Name

Brian Hires

School

University of Colorado, Boulder

Degree Program

Third year Masters student in Mass Communication with a concentration in Environmental Policy

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, 1996

Thesis Topic

The mass media’s depiction of the recent national debate over climate change policy in the United States

Research Interests

Mass media’s portrayal of environmental issues

Advisor

Desiree Crow

Advisor’s Research Focus

Mass media as it relates to sustainability and local water issues

Hobbies

Hiking, skiing, biking, playing basketball

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I selected my masters program in mass communication at University of Colorado, Boulder based on location and program specialties. University of Colorado, Boulder is conveniently located near my home in Denver and offers plentiful many opportunities to conduct research on environmental science and policy issues.

In addition, I talked to multiple professors and current and past students who highly recommended the school.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, my application requirements included GRE test scores. To help prepare for the GRE, I attended a review session and studied extremely hard.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I talked about my past work experience, my current research interests and my professional goals.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my letters of recommendation, I chose prestigious faculty who knew me well so they could accurately discuss my personal strengths and future goals.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in mass communication?

I would tell students who are considering applying to graduate school in mass communication to visit the school to determine whether or not professors are committed to teaching. This is important because some professors at research universities are more concerned with publishing their research than teaching students.

In addition, I would tell students to narrow down their research interests before applying to graduate school. Students have a better chance of getting accepted into a graduate school if they have a clear academic plan.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

Although a masters program in mass communication is typically 2 to 2 and a half years long, my program will take me 3 years to complete because I am taking more time to write my thesis.

My program requires a combination of classwork and thesis work. Students work on their theses during the last 3 semesters of the program.

What is the focus of your masters research?

The focus of my masters research is the ways in which environmental issues such as climate change policy are communicated to the public. I chose my research topic based on my lifelong passions for environmental and social issues.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your thesis?

I spend about 25 to 30 hours per week researching and writing my thesis. This involves studying the quantitative methods of scientific research and developing the ideas and theories around my thesis topic.

In addition, I set my own deadlines to keep me motivated and on track during the writing process.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor, who was assigned to me, helps me figure out research questions and thesis requirements. However, because she conducts mainly qualitative research, I also seek advice from professors who specialize in quantitative research so I can gain further insight on the type of research I am conducting.

Based on my experiences, I would recommend that students select an advisor who shares similar research interests and methods. This way, students will reap the most benefits from their advisor’s expertise.

How does a masters program differ from undergraduate study?

My masters program differs from my undergraduate study mainly in the level of intensity and self-motivation. While a masters program demands self direction and independence, a bachelors program provides a structured schedule involving a series of tests and exams every few weeks.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters program cost?

My masters program costs about $5000 per semester for tuition, and $200 to $400 per semester for books and other class materials.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my education through financial aid, working, and a grant I was awarded for conducting my thesis project. Fortunately, I don’t anticipate having any student loans to pay off after I graduate.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters degree in mass communication?

The time commitments for my masters degree in mass communication entails about 30 to 35 hours of class and thesis work per week. The amount of free time I have depends on the intensity of course requirements for that particular week.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has definitely affected my personal life. I have less time to spend with friends or to pursue hobbies.

In order to manage my busy week, I use a calendar to organize and schedule academic activities such as reading or writing a paper. A calendar helps me plan out time commitments and prepare for the next week.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I hope to be working for a think tank or consulting company. Ideally, I would like research innovative ways to effectively communicate environmental issues, in particular climate change and climate change policies, to the general public and mass media.

Are you planning on pursuing a PhD? If so, how are you preparing for the admissions process?

I am definitely thinking about pursuing a PhD, but would like to take a break after my masters program to work.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters degree in mass communication?

I would advise prospective mass communication students to follow their intuition when selecting a program. Students should consider various factors such as the level of support from professors and students based upon their personal needs.

In addition, students should look for an internship in the field to narrow down their research interests and gain professional experience.