Graduate Degree

This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, but it is not currently eligible for federal student loans.

International Digital Advertising is a two-country residential program in which students access an international experience that provides intensive professional preparation for international careers, with an emphasis on China and the United States. Through two years of study, research and practice, students will gain a full understanding of the development of media convergence, strengthen their innovative thinking and widen their international vision. The program embraces a three-in-one teaching system of cultural literacy, professional ability and practical innovation. Students will also have the ability to apply professional knowledge, theories, and methods comprehensively to engage in professional research and relevant practical work. Students spend their first year at the Communication University of China’s campus in Hainan province, and year two studying at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Admission

In addition to meeting entrance requirements of Communication University of China, Michigan State University, and the MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below. Students electing this program are not required to complete the Chinese unified national graduate entrance examination.

Admission is determined by an evaluation of information regarding the applicant's academic record, goals and motivation, experience, personal references, and other items submitted as indicators of intellectual, creative, and administrative capabilities.

To be admitted, the applicant must submit to MSU: 

1. a Graduate School application,
2. an official copy of all transcripts,
3. three letters of recommendation,
4. a statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals,
5. a personal background statement,
6. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, if applicable,
7. a resume.

Although evidence other than grades influences the admission decision, the Department uses the following guidelines: 

1. students whose grade-point averages for the third and fourth years of undergraduate study are 3.25 or better may be admitted to regular status; students whose grade-point averages are below 3.25 are rarely admitted,
2. a background in advertising and/or strategic communication, either from experience or from undergraduate study, is necessary before students can begin graduate study.

Students without adequate background will be required to remedy significant deficiencies through collateral course work or individual study. 

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in International Digital Advertising

At least 30 credits are required for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). The students program of study must be approved by the students academic advisor.

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B:

1. Complete 12 credits of required course work in residence at the Communication University of China-Hainan International College.
2. Complete 18 credits of elective course work at the 400-level or above in residence at Michigan State University. Courses may be selected from any relevant offerings in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations or College of Communication Arts and Sciences in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.

Additional Requirements for Plan A:

1. Complete 4 credits of ADV 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
2. Completion of a master's thesis in the form of a formal research project (qualitative or quantitative) that answers an important theoretical question.

Additional Requirements for Plan B:

1. Completion of a qualifying culmination experience fulfilled by either a research paper resulting from an independent study with a faculty member or a report describing an internship undertaken with a professional company in advertising, public relations or a closely related field. The experience must be documented through poster presentation during the semester of graduation. Students graduating in summer must present during the prior spring semester.