Media and Communication Studies, B.A.

Communication technologies are increasingly digital, interactive, and global, which means that participation in the public sphere requires critical engagement across a range of media, platforms, and cultural contexts. Media & Communication Studies offers an innovative and interdisciplinary response to this need. Integrating theory and practice, MCS courses guide students to refine their communication skills and deepen their understanding of complex trends in technology and culture. MCS students learn about media literacy, the history and theory of communication technologies, media and globalization, and research methods. Emphasizing critical thinking, reading, multi-media composition, and professionalization, the Media and Communication Studies, B.A. equips students with the tools to navigate dynamic media environments and the capacity to reshape them.

University Requirements

Completion of Minimum University Requirements for an Undergraduate Baccalaureate Degree .

Minimum 120 credits and minimum GPA of 2.0
Completion of 45 upper-level credits, residence requirement, Writing Intensive requirement, and General Education requirement

Major Requirements

Minimum 37 credits
Minimum grade of ‘C’ in courses applied to the major
Students may share a maximum of 9 credits with another major, minor, or certificate

Course Requirements

Media and Communication Studies Core (22 credits)

Complete the following:

Required Applied Experience (3 credits)

MCS 404 - Internship (3)

Elective Requirements (12 credits)

Complete 12 credits from the following:

Media and Communication Studies Electives

Complete 6 credits from the following:

Interdisciplinary Electives

Complete 6 credits from the following:

Internship Requirement

Media & Communication Studies is dedicated to preparing students for meaningful work in their careers and communities. One of the highlights of the program is the internship requirement, through which students gain professional experience and marketable skills.

Statement on Study of Foreign Languages

Knowledge of at least one foreign language and familiarity with other cultures are important for understanding media and communications in conditions of contemporary globalization. Therefore, MCS students are strongly encouraged to study a foreign language to at least the 202 level (with appropriate exemptions made for native speakers of languages other than English). Additionally, studying abroad can provide understandings of other cultures and richer perspectives on American culture and media. Media & Communication Studies encourages interested students to pursue study-abroad opportunities and can advise students on the transferability of courses taken while studying abroad.

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs

Qualified students may apply to an accelerated program, which allows them to share courses between a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Students take graduate courses as undergraduate students and later apply those courses to master’s degrees. An undergraduate may apply to participate in an accelerated program even if the desired graduate program is in a department other than the one in which the student is majoring. More information is available from the Accelerated Program page of the Graduate School website.