Program Overview

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Communication and Media Studies Major, BA

The BA in Communication and Media Studies is a comprehensive program that prepares students for a variety of careers in social media, television, journalism, marketing, music distribution, publishing, public relations, politics, law, and strategic communication. Students learn to think critically about communication and media in their social and cultural forms.

Program Overview

In this program, students take courses in content creation, communication, and media studies. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complex relationships between communication, media, and society.

Major Completion Summary

The major completion summary is as follows:

• University Core Requirements: 44-55 credits
• Major Requirements: 42 credits
• Open Electives: 23-34 credits
• Total Credits: 120

University Core Requirements

The University Core Requirements consist of 44-55 credits. Students must complete the entire University Core curriculum.

Major Requirements

The major requirements consist of 42 credits, which are divided into three groups:

Major Core Courses

• CMS 111: Introduction to Communication (3 credits)
• CMS 113: Media, Culture, and Society (3 credits)
• CMS 114: Introduction to Mass Media (3 credits)

Major Elective Courses

• Group One - Content Creation: Select two of the following courses (6 credits)
  • CMS 226: Writing for the Electronic Media (3 credits)
  • CMS 228: Writing for Convergent Technologies (3 credits)
  • CMS 230: Podcasting and Audio Storytelling (3 credits)
  • CMS 280: Introduction to Journalism (3 credits)
  • CMS 297B: Topic: Special Topics in Media Content Creation (3 credits)
  • CMS 296C: Topic: Introduction to Media Production (3 credits)
  • CMS 296D: Topic: Multimedia Journalism (3 credits)
  • CMS 331: Strategic Communication (3 credits)
  • MCA 226: Writing for the Electronic Media (3 credits)
  • MCA 227: Writing for the Print Media (3 credits)
• Group Two - Public/Professional Communication: Select a minimum of 12 credits
  • CMS 119: Organizational Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 203: Persuasive Speaking (3 credits)
  • CMS 205: Dynamics of Small Group Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 206: Family Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 213: Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 214: Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 280: Introduction to Journalism (3 credits)
  • CMS 294: Language and Contexts (3 credits)
  • CMS 295: Participatory Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 296A: Topic: Conflict Management (3 credits)
  • CMS 297A: Topic: Special Topics in Communication and Media Studies (3 credits)
  • CMS 313: The Dark Side of Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 331: Strategic Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 332: Self-Presentation and Impression Management through Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 334: Persuasion and Compliance-Gaining (3 credits)
  • CMS 341: Citizen Journalism and Deliberation (3 credits)
  • CMS 396A: Topic: Communication Research Methods (3 credits)
  • MAR 201: Principles of Marketing (3 credits)
• Group Three - Media Studies: Select a minimum of 12 credits
  • CMS 235: Advertising and Consumer Culture (3 credits)
  • CMS 239: Milestones in Communication Research (3 credits)
  • CMS 242: New Communication Technologies and Moral Panic (3 credits)
  • CMS 244: Digital Cultures (3 credits)
  • CMS 245: Communication and Popular Culture (3 credits)
  • CMS 270: Political Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 250: Digital Youth Activism (3 credits)
  • CMS 290: Current Media in NY (3 credits)
  • CMS 291: Sport Communication & Culture (3 credits)
  • CMS 292: Hip-Hop Feminism and the Media (3 credits)
  • CMS 296E: Topic: Brat Summer, Demure Autumn: Understanding Viral Postfeminist Narratives (3 credits)
  • CMS 309: Girls' Media Cultures (3 credits)
  • CMS 310: Communication and Media Analytics (3 credits)
  • CMS 311: Ethics, Morality, and the Media (3 credits)
  • CMS 312: Introduction to Cultural Studies (3 credits)
  • CMS 313: The Dark Side of Communication (3 credits)
  • CMS 314: Media v. Government (3 credits)
  • CMS 335: Media and Gender (3 credits)
  • CMS 336: Propaganda (3 credits)
  • CMS 338: Media Criticism (3 credits)
  • CMS 481: Language and Power (3 credits)
  • INT 299K: Disability Stories through Film and Media (6 credits)
• One additional Group 2 or Group 3 course (3 credits)

Open Electives

Students must select 23-34 credits of open electives. Internships (CMS 393, CMS 394, and/or DMS 393) are recommended, and students may apply up to 9 internship credits toward graduation.

General Track

In addition to the courses listed above, students are required to complete two courses with the Anti-Racism Education attribute attached. These courses may be taken during any semester of their education. Students should see their advisor for more information.

Plan of Study Grid

The plan of study grid outlines the recommended course sequence for each year of the program.

