Media Studies, MA

Media Studies at Queens College is both theoretical and practical, encompassing areas such as economic justice, urban planning, and environmental stewardship.

• Learn how to use media as a conduit for social change
• Develop a portfolio of projects while working in our labs or in the field with industry, government, NGOs, or public interest groups

At Queens College, we don’t think of the media as a vocation, but as a landscape—one that’s in a terrifically dynamic state. As inhabitants of this changing environment—as users and makers of media and digital technology—we work at the crossroads of critical theory and social justice in order to engage with media more purposefully.

Why pursue Media Studies at Queens College?

• Pursue your goal of being an activist, a social-change agent, a creative visionary, or a media activist addressing social and political issues
• Study with renowned faculty—including noted media theorist Douglas Rushkoff (pictured above)—who are involved in the pressing issues of our time
• Learn alongside innovative peers who’ll become part of your network
• Gain an understanding of how political, economic, and societal forces shape the media environment—and vice versa

Academic Advisor

Douglas Rushkoff

douglas.rushkoff@qc.cuny.edu

Joshua Chapdelaine

joshua.chapdelaine@qc.cuny.edu

Requirements for Matriculation

These requirements are in addition to the general requirements for matriculation.

1. Three letters of recommendation from past professors, work supervisors or other people familiar with your personal potential and work ethic
2. In place of the 500-word essay we require an 800-1000-word argument for what you would like to accomplish with media or media studies. Consider answering questions such as:
   a. What is the problem you want to research or address?
   b. How do you want to make a difference?
   c. What is your focus for social change?
   d. How are you studying or practicing media, and why does it matter?
   e. What are you trying to find out or accomplish, and how will it impact others?
   f. What do you want for society or your own community, and how does media enable or undermine that goal?
   g. Has your work already made a difference? Tell us how.
   h. If there are concrete projects or issues you hope to explore, how might a collaborative, interdisciplinary graduate program help you to pursue this work?
   You are applying to a program where the faculty will be actively supporting your efforts, so convince us to join your cause, or make us understand your motivations, influences, and values. If possible, append the essay with examples or links to any of your writing, videos, artwork, websites, or other work you feel supports your case. This should not be a simple biography or general statement of interest in this field, but a supported argument for your research, art, political or social agenda
3. In some instances, an interview with the Master’s Program Coordinator may be required
4. The GRE is not required, but can be submitted in support of your application
5. Applicants are strongly urged to apply by the priority deadline of March 1. You should receive a decision by the end of March. After that, we will accept applications as long as there is space in the program, but in no case later than June 15

Requirements for Non-Matriculation

Students are to follow the college’s requirements for non-matriculation​.