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:
- Communicate effectively using multiple channels of communication.
- Critically analyze, conduct research, and understand theoretical perspectives on communication, media, and global culture.
- Apply media aesthetics to the production of communication vehicles using appropriate technologies.
- Demonstrate an understanding of ethical theories, professional standards, and legal constraints in communication and media environments.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core IMPACTS | 42 | |
| All core curriculum recommendations are shown under the Core IMPACTS section of the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements. | ||
| Field of Study – Communication and Media Studies | 18 | |
| COMM 1110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| CMS 2010 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3 |
| CMS 2015 | Visual Communication | 3 |
| 3 courses (9 credit hours) at the 1000-2000 level from prefixes ART, CMS, COMM, FILM, FREN, SPAN, or THEA. | 9 | |
| Upper Division Major Requirements | 15 | |
| CMS 3101 | Media and Culture | 3 |
| or CMS 3020 | Research Methods | |
| CMS 3400 | Communication Law and Ethics | 3 |
| CMS 3710 | Writing for Digital Media: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| CMS 4999 | CMS Capstone | 3 |
| COMM 3300 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Upper Division Electives | 27 | |
| 27 upper division (3000-4000) hours are required. 18 hours must come from course prefixes CMS or COMM. 9 hours may come from course prefixes ART, CMS, COMM, ENGL, FILM, MGMT, MKTG or THEA. | ||
| Free Electives | 18 | |
| 18 credit hours. Students are encouraged to use these elective hours toward completion of a minor. | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
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.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All core curriculum recommendations are shown under the Core IMPACTS section of the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements. | ||
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Credit 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 Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CMS 2010 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3 |
| ENGL 1102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HIST 2111 or HIST 2112 |
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 Hours | 16 | |
| 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 Hours | 15 | |
| 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 Hours | 15 | |
| 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 Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CMS 3400 | Communication Law & Ethics | 3 |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CMS 4999 | CMS Capstone | 3 |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| COMM 3300 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 121 | |