Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies

Program Description:

From face-to-face, to small groups and large audiences, to broadcasting across the world on multiple platforms – it’s all communications.

The tools of how and why we communicate are ever changing, but effective communication shares common fundamental principles. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication & Media Studies focuses on the skills necessary to become the consummate communicator, able to thrive in multiple settings. Coursework includes creativity, design, photography, media production, film analysis, video games, public speaking,  journalism, and social media and media analytics. The Communications motto – can do, can think – captures the program’s dual focus. Students graduate with specific marketable skills and the critical thinking ability that is both the hallmark of a quality liberal arts education and a vital necessity for an effective multi-platform communicator in the 21st century.

This degree is built around a dual structure of guiding questions that are infused into the fabric of every course in the program, and specific marketable skills that every successful graduate should have acquired.

The guiding questions are:

  • What are you trying to communicate?
  • How does this align with your values?
  • What does this say about our world/culture/community?
  • What is your why?
  • How can this serve the world/your community?
  • What is going in your portfolio?

Marketable skills include:

  • public speaking (TED Talks, News Anchor, Vlogging, Influencer)
  • photography (Adobe Photoshop)
  • video production (Adobe Premiere)
  • visual design (Adobe InDesign)
  • professional writing across platforms (Press Releases, Strategic Messaging, Creative Marketing)
  • actionable analytics and consumer targeting (Social Media Analytics, SEO, PPC, SEM)

Rather than learning only specific skills for specific platforms that may not exist in five years, this program will prepare students to become consummate communicators with the skills and flexibility to thrive in the ever-changing communication industry.

 

Career Landscape

Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing Firms

On-camera talent, Reporter, Anchor, Influencer

Director, Producer, Cinematographer

Communication Writing for Traditional and New media

 

Curriculum (Course Sampling)

JOU 4103 Multi-Platform Journalism Writing
A comprehensive course in newspaper reporting. Attention will be placed on basic skills in news-gathering, interviewing techniques, covering speeches, writing the news story, and methods of research in general source materials. There will be a practical application of all types of news and feature writing through publication of student efforts in the university newspaper. Integrated with basic news skills will be techniques of headline writing, copy reading and newspaper design and layout.

GRA 2100C Introduction to Graphic Design
This course introduces the fundamentals of graphic design including visual communication theory and practice: elements and principles of perception and design, typography, symbols, and desktop design. Students will learn definition of graphic design and its purpose as well as basic knowledge in typography, color, grids, and gain a basic proficiency in Adobe In Design, Photoshop and Illustrator software applications as they relate to the profession of Graphic Design

MMC 4601 Video Game Analysis
This course explores the history and artistry of videogames, with emphasis on the aural as well as visual aspects of the form. In addition, this course qualifies as a diversity course and will explore race, ethnicity, gender and class in terms of issues of representation and consumption.

RTV 4661 Advanced Broadcast Production
This course provides the opportunity to work in a professional setting in the student managed campus channel.

COM 308 Social Media: Impact and Networking
This course will help students better understand and use social media for effective communication. By focusing on social networks and digital media analytics, students will identify critical stories and trends that can be beneficial in a variety of contexts. Theories of computer-mediated communication will also be explored in conjunction with the creation of online identity, and the formation and maintenance of networked relationships. Students will explore the impact of the social media revolution and analyze how it is altering information consumption patterns. Students will identify how to create audience specific content in this new environment.