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Apr 30, 2026
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Media and Communication Studies, B.A.
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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.
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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
Media and Communication Studies Core (22 credits)
Complete the following: Required Applied Experience (3 credits)
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. Four-Year Academic Pathways
The Four-Year Academic Pathways webpage offers helpful sample pathways for students eager to explore their academic options and stay on track for a four-year graduation. These pathways provide a starting point for students to plan how to complete their degree in four years. However, it’s important to remember that these are just samples. In consultation with their academic advisor, each student will create an individualized degree plan that reflects their unique academic background, interests, and career goals. Students must develop their personalized degree plan by the time they’ve earned 45 credits and regularly update it with their advisor as their goals and academic journey evolve. This approach ensures that students make thoughtful, strategic choices that set them up for success throughout their time at UMBC. Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs
Qualified students may apply to an accelerated program, which allows them to take graduate courses as undergraduate students and later apply those courses to master’s degrees. A student may apply to participate in an accelerated program even if the desired graduate program is in a department other than the one in which they are majoring. More information is available from the Accelerated Program page of the Graduate School website. |
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