Communication and Media Studies, BA

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies equips graduates with a theoretical and historical understanding of human communication, combined with practical skills in professional writing, speaking, and media production.

Communication and Media Studies Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Communicate effectively using multiple channels of communication.
  2. Critically analyze, conduct research, and understand theoretical perspectives on communication, media, and global culture.
  3. Apply media aesthetics to the production of communication vehicles using appropriate technologies.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical theories, professional standards, and legal constraints in communication and media environments.

Program Requirements

Core IMPACTS42
All core curriculum recommendations are shown under the Core IMPACTS section of the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements.
Field of Study – Communication and Media Studies18
CMS 2010Introduction to Media Studies3
CMS 2015Visual Communication3
COMM 1110Public Speaking3
3 courses (9 credit hours) at the 1000-2000 level from prefixes ART, CMS, COMM, FILM, FREN, SPAN, or THEA.9
Upper Division Major Requirements15
CMS 3101Media and Culture3
or CMS 3020 Research Methods
CMS 3400Communication Law and Ethics3
CMS 3710Writing for Digital Media: Theory and Practice3
CMS 4999CMS Capstone3
COMM 3300Interpersonal Communication3
Upper Division Electives27
9 courses (27 credit hours) at the 3000-4000 level from prefixes CMS or COMM. 1
Free Electives18
18 credit hours. Students are encouraged to use these elective hours toward completion of a minor.
Total Credit Hours120
1

To satisfy Upper Division Electives, up to 3 courses (9 credit hours) may be taken at the 3000-4000 level from prefixes ART, ENGL, FILM, MGMT, MKTG, or THEA.

Please Note: This is a suggested course sequence and assumes a starting freshman with no prior college credit who intends to complete their degree in four years. Students should consult with their academic advisor and review the course prerequisites and minimum grade requirements as seen in the Academic Catalog. 

All core curriculum recommendations are shown under the Core IMPACTS section of the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements.
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
First SemesterCredit Hours
COMM 1110 Public Speaking 3
ENGL 1101 English Composition I 3
POLS 1101 American Government 3
Core IMPACTS: "I" area course 3
Core IMPACTS: "M" area course 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Semester
CMS 2010 Introduction to Media Studies 3
ENGL 1102 English Composition II 3
HIST 2111
Survey of US History to 1877
or US HIST Since Reconstruction
3
Core IMPACTS: "I" area course 3
Core IMPACTS: "T" area science course with lab 4
 Credit Hours16
Second Year
First Semester
CMS 2015 Visual Communication 3
Core IMPACTS: "A" area course 3
Core IMPACTS: "S" area course 3
Core IMPACTS: "T" area science course 3
Field of Study Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Semester
CMS 3710 Writing for Digital Media 3
Core IMPACTS: "A" area courses 3
Core IMPACTS: "S" area course 3
Core IMPACTS: "T" area course 3
Field of Study Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Third Year
First Semester
CMS 3101 Media and Culture 3
Field of Study Elective 3
Upper Division Elective 3
Upper Division Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Semester
CMS 3400 Communication Law & Ethics 3
Upper Division Elective 3
Upper Division Elective 3
Upper Division Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
First Semester
CMS 4999 CMS Capstone 3
Upper Division Elective 3
Upper Division Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Semester
COMM 3300 Interpersonal Communication 3
Upper Division Elective 3
Upper Division Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours121