Media Studies

WELCOME TO MEDIA STUDIES

Welcome to the Mass Media concentration within the Department of Communication Studies.

Mass Media is designed for students interested in the development and critical analysis of the media as a cultural, political and economic force. Contemporary issues in media criticism, old and new media, media law and policy are explored. Although the track is primarily focused on the study of media, students choosing this major often combine it with a minor in Journalism or in Film Studies.

Where students may work:

  • Advertising (advertising sales, creative director, media buyer, media planner, marketing specialist)

  • Business (human resources specialist, corporate communication specialist, marketing researcher)

  • Education (alumni officer, debate coach, media & communication specialist, university professor)

  • Journalism (reporter, editor, news broadcaster, blogger, media manager, researcher)

  • Government and Politics (campaign manager, diplomat, public affairs manager, community relations director, lobbyist, political analyst)

  • New Media (researcher, social media marketer, game designer, graphic designer, web developer, webmaster)

  • Law (lawyer, media law, public defender, legal reporter, mediation & negotiation specialist)

  • Broadcasting (writer, producer, publicist, community relations director, news writer, news anchor, sports announcer)

  • Entertainment (actor, writer, producer, director, film critic, publicist, marketing manager, DJ)

Important knowledge, skills and abilities for students in Media Studies include writing and oral communication, analytical and critical thinking, interest and competency in media production and analysis, strong interpersonal skills, leadership skills, maturity and curiosity for knowledge.

Suggested course of study:

  1. COMM 3120 Communication & Mass Media (required): This is an introductory course to Media Studies. Consider taking it as soon as you declare your major in Communication Studies and decide to focus on Media Studies.

  2. COMM 4101 Media Law (required)

  3. Special Topics courses such as Digital Media & Society; Persuasion & Popular Culture; Film Theory; Global Media; Media, Technology & Society

  4. Consider obtaining a journalism minor

  5. Consider completing an internship focused on media and communication

There are other courses that make up the media studies concentration and general major requirements, such as electives, micro and macro requirements, and more. Follow your track worksheet and make choices with your Academic Advisor. To find your Advisor within the Department of Communication Studies, go to Banner and click to load your advising transcript. Then, check the new name listed under “Advisor(s).”

Welcome again to Media Studies!