Study in USA:

Are you planning to pursue Communication and Media Studies in the United States? Then, the United States of America would be the top-notch destination for Indian students. On average, 2.27 million people are working in the communication and media industry in the U.S. Students studying Media and Communication Studies should master a wide range of specialized fields and learn how to harness their creativity, ingenuity, and aesthetic sense in addition to using critical thinking abilities. 

Highlights Communication & Media Studies in USA

There are about 625 Universities offering Communication and Media Studies to study in the USA. Courses related to Journalism, Mass Communication, Digital Media, and Film studies are attractive options for students interested in the Entertainment industry.

This course provides you with plenty of career opportunities, Experiences beyond your comfort zone, Opportunities for advancement, and acts as a rewarding career of interest.

Why Study Communication and Media Studies in the USA?

Students who study media and communications in the US will have the opportunity to interact with business executives and look for a variety of options. Top educational institutions nationwide offer carefully designed courses that teach students the importance of media, communication, messages, engagement, and culture. 

Additionally, obtaining a Master's degree in Media and Communications in the US will enable students to interact with bureaucrats, digital-age creatives, and business leaders.

• Media and communication jobs are projected to grow at a rate of 4% in the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Common careers in this field include film and video editors, announcers, public relations, news reporters, and authors.
• Median Annual Wage: The median annual wage for media and communication workers was $66,240 in May 2022, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $46,310.
• Workforce Statistics: The number of Communications graduates in the workforce has been growing at a rate of 4.1%, from 2.26M in 2020 to 2.35M in 2021.
• Degree Concentration: The locations with the highest concentration of Communication and Media Studies degree recipients are New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, and Boston.
• Diverse Career Paths: Graduates majoring in Communications can go on to work in various roles, with the largest single share of Communications graduates working as Other managers (4.82%).

Types of Courses in Communication & Media Studies in USA

In the USA, Communications and Media Studies programs offer diverse courses covering various aspects of the field. Some of the prominent courses are listed below.

• Introduction to Communication: A foundational course that covers the basics of human communication, including theories and models.
• Media Processes and Effects: Students learn about the impact of Media on society and individual behavior.
• Media Criticism: It teaches students to analyze media content and its societal implications critically.
• Media Law and Ethics: Students explore legal and ethical issues related to media practice and consumption.
• Communication Research Methods: This course introduces research methodologies used in the study of communication.
• Mass Media and Popular Culture: Students examine the relationship between mass media, popular culture, and society.
• Digital Media Production: Courses in this area focus on creating and editing digital media content.
• Public Relations and Advertising: These courses cover strategies and techniques used in PR and advertising campaigns.
• Journalism: Students learn about news writing, reporting, and the role of journalism in society.
• Media Management: This course focuses on media organizations' business and management aspects.

These programs are intended to give students a thorough grasp of media and communication, preparing them for a range of employment in the industry. Within the Communications and Media Studies major, institutions may also offer specialized specializations or tracks that let students concentrate on subjects that particularly interest them.

List of Universities Offering Communication and Media Studies Courses

Here is a list of universities in the USA that offer Communication and Media Studies courses:

• Western New England University
• California State University, Chico
• Yeshiva University Katz School of Science and Health
• University of Rhode Island
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Northwest Missouri State University
• St. John's University
• Washington State University
• George Mason University
• Texas Tech University
• Irvine Valley College
• College of Southern Nevada

These institutions provide a variety of programs and degrees in Communication and Media Studies, catering to different interests and career goals. You can find more detailed information about the courses and degrees offered by visiting the respective university websites or exploring educational resources that list these programs.

Admission Process to Communication & Media Studies in the USA

The admission process lasts for about 8 to 12 months. We have to apply at least 6 months before the deadline.

Eligibility 

It includes possessing a Bachelor's degree with an aggregate GPA of 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 in a related field. The score required may vary depending on the university.

Documents Required

• Letters of Recommendation – Obtain the required number of letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or other professionals who can speak to your academic and professional qualifications.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Resume - Write a compelling statement of purpose that outlines your academic and professional background. Tailor your SOP to each specific program.
• Portfolio (if applicable) - Some programs may require a portfolio of your work, especially for design or project-based disciplines. Prepare a portfolio showcasing your relevant projects and achievements.
• Financial Documentation - Indian students may need to provide proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses.

Proficiency Test

• English Proficiency – For Indian students/ non-native English speakers, it is essential to qualify in 
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
• Standardized Tests – 
  • GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or 
  • GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).

The requirements for the standardized tests vary with different Universities.

Visa Process

F1 Student Visa

Students applying for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F1 visa in the USA. This includes all undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs like MS in the US or MBA in the USA. 

F-2 Visa

Spouses or children accompanying F-1 visa recipients will travel on an F-2 visa.

Cost of Studying Communication and Media Studies in the USA

Tuition Fees

With a median cost of $41,498 among the top 50 programs, communication and media studies is the 75th most expensive major in the US (slightly more costly than #76, mathematics and computer science, with a median cost of $41,196).

Cost of Living

The estimated student living cost in the USA is between $10,000 - $25,000 (USD) per academic year, making the average monthly expenses in the USA for Indian students to be $900 - $2,000 or 74,000 - 1,60,000 (INR).

Scholarships for Courses on Communication & Media Studies in USA

The top 10 scholarships offered for Communication and Media Studies students include,

• AQHA Journalism or Communications Scholarship
• Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship from Scholastic
• Mercatus Adam Smith Fellowship
• New York Women in Communications Scholarship
• JVS Chicago Scholarship Program
• Mercatus Joseph Schumpeter Undergraduate Fellowship
• Mike Reynolds Scholarship
• Marketing Edge
• National Press Club
• AMA EBSCO Marketing Scholar Award

Job Opportunities/ Careers for Communication & Media Studies in USA

Some of the prominent jobs filled by the candidates after their degree in Communication and Media studies include,

• Business Reporter
• Marketing Coordinator
• Copywriter
• Brand Strategist
• Social Media Manager
• Managing Editor
• Content Marketing Manager
• Social Media Planner
• Web Producer
• Product Marketing Manager 
• Journalist

FAQs - Communication and Media Science Studies course

1. Is the Communication and Media Studies course a good degree?

Media communications studies impart valuable skills and knowledge students require to kick-start a thriving career in media-related industries.

2. What do we study for a Communication degree in the USA?

Communication majors study mass media, technical communications, and advertising. They learn to write press releases, long-form articles, and technical documents. In a communication program, students strengthen their writing and communication skills to prepare them for careers in growing industries.

3. Why do you pursue a Career in Communication? 

Communication professionals enjoy interacting with people and know how to engage audiences. They think creatively and can express complex ideas through written documents and oral presentations.

4. What are the benefits of studying Communication studies in the USA?

Communication Studies provides essential skills for enacting and defending your rights. Whether it's critical thinking training, public speaking, organizing groups, or simply telling your story, students need communication training to make a positive difference in our world.

5. What skills do you gain from media studies?

Common skills gained from a media and communication degree include: 

• Specialist industry knowledge and experience. 
• Analytical skills. Professional communication, spoken and written.