What aspect(s) of the M.A. program did you find most useful?
I found the UWM professors to be the best part of the M.A. program. The classes were enjoyable because the professors brought in real life examples and experience. Being a TA was also a very useful experience because it gave me experience in the classroom setting and made me confident about my desire to teach. The dedication of my advisor propelled me to stay focused and complete the task at hand. My committee challenged and pushed my thinking, helping me to develop my thesis into a practical and applicable research study. I reached my goals at UWM as a direct result of the professors. (Krista Bensheimer; M.A., 2006)
My experience as a teaching assistant was the most useful aspect of the M.A. program. I've always heard that you can't truly know something until you try to teach it, and that was certainly true for me. My experience as a T.A. surely taught me as much about journalism as it taught the students. Additionally, I felt that the diversity of the faculty was extremely valuable. Each professor could offer an incredible wealth of knowledge in a specific area of mass communication. The variety of areas of expertise was impressive and very helpful. As I go forward with my professional and academic career, I know that I can always come back to those professors when I have specific media questions about gender representation, politics, ethics, the Internet, communication law, and more. This program made me more of a well-rounded person which, in turn, makes me a stronger journalist. (Jessica Birthisel; M.A., 2006)
I found the program useful not only as a way to sharpen my skills as a critical thinker and as a writer but also for the perspective that my studies have afforded me on the place and nature of media in a media-saturated world. (Nicholas Grider; M.A., 2006)
The overview of the different JMC research areas. Interaction and discussion with my classmates was also extremely helpful because I was able to process and apply ideas about which we had been learning to new situations or in new ways in a cooperative environment. As an extension of this, I appreciated the relaxed and inviting environment that all of the JMC faculty and staff created. I always felt welcomed and respected when I contacted people, no matter how busy they were. Finally, tough grading in JMC 701 and the high standards of my advisor really helped me to respect what we were learning and value my own work. (Jennifer Janscha; M.A., 2006)
The thesis was the best part of the program. It was a compiled version of all that I had studied in the two years. (Mehvish Razvi; M.A., 2006)
The program is small, so students have opportunities to express their thoughts and learn from each other in class. More importantly, professors in the program are excellent at helping students outside of the classroom. They are very accessible and willing to help students pursue their goals. (Xiaoxia Cao; M.A., 2005)
The two things that were most beneficial in the M.A. program were the teaching assistant opportunity and the fact that I completed my thesis and graduated. I could not have afforded to attend graduate school without the financial assistance from the TA position. Though being a TA was a lot of hard work, leading lab discussions gave me the confidence to teach and inspire large groups of students, which has proven to be extremely beneficial for my current teaching career. Completing my thesis was one of the most personally satisfying experiences I have ever had, and it has inspired my drive to see things through to the end. (Tess Gallun; M.A., 2005)
The two aspects of the UW-Milwaukee JMC M.A. program that I found most useful were the teaching assistantship and the seminar classes. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching and the learning that came not only from the subject matter but also from the "life experiences" of dealing with students as a teacher, especially in a diverse school like UWM. The seminar classes were great because they gave me and my peers a chance to get to know the first-rate UW-Milwaukee professors on a personal level and to bounce ideas off them and each other in an intimate classroom setting. (Sarah Stonbely; M.A., 2004)
The focus on research and the statistics training. (Jessica McBride; M.A., 2004)
The courses that were most useful provided both instruction and hands-on experience in how to plan and carry out research projects. (March L. Jacques; M.A., 2004)
The strongest aspect of the program is its focus on research. (Lisa Nalbandian; M.A., 2003)
I am very happy with UWM's M.A. program. I found it to be very well rounded. The theoretical foundation is necessary, but you must be able to apply it to your area of interest in order to get the complete package. (Ana La llave; M.A., 2003)
The challenge of writing a thesis really taught me to stay focused, overcome challenges, and hone my writing skills. (Dajen Miocic; M.A., 2003)
I appreciated the flexibility of the program to pursue my special interest in media literacy education. I am grateful for the disciplined research skills that were taught consistently from JMC 700 all the way through the thesis project. (Karen Ambrosh; M.A., 2002)
I found the strong support network and teaching opportunities to be most valuable to me. The small graduate seminars were also great. (Jaquelyn Vinson; M.A., 2001)
The solid grounding in theory and methodology from multiple perspectives has proved very useful as I've continued my studies. The support I received to pursue topics of interest to me within the field also helped; I think I am a stronger researcher now because I have been pursuing work that stimulates me. (Amy Mattson Lauters; M.A., 2001)
The study of theory. I was able to directly apply this to my professional experience, and it is something that is now ingrained in all my efforts. In addition, the work on my thesis was very useful. It was an enormous project that I need to break down into manageable projects and tasks even as I stayed focused on the big picture. Again, very useful in the professional world. (Michele Martinez; M.A., 2000)
My professors were extremely helpful in allowing me to pursue my own intellectual interests and questions. (Janet Fitch; M.A., Fall 1999)
The interaction with other students, learning from professors with real-world experience working in the mass media, the small class sizes, and the wonderful opportunity to work as a TA. (Amy Goller; M.A., 1999)
The personal assistance from faculty and the research work that related directly to my professional work. (Tim Olsen; M.A., 1999)
The research skills have served me at every turn and have been by far the most useful for my career. Preparing a thesis prepared me for anything. The law classes were essential to knowing my boundaries as a writer, as well as knowing my legal options! (Brenda W. Quinn; M.A., 1999)
The availability and support of professors was outstanding. (Julie Olver; M.A.,1999)
The theoretical aspect, I'd say. UWM gave me a solid grounding in theories of mass communication and cultural studies. I enjoyed the theory classes most of all. (Bob Pondillo; M.A., 1998)
The thing I found most useful, especially in my current position, was media research. In addition to course work, I found my time spent as a teaching assistant to be very rewarding. (Diane Braden; M.A., 1996)