Communication and Media Studies

The major in Communication and Media Studies, with a special emphasis on multimedia storytelling and global cultures, offers students several options to develop the skills and knowledge for both creative and leadership careers in media and visual culture. Our dynamic program with optional concentrations provides students with opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience in storytelling across digital media as they develop their intellectual curiosity and understanding of the world.

The CMS program emphasizes

• creativity
• critical thinking
• oral, written, and visual communication skills
• interpersonal skills
• a range of research methods

Students integrate theory and practice as they develop their understandings of the role of media in a democratic society and of their own responsibilities as well-informed citizens and future communication professionals.

This degree program includes:

B.A. in Communication and Media Studies, with optional concentrations in:

• TV and Film Production
• Strategic Communication

B. F. A. in Digital Media Arts (an interdisciplinary degree program with the Art faculty)

Communication and Media Studies Student Learning Outcomes:

Communication & Media Studies students will:

1. Develop and enrich their critical thinking skills and communication skills (USLO 1, 2, 4)
2. Demonstrate creativity and a variety of research methods in their communication classes and civic work (USLO 1, 3)
3. Use technology to enhance communication projects and course assignments (USLO 3)
4. Demonstrate respect for individual and cultural differences (USLO 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
5. Demonstrate understanding of the historical, informational and organizational aspects of the communication environment (USLO 5, 9)

General Information

Communication and Media Studies majors learn to think critically, research thoroughly, write and speak clearly and eloquently, and work collaboratively to produce high-quality storytelling projects effectively across multiple platforms.

In a society where an understanding of culture and communication is of central importance, our majors develop the intercultural skills that employers require in today’s globalized workplace. A Communication and Media Studies degree offers an opening into careers associated with both creative (media-related) and interpersonal (people-centered) lifework.

• Graduates are likely to excel at careers in
• Media writing, directing, and production
• Print and broadcast journalism
• Marketing, public relations, and advertising
• writing, editing, and graphic design
• Teaching, training, and adult education
• Human resources and recruiting
• Legal and paralegal careers
• Information design
• media management
• Management and design in museums
• Nonprofit administration
• Community education and arts administration
• higher education administration
• Ministry and church administration
• Public administration
• Law and conflict management
• Social services and social work
• Government and public service
• Corporate and public sector consulting
• Real estate
• Relational management and training.

Communication and Media Studies graduates often attend graduate school in a variety of academic or professional fields, such as

• Media production or studies
• Communication
• Integrated marketing communication
• Law
• Public administration
• Professional writing
• Conflict management
• Business administration

An advanced graduate degree can lead to careers in administration and management, teaching and research at the university level, and higher education administration.

Assessment

Success in achieving the objectives in the Communication and Media Studies major is measured in the following ways, all of which are requirements for graduation:

• Completion of each course in the major with a grade of C or better.
• An internship in the field at an approved site, under faculty supervision.
• Successful completion of a professional résumé and an online portfolio.
• Successful completion of a capstone transmedia storytelling project in COM 490 (or the equivalent in Art as an option for Digital Media Arts majors).

Teaching Philosophy and Classroom Expectation

The Communication and Media Studies program offers very personalized instruction in a small- group classroom setting. Our classes are generally highly collaborative and interactive, which means that students can expect to participate actively in class discussions, in-class activities, and group projects. Whether in a traditional classroom or working with cameras and computers in our studio and edit lab, students obtain hands-on training and experience.

Strong writing skills are essential for Communication and Media Studies majors. In addition to designated writing classes, we also emphasize writing skills across the curriculum. All of our courses encourage students to learn and practice their integrated communication skills in addition to strong writing:

• Oral presentations
• Visual design
• Effective use of technologies
• Teamwork in group projects
• Interpersonal and intercultural skills.

Prospective Communication and Media Studies majors may take 100- and 200-level Communication (COM) courses. However, prior to taking 300-level courses or above, a sophomore or transfer student should consult with his or her advisor so they can together assess the student’s major interests, strengths, and skill levels in order to determine the student’s readiness to proceed to upper-level COM course.

The teamwork and production involved in creating and producing The Eagle Eye, (the university’s student multimedia online news platform) is a central component of our curriculum. CMS and DMA majors, as well as students from across the disciplines, are able to use their skills in writing, photography, video production, graphic design, and leadership by serving on the staff of The Eagle Eye. Staff members for The Eagle Eye enroll in a series of 1- to 3-credit courses to receive both instruction in and credit for their journalistic work.

Special Activities

• Internships.
• Study abroad opportunities.
• Experiential learning opportunities.
• Work for The Eagle Eye, our campus student news outlet.
• Membership in Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society of the National Communication Association.
• Opportunities to present work at the Robert L. Driscoll Convocation of Artists and Scholars.