Department of Communication and Media Studies
Division of Humanities and Fine Arts

Communication and Media Studies (CMS) majors 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. Students can explore the field broadly, or they can choose to specialize in one of four optional concentrations: Arts & Production, Business & Organizational Communication, Film Studies, or Identity & Culture. Upon completing the major, students will understand the important histories, theories, and contemporary debates in CMS and will have developed highly valuable media production skills. In the process, our majors become clear communicators and skillful storytellers with the capacity to tackle independent and collaborative projects.

Communication and 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 Intro to Communication & Media Studies, CMS 250 Intermediate Comm & Media Theory, CMS 301 Research Methods in CMS or CMS 302 Qualitative and Descriptive Research Methods, CMS 450 Current Issues in CMS, and CMS SCE Senior Capstone Experience, 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 Intro to Communication & Media Studies, CMS 250 Intermediate Comm & Media Theory, CMS 301 Research Methods in CMS or CMS 302 Qualitative and Descriptive Research Methods, CMS 450 Current Issues in CMS, and CMS SCE Senior Capstone Experience, and, and 7 additional courses from the list below. 

Film Studies Concentration Requirements

The Film Studies Concentration can be achieved by completing CMS 101 Intro to Communication & Media Studies, CMS 250 Intermediate Comm & Media Theory, CMS 301 Research Methods in CMS or CMS 302 Qualitative and Descriptive Research Methods, CMS 450 Current Issues in CMS, and CMS SCE Senior Capstone Experience, 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 Intro to Communication & Media Studies, CMS 250 Intermediate Comm & Media Theory, CMS 301 Research Methods in CMS or CMS 302 Qualitative and Descriptive Research Methods, CMS 450 Current Issues in CMS, and CMS SCE Senior Capstone Experience, and 7 additional courses from the list below.