Media Studies Department

Mass Communication Emphasis

Media Studies addresses the central role of media in today’s world, including in politics, culture, society, and the arts through three emphasis options: Digital Film Production, Multimedia Journalism, and Social Media. The program engages students in a wide range of media including motion pictures, television, radio, print, and digital media. Students study the history, evolution and the changing state of media, communication technologies, and techniques in media production, together with an understanding of the economic and social effects of media, including legal and ethical issues. Students are prepared for a wide range of careers, including those in motion pictures, journalism, TV and radio, online and social media, and media research. The Media Studies degree will offer three emphases: Digital Film Production (already offered), Multimedia Journalism (proposed), and Social Media (proposed). The degree focuses on new and traditional media forms including multimedia journalism (with broadcast, print, and internet elements), digital motion picture production, social media (including content production as well as critique), media theory, and analysis/critique of the role of digital media technology in our culture.

Click for a PDF download of Track Requirements and checklist.

Mass Communication Core Requirements:
  • COMM 1050     Intro to Communication Theory
  • COMM 1130     Writing for Mediated Audiences
  • COMM 1500     Intro to Mediated Communication OR
  • COMM 2010     Media and Society
  • COMM 2110     Interpersonal Communication
  • COMM 2500     Digital Revolution and Society
  • COMM 3060     Communication Theory
  • COMM 3510     Ethics in Communication
  • COMM 3560     Visual Communication
  • COMM 4260     Media Law
  • COMM 4900R  Internship (3 credits)
  • COMM 4450     Communication Research
  • COMM 4980     Senior Seminar (Capstone)

Total Upper Division Core Requirements: 37 credits

Mass Communication Emphasis Requirements:

Audio Production Courses: (Select at least one):

  • COMM 1560  Audio Production
  • COMM 4790  Audio for Digital Motion Pictures

New Media Courses (select at least one):

  • COMM 2460  Introduction to New Media Production
  • COMM 3480  New Social Media
  • COMM 3530  Digital Photo Journalism
  • COMM 4330  New Media  Applications
  • TV/Film Production Courses (select at least one):COMM 1380/85  Introduction to TV Production and Lab
  • COMM 2660  Introduction to Digital Motion Picture Production
  • COMM 4380/85  Advanted TV Production and Lab

Other Mass Communication Electives:

  • COMM 1610  News Writing and Reporting
  • COMM 3580  Public Relations
  • COMM 3590  Media Management and Sales
  • COMM 3600  Converged Journalism
  • COMM 3610  News Copy Editing
  • COMM 4490  Communication and Contemporary Public Issues
  • COMM 4580  Public Relations Case Studies
  • COMM 4640  Feature Writing
  • COMM 4680  Advanced Reporting

Total emphasis Requirements:  15 credits

Electives:

COMM 1001 Communication First Year Experience (for incoming freshmen)

Total Required Credits for Degree: 120

You will need 120 total college credits.  Specific electives are not required.  Work with your advisor to select any elective courses you desire in Communication or any other discipline.  Take no more lower-division electives than necessary.  Always give preference to upper-division electives where possible.  Be sure to take note of any prerequisites (see PDF version of degree requirements) and Graduation Requirements.