Communication and Media Studies

Program Objectives

The Communication and Media Studies department offers an online and on-campus major and minor, leading to either a BA or BS degree in Communication and Media Studies as well as an interdisciplinary Film Studies minor consisting of courses offered from the Anthropology/Sociology, Communication and Media Studies, English/Writing, History, Spanish, and Theatre programs.

Communication and Media Studies offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills across the various specializations within the discipline. Students majoring in Communication and Media Studies select from a list of core program requirements and coursework that emphasizes:

Public Relations

Learn to craft strategic communication plans, manage organizational identities, and develop media to engage with diverse audiences.

Health Communication

Explore the role of communication in health promotion, patient advocacy, and the dissemination of health information.

Intercultural Communication

Understand the impact of cultural diversity on communication practices and develop skills to bridge cultural differences and promote effective intercultural interactions.

Interpersonal Communication

Understand the intricacies of human interaction, focusing on the development of effective communication skills in personal and professional relationships.

Mass Communication and Media Literacy

Investigate the influence of mass media on society and the importance of media literacy in the digital age. Analyze the role of journalism, broadcasting, and digital media in shaping public opinion and culture.

Organizational Communication

Examine communication within and between organizations, focusing on enhancing efficiency, collaboration, and leadership through effective communication practices.

Media Production

Gain hands-on experience in the artistry of digital media creation, including film and video production, audio recording, and communication design. Develop technical skills and creative strategies to produce compelling new media for emerging media platforms.

The program’s emphasis on a diverse array of specializations allows students to tailor their courses and degrees to align with their personal interests and career aspirations, opening doors to a wide array of career opportunities and preparation for advancement into graduate-level programs.

Learning Outcomes

Content Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of the principles of effective new media design. Effectively research, question, argue, and interpret evidence in the support of conclusions.
Communication: Demonstrate competency in oral, written, and visual communication. Evaluate the opportunities available in the field of communication. Explore new ways of communicating through the use of technology. Design effective new media communication using text, graphics, and emerging digital platforms. Apply and evaluate communication theory in the creation and interpretation of messages. Practice only positive and ethical communication strategies to influence and inform audiences.
Critical Thinking: Critically analyze media products in both oral and written format. Critically analyze communication in a variety of contexts e.g. intercultural, interpersonal, visual and mass media.

Programs

Major(s)

Communication and Media Studies Major

Minor(s)