FAQs
What do you mean by emerging media?
The term “emerging media” reflects the accelerating pace of technological innovation in communication and communication platforms. There is always something new and this program, to a large extent, focuses on what is new. Of course, people adopt new communication technologies at different rates and sometimes stop using older technologies altogether. So the program explores new communication platforms, how and why people are using them and why people stop using older technology.
What kinds of practical skills will I learn through my participation in the program?
Students will learn how to assess the viability of new media as they emerge, identify meaningful trends, and develop and execute communication strategies to capitalize on new opportunities in a wide range of settings. Specifically students learn: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google AdWords, campaign management software, analytics and campaign metrics, content development and aggregation, among other skills.
What kind of background do I need to apply?
The program is open to all college graduates. You do not have to have majored in communication or a related discipline as an undergraduate, nor do you need professional or technical experience in a communication discipline.
What kinds of jobs am I likely to be qualified for as a result of taking the program?
Most organizations need to incorporate emerging media into their communication efforts sooner rather than later. This program is geared to people who want to manage or support communication programs in both corporate and nonprofit settings as well as people who work in traditional communication industries such as public relations, advertising, and journalism.
How many credits do I have to take?
The Master of Arts in Emerging Media program consists of 33 credits: nine three-credit courses and a six-credit capstone project. The Health Communication certificate consists of 15 credits: five three-credit courses.
How long do I have to complete the program?
The Master of Arts in Emerging Media program is designed to be completed in 12 months for full-time students and up to 5 years for part-time students. The Communication and Media Department allows students 3 years to complete the requirements for the Health Communication certificate.
Since the classes are online, who will be my instructors?
All classes will be taught by university faculty, who have extensive expertise and research interests in emerging media. You will have an opportunity to interact directly with each professor in each class.
How big will the classes be?
The average class size is 10-20 students.
Do I have to be on campus during the summer?
No, all courses are delivered 100% online.
How much technology do I need to own in order to participate in the program?
You will need an up-to-date computer running Windows or a Mac. You will also need access to a high-speed broadband Internet connection. Your computer must be audio-enabled (with a microphone) and we recommend, though it is not required, that you purchase a WebCam if one is not integrated into your computer already. The classroom technology will be provided through Loyola's learning management software called Moodle; all new students are placed into a 0-credit online orientation course before their first semester in the program to help them learn the tools and prepare for their first semester.
Will I need to purchase specialized computer software?
No. We use a course management program called Moodle, and your courses will be run in Moodle over the web. You will need no additional software other than standard word processing, and perhaps presentation software. Current Loyola University Maryland students have access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office 365 and Qualtrics survey software.
What kind of tech support can I expect?
The Help Center is available to provide assistance during the following days/hours:
What do you mean by “rolling admissions”?
We evaluate applications as they arrive and notify people of admission on an ongoing basis, based on published application deadlines. We accept students to start the program in all three semesters—fall, spring, and summer. When a class fills, admission for a qualified applicant is deferred to the next semester. A limited number of scholarships and grants are available; early application is required for consideration.
What does the program cost?
Learn more about the current tuition rates.
What kind of funding is available?
Learn about the financial aid options available to students, including merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and graduate assistantships.
You may contact the Director Graduate Financial Aid, Danielle Ballantyne (dballantyne@loyola.edu) or the Assistant Director, Brandon Gumabon (bggumabon@loyola.edu).
If I have specific or personal questions to which I want answers, who should I contact?
You may contact the Academic Director, Dr. Greg Hoplamazian (gjhoplamazian@loyola.edu); the Director Program Operations, Zoe Newman (zyderrickson@loyola.edu); the Communication and Media Department Chair, Dr. Masudul Biswas (mkbiswas@loyola.edu); or the Graduate Admissions Counselor, Maggie Mellott (mtmellott@loyola.edu).
What if I have a complaint?
Learn more about the distance learning complaint process for out-of-state students.
For all appeals of final course grades or changes of grade, follow the processes outlined in the Graduate Academic Catalogue.
As a campus community, we are committed to education, training, and services that encourage healthy, safe, and respectful relationships. At Loyola, we go beyond compliance with federal laws around gender-based violence, and we aspire to provide an environment that is rooted in our Jesuit traditions of justice and respect for others. Loyola does not tolerate any kind of gender-based discrimination and harassment, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender-based harassment. Explore a variety of University policies and data regarding gender-based discrimination.