Program Overview

Department of Communication, Media, and Screen Studies

The Department of Communication, Media, and Screen Studies at Southern Connecticut State University offers a comprehensive program that equips students with the essential skills for effective communication in both organizational and interpersonal settings.

Program Overview

The Communication, Media, and Screen Studies (CMS) major allows students to construct a unique and exhilarating program of academic possibilities specifically tailored to their needs and interests. Students can choose between two main areas: Communication, Media, & Screen Studies (CMS) or Film, Television, and Media Production (FTMP), depending on their interests and career plans.

Learning Outcomes

The program focuses on three key areas:

• Communication: Students gain a solid understanding of communication theories and ideas related to identity, personal interactions, and how organizations communicate. They learn to analyze and assess how communication helps shape and sustain identities and power within organizations and society.
• Media: Students develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills in their communication projects and when analyzing media. They examine the cultural and social contexts of messages and how they affect the audience and society.
• Screen Studies: Students understand the development of screen media and its cultural, social, and technological effects on society. They analyze screen media based on its form, genre, style, representation, and how audiences receive it.

Interest Pathways

The program offers several interest pathways, including:

• General CMS Pathway: This pathway provides a comprehensive understanding of communication, media, and screen studies, giving students the chance to focus on what interests them most.
• Advertising and Public Relations Pathway: This pathway is best suited for students interested in strategic communication, creative messaging, and brand management within the advertising and public relations industries.
• Film, Television, and Media Production Pathway: This concentration is designed for students passionate about storytelling through visual and audio media, offering hands-on experience in film, television, and digital media production.
• Interpersonal Dynamics and Leadership Pathway: This pathway equips individuals with the essential skills for effective communication in both organizational and interpersonal settings, focusing on cultivating a deep understanding of communication dynamics within teams, workplaces, and personal relationships.

Career Focus

Graduates of the CMS program can pursue various career paths, including:

• Advertising and public relations
• Corporate communication
• Film production
• Social media management
• Digital content creation
• Media programming and operations
• Post-production and visual effects
• Scriptwriting and screenwriting
• Educational media production

Key Features

The program offers a range of courses that provide students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge, including:

• Visual storytelling and filmmaking
• Cinematography and camera techniques
• Video editing and post-production
• Sound design and audio production
• Media industry knowledge and production workflow
• Portfolio development and career readiness
• Basic communication literacy
• Visual communication
• Advertising and PR skills
• Technology and communication
• Practical application

Suggested Courses

The program suggests a range of courses for each pathway, including:

• Introductory courses: Public Speaking, World of Communication, Human Communication
• Intermediate courses: Interpersonal Communication, Communication and Media Research
• Advanced courses: Organizational Communication, Relational Communication
• Capstone courses: CMS Capstone Project, Practicum in Communication, Media, and Screen Studies
• Electives: Advertising and Public Relations Theories and Concepts, Media Theory, Communication Design, Brand Management

Career Opportunities

The skills and knowledge provided by the CMS degree have a broad application across careers, including:

• Corporate communication
• Digital media and content creation
• Digital media management
• Cultural and media advocacy
• Education and training
• Market research and analysis

The Department of Communication, Media, and Screen Studies at Southern Connecticut State University provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for a wide range of careers in the communication, media, and screen studies fields.