Communication and Media Studies (BA)

The BA in Communication and Media Studies is an interdisciplinary degree that allows students to investigate communication processes and effects from a variety of perspectives. Students receive a broad-based liberal arts education through a series of courses that offers significant opportunities for selecting classes to meet individual interests and needs.

The BA degree provides students with a solid understanding of communication technology, theory, and research methods as part of a common 20 credit core. In addition, students complete a four credit production requirement and a 16 credit option in either Media Studies or Professional Communication. A minimum of 20 credits in the major must be completed at the 3000/4000 level.

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Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

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The foreign language requirement for all BA degrees calls for 0-8 credits: one year of one language (6-8 credits); or one 3000/4000 level world language course (3 credits); or being a native speaker of a language other than English (zero credit). American Sign Language I and II fulfill this requirement; however, American Sign Language does not satisfy the Global Awareness Connection.

Media Studies Option of BA Communication and Media Studies

The Option in Media Studies enables students to explore media history, theory, criticism, and production in relation to a variety of media forms, including film, television, and emerging technologies. Students learn to effectively analyze, create, and understand the effects of media offerings of all kinds. They are also introduced, through regular course topics and screenings, to a wide range of noteworthy media offerings that have been created and disseminated in various historical eras, including both early and contemporary films, television programs, print and online artifacts, and video games. This course of study is recommended for students who plan careers or graduate study in the fields of advertising, broadcast journalism, film, marketing, media studies, media writing, online communication, print journalism, public relations, television, and related areas.

Professional Communication Option of BA Communication and Media Studies

The Option in Professional Communication enables students to explore various approaches to persuasive communication. Students learn to identify and apply theories and techniques that enable effective communication to occur in a variety of professional settings. They complete a series of required courses offered through the Departments of Business and Communication and Media Studies, and they round out their coursework with a range of interdisciplinary courses that correspond with their educational and professional interests. This course of study is recommended for students who plan careers or graduate study in the fields of business, communication, professional writing, promotion, sales, sports information, and related areas.

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Required Options in this Major

Complete one option

Media Studies Option of BA Communication and Media Studies

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

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Required for the Option

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Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

Professional Communication Option of BA Communication and Media Studies

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

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Required for the Option

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Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

• The ability to read, write, listen, and present in various contexts and for various audiences.
• The ability to understand emerging communication and media technologies, and the complex causes and opportunities of that evolution.
• The ability to analyze and explain the moral, ethical and cross-cultural dimensions of messages. 
• The ability to apply communication and media theories to critically analyze real-world issues and employ practical, innovative solutions.

• Advertising Agent (MyNextMove.org)
• Advertising and Promotion Manager (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
• Archivist (MyNextMove.org)
• Broadcast News Analyst (MyNextMove.org)
• Broadcast Technician (MyNextMove.org)
• Camera Operator (MyNextMove.org)
• Copy Writer (MyNextMove.org)
• Film and Video Editor (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
• Multimedia Artist (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
• Projectionist (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
• Public Relations Specialist
• Publication Editor (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
• Radio and Television Announcer (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
• Reporter (MyNextMove.org)
• Sound Engineering Technician (MyNextMove.org)
• Technical Writer (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)

• Strong written communication skills
• Strong oral presentation skills
• Effective interpersonal communication
• Effective conflict negotiation skills
• Acute Problem-solving abilities
• Perceptive leadership potential
• Independent and Collaborative communication competence
• Understanding of professional/organizational communication structures