Department of Communication and Media Studies

Division of Social Sciences

The Communication and Media Studies (CMS) program prepares students to become discerning media consumers, producers, critical thinkers, confident speakers, skilled writers, and creative storytellers. CMS is an interdisciplinary field that draws from programs and departments on campus to enable students to study a wide range of topics and develop critical academic and professional skills including media and information literacy; persuasive writing; public speaking; strategic communication; critical analysis; project management; and research design and execution.

CMS is a versatile and flexible major that pushes students to expand their understanding of human communication, culture, and social institutions. The knowledge, understanding, and skills students acquire in CMS prepares them for a wide range of opportunities after graduation--in grassroots organizations, non-profits, global media companies, political offices, legal professions, journalism, education, and everything in-between. CMS students critically assess information sources, address issues of representation and equity in media and communication systems, and learn to communicate effectively in a variety of media channels to a range of different audiences. These skills make our graduates not only exceptionally qualified for a wide variety of careers, but prepared to engage in the world thoughtfully and ethically, with a broad understanding of what it means to be a responsible global citizen. 

Distribution Credit in CMS

Student can complete their Humanities Distribution credit with CMS courses. Students taking one Humanities course can take CMS 101 Intro to Communication & Media Studies or CMS 201 Contemporary Popular Film & TV. Students who choose to take two Humanities courses must take both CMS 101 Intro to Communication & Media Studiesand CMS 201 Contemporary Popular Film & TV. 

Communication & Media Studies Major Requirements

The requirements for majors in Communication and Media Studies include four core courses, seven elective courses, and the Senior Capstone Experience (SCE).

Foundation, Applied, and Structured Courses

Students complete a minimum of two courses in each category to fulfill their elective requirements. The seventh and final elective course can come from any of the courses listed. Additional courses may be approved by the Chair.

Optional Program Concentrations

Students who select a CMS concentration, listed below, complete the elective courses required for the major in their concentration.

1. Arts and Production 
2. Business and Organizational Communication 
3. Identity and Culture 
4. Film Studies

Arts and Production Concentration Requirements

The Arts and Production Concentration can be achieved by completing CMS 101, CMS 250, CMS 301, CMS 450, and CMS SCE, and 7 additional courses from the list below. 

Business and Organizational Communication Concentration Requirements

The Business and Organizational Communications Concentration can be achieved by completing CMS 101, CMS 250, CMS 301, CMS 450, and CMS SCE, and 7 additional courses from the list below. 

Film Studies Concentration Requirements

The Film Studies Concentration can be achieved by completing CMS 101, CMS 250 , CMS 301, CMS 450, and CMS SCE, and 7 additional courses from the list below.

Identity and Culture Concentration Requirements

The Identity and Culture Concentration can be achieved by completing CMS 101, CMS 250, CMS 301, CMS 450, and CMS SCE, and 7 additional courses from the list below.