M.A. in Television Studies

Program Overview

Rowan University's M.A. in Television Studies program equips graduates with advanced knowledge and skills for careers in the television industry or academic study in television theory and criticism. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, industry trends, and writing proficiency, with flexible full- or part-time options and elective courses tailored to student interests. The program prepares graduates for potential careers in television production, writing, teaching, and doctoral research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Rowan University Diana King Master of Arts (M.A.) in Television Studies program offers a graduate degree for students aiming for careers in the television industry or advanced academic study of television theory and criticism. The program addresses the growing need for content creation and analysis within the expanding international media landscape. It provides opportunities for career preparation and doctoral study, offering unique skill development applicable to various professional settings, with a focus on writing for and about television. Leveraging the strengths of the Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts (CCCA), the program aims to reach students who might not otherwise access such opportunities due to location, cost, or career goals. The curriculum includes new, subject-specific courses focusing on critical analysis and essential industry issues, covering a wide spectrum of television studies, including historical foundations and contemporary trends. The program also prepares students for doctoral study in television studies and provides higher education teaching experience. High school teachers and educators will find the program beneficial, and students pursuing advanced academic study will find pathways to PhD programs in Media Studies, Film Studies, Communication Studies, and related fields.

Outline:

The M.A. in Television Studies is a full-time or part-time program requiring 30 graduate semester hours (10 courses) at the Glassboro, NJ campus. There are no graduation/exit/thesis requirements. The curriculum includes both required and elective courses.

):

• RTF 10511 Research Methods in Television Studies (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10512 Television Genre and History (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10513 The Global Television Industry (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10522 Master’s Project (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10530 Master’s Project: 2 (3 S.H.)

): Students choose from the following (Note: availability may vary by semester):

• RTF 10517 The Writers Room (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10523 Graduate Screenwriting (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10526 Script to Screen (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10513 The Global Television Industry (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10514 Identity on Television (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10516 Television Auteurs (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10518 The Evolution of Quality Television (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10519 Women and Television (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10525 The Rhetoric of Reality TV (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10527 Grad Episodic TV 1 (3 S.H.)
• RTF 10528 Grad Episodic TV 1 (3 S.H.)
All students must complete their final Master’s project over a year.

Careers:

The program aims to prepare students for careers in the television industry and for doctoral studies. It emphasizes skill development in writing for and about television, applicable to various professional settings. The university also offers a conditional admission option for international students who need to improve their English language skills before starting their studies. This involves participation in the English Language Program (ELP), a non-credit program designed to enhance academic English proficiency.