Communication and Media Studies, BA

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

Student organizations that are designed to support, augment, and supplement the educational and professional development of students in the CMS program include the Bent Tree (student newspaper).

Communication and Media Studies Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Communicate effectively using multiple channels of communication.
  2. Conduct primary and secondary research on media products and communicative practices.
  3. Critically analyze the aesthetic dimensions and layered meanings of past and present communication and media products.
  4. Understand theoretical perspectives on communication, media and global culture.
  5. Apply media aesthetics to the production of communication vehicles using appropriate technologies.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical theories, professional standards and legal constraints in communication and media environments.

Communication and Media Studies Writing Assessment Requirement

CMS majors and minors are required to pass the CMS Writing Assessment in order to complete the degree. Students are strongly encouraged to take this assessment soon after passing ENGL 1102 English Composition II. A passing score is a prerequisite for several required CMS courses, so failure to pass the test in a timely manner may result in a delay in graduation. The test is administered at the campus Testing Center and may be repeated, but it is offered only one time per semester.

Students may also fulfill the CMS Writing Assessment Requirement by enrolling in ENGL 3900 Professional & Tech. Writing, passing the course with a C or better, and notifying the Visual and Performing Arts department chair or the CMS Coordinator in writing that they have passed the course and need to have their academic records updated.

Program Requirements

Communication and Media Studies students must earn a grade of C or higher for all courses applied toward upper-division requirements. Upper-division courses are all courses other than those of Areas A through F. 1000- or 2000-level courses used in the upper division are included in this restriction.

Core IMPACTS42
All core curriculum recommendations are shown under the Core IMPACTS section of the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements.
Lower Division Field of Study Requirements18
CMS 2010Introduction to Media Studies3
CMS 2015Visual Communication3
Spoken Communication and International Language3-9
Select from the following: 1
Public Speaking 2
Intermediate French I
Intermediate French II
Intermediate Spanish I
Intermediate Spanish II
Media Production or Aesthetics3-9
Choose from the following:
2-D Design/Color Theory
Introduction to Film
Digital Photography
Intro to Field Production
Introduction to Aesthetics
Introduction to Acting
Major Area Core Requirements18
CMS 3020Research Methods3
or CMS 3101 Media and Culture
CMS 3400Comm. Law, Ethics & Diversity3
CMS 3710Writing for Digital Media: Theory and Practice3
CMS 3901Internship/Practicum in Communication and Media Studies I3
CMS 4999CMS Capstone3
COMM 3300Interpersonal Communication3
Concentration Requirements27
Choose one option/concentration from the following:
Minor/Free Electives15
Choose 15 hours of guided electives toward completion of a minor (encouraged): 3
Total Credit Hours120

Option/Concentration Requirements (Choose the CMS Electives option or one of the three concentrations below)

Communication and Media Studies Electives Option

Choose 27 hours from the following:
Any 3000-4000 level class with a CMS or COMM or JOUR prefix (not designated to be used elsewhere in the upper division requirements),
Intro to Creative Writing
Professional & Tech. Writing
Critical Theory
Playwriting
Acting for the Camera
Total Credit Hours27

Media Design and Production Concentration

Choose seven courses from the following:
Media Industries
Comm. Law, Ethics & Diversity
Lighting for Motion Pictures
Audio Recording & Sound Design
Writing and Editing for Mass Media
Introduction to Public Relatio
Introduction to Broadcasting
Corporate Communication Design
New Media Design
Advanced Media Production
Digital Video Production
Digital Video Post-Production
Modes of Video Production I
Modes of Video Production II
Modes of Video Production III
Public Relations Principles and Practices
Audio Podcasting
Selected Topics in CMS I (or FILM 4800 - both upon approval)
Selected Topics in CMS II (or FILM 4801 - both upon approval)
Selected Topics in CMS III (or FILM 4802 - both upon approval)
Directed Research in Communication and Media Studies
Communication in Context I (upon approval)
Communication in Context II (upon approval)
Communication in Context III (upon approval)
Principles of Project Management
Voiceover
Acting for the Camera
Total Credit Hours27

Organizational and Corporate Concentration

Choose seven courses from the following:
Media Industries
Writing and Editing for Mass Media
Introduction to Advertising
Introduction to Public Relatio
Introduction to Broadcasting
Corporate Communication Design
New Media Design
Global Contexts in Communication and Media Studies
Public Relations Principles and Practices
Crisis and Change Communication
Social Media
Selected Topics in CMS I (or FILM 4800 - both upon approval)
Selected Topics in CMS II (or FILM 4801 - both upon approval)
Selected Topics in CMS III (or FILM 4802 - both upon approval)
Directed Research in Communication and Media Studies (or FILM 4900)
Professional Speaking
Communication in Context I (upon approval)
Communication in Context II (upon approval)
Communication in Context III (upon approval)
Rhetorical Criticism
Persuasion
Communication Technologies
Principles of Project Management
Organizational Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Interracial Communication
Intercultural Communication
Professional & Tech. Writing
Total Credit Hours27
1

Foreign Language through the 2002 level is required for the BA in CMS. FREN 1001 Elementary French I/SPAN 1001 Elementary Spanish I may be used in Guided Electives, and it is possible to use 1002/2001/2002-level language courses in the Core Curriculum and Lower Division Major Requirements.

2

COMM 1110 Public Speaking is a required course for the CMS major. Students receiving credit for COMM 1110 Public Speaking may not receive credit for COMM 1001 Presentational Speaking and COMM 1002 Presentation Applications.

3

Up to 9 guided electives may be used for courses with COMM, CMS, and/or JOUR prefixes. No more than 9 hours applied to this area can be 1000-/2000-level courses.