No matter what career path you take after college graduation, effective and thoughtful communication will be critical to your success.
The BA in Communication and Media Studies is an interdisciplinary degree that allows students to investigate communication processes and effects from a variety of perspectