offered at our Glassboro, NJ campus. It requires the completion of 30 graduate semester hours (10 courses). Students generally complete their course of study in two years, but it is possible for students to complete 30 credits in one year by working with the program coordinator to find appropriate electives in other programs, independent studies, internships, and cross-listed undergraduate seminars.

  • 10 Courses / 30 Semester Hours
  • Foundation Courses: No
  • Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes
Course Number Title S.H. (Credits)
Required Courses: 15 S.H.
RTF 10511 Research Methods in Television Studies 3
RTF 10512 Television Genre and History 3
RTF 10513 The Global Television Industry 3
RTF 10522 Master’s Project 3
RTF 10530 Master’s Project: 2 3
Elective Courses: 15 S.H.
RTF 10517 The Writers Room 3
RTF 10523 Graduate Screenwriting 3
RTF 10526 Script to Screen 3
RTF 10513 The Global Television Industry 3
RTF 10514 Identity on Television 3
RTF 10516 Television Auteurs 3
RTF 10518 The Evolution of Quality Television 3
RTF 10519 Women and Television 3
RTF 10525 The Rhetoric of Reality TV 3
RTF 10527 Grad Episodic TV 1 3
RTF 10528 Grad Episodic TV 1 3

Depending on staff availability, all courses may not run every semester. Above courses are not an official schedule and may not run every year. Additional courses run as Special Topics. Please consult with the program coordinator for the course offerings in upcoming terms. All students must be enrolled to complete their final Master’s project over the course of a year.

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

  • Completed Application Form
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • If you are a current undergraduate student or completed your undergraduate degree within the last five years, letters of recommendation should preferably come from professors/instructors who can speak to your ability to pursue a graduate degree in the humanities.
  • Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Essay
    • Write a 750–1,000 word statement about your past academic and professional experience, your academic and career goals for the future, and how our graduate program in media studies will help you achieve those goals.
  • Writing Sample
    • To be considered for an entrance scholarship, we require a writing sample of at least 5 and no more than 25 pages. The writing sample should ideally demonstrate your ability to present clear and reasoned analytical thinking. You may use an undergraduate paper or essay.
 
We invite you to join us for a

Virtual Information Session or Event

Rowan University hosts a series of on campus and virtual events throughout the year to help you get to know us. From general information sessions, to program specific meetings with advisors, to webinars on timely and thought-provoking topics, these gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions, network with academics and future students, and learn from some of the most innovative and informed faculty in higher education today.
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Admissions Information

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