First Year

• Fall:
  • UNV 101: First-Year Seminar: Introduction to University Community (1 credit)
  • CMS 111: Introduction to Communication (3 credits)
  • ENG 110 or ENG 120: Composition or Critical Writing (3-4 credits)
  • One Area of Knowledge course (3 credits)
  • One paired or INT Learning Community course (6 credits)
• Spring:
  • CMS 113: Media, Culture, and Society (3 credits)
  • ENG 120: Critical Writing (4 credits)
  • MAT 102: Mathematics for Life (3 credits)
  • CIS 101 or CIT 110 or TS 105: Introduction to Computing or Introduction to Information Technology or Computers for Human Empowerment (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2 or Group 3) (3 credits)

Second Year

• Fall:
  • CMS 114: Introduction to Mass Media (3 credits)
  • COM 200: Public Speaking (3 credits)
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 1) (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3) (3 credits)
• Spring:
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2) (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3) (3 credits)
  • ENG 201: Writing in the Disciplines (3 credits)
  • Two remaining Area of Knowledge courses (6 credits)

Third Year

• Fall:
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2) (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3) (3 credits)
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (Writing Enhanced course) (3 credits)
  • Open Elective Course (Area of Knowledge) (3 credits)
  • First Second Language Course (see advisor for guidelines) (3 credits)
• Spring:
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 1) (3 credits)
  • One Lab science course (3-4 credits)
  • Open Elective Course (Writing Enhanced course) (3 credits)
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (Civic Engagement course) (3 credits)
  • Second Language Course (if applicable) (3 credits)

Fourth Year

• Fall:
  • CMS 393: Internship Program I (1-3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3) (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2) (3 credits)
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (3 credits)
  • Open Elective Course (3 credits)
• Spring:
  • CMS 394: Internship Program II (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2) (3 credits)
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (3 credits)
  • Open Elective Course (3 credits)
  • Open Elective Course (3 credits)

Communication Studies, BA/Communications and Digital Media, MA Track

This track is designed for students who want to pursue a master's degree in Communications and Digital Media. In addition to the courses listed above, students are required to complete two courses with the Anti-Racism Education attribute attached. These courses may be taken during any semester of their education. Students should see their advisor for more information.

Plan of Study Grid

The plan of study grid outlines the recommended course sequence for each year of the program.

First Year

• Fall:
  • ENG 110 or ENG 120: Composition or Critical Writing (3-4 credits)
  • CMS 111: Introduction to Communication (3 credits)
  • UNV 101: First-Year Seminar: Introduction to University Community (1 credit)
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (3 credits)
  • Two paired or one INT Learning Community courses (6 credits)
• Spring:
  • CMS 113: Media, Culture, and Society (3 credits)
  • MAT 102: Mathematics for Life (3 credits)
  • ENG 120: Critical Writing (4 credits)
  • CIS 101 or CIT 110: Introduction to Computing or Introduction to Information Technology (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2 or Group 3) (3 credits)

Second Year

• Fall:
  • CMS 114: Introduction to Mass Media (3 credits)
  • COM 200: Public Speaking (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 1) (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3) (3 credits)
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (3 credits)
• Spring:
  • ENG 201: Writing in the Disciplines (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2) (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3) (3 credits)
  • Two remaining Area of Knowledge courses (6 credits)

Third Year

• Fall:
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2) (3 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3) (3 credits)
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (Writing Enhanced course) (3 credits)
  • First Second Language Course (see advisor for guidelines) (3 credits)
  • Open Elective Course (Area of Knowledge) (1 credit)
• Spring:
  • One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 1) (3 credits)
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (Civic Engagement course) (3 credits)
  • Second Language Course (if applicable) (3 credits)
  • One Lab science course (3 credits)

Fourth Year

• Fall:
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (3 credits)
  • MCA 601: Industry Theory and Practice (4 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject COS (Group 3) (3 credits)
  • CMS 393: Internship Program I (1-9 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject COS (Group 2) (3 credits)
• Spring:
  • CMS 394: Internship Program II (1-6 credits)
  • One remaining Area of Knowledge course (3 credits)
  • MCA 603: Effective Speaking for Industry Professionals (4 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject COS (Group 2) (3 credits)
  • MCA 610: Communications Research (4 credits)

Fifth Year

• Fall:
  • MCA 602: Writing for Organizations (4 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject MCA (4 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject MCA (4 credits)
• Spring:
  • One major elective course in subject MCA (4 credits)
  • One major elective course in subject MCA (4 credits)
  • MCA 693: Internship (Thesis) (4 credits)

Total Credits: 140-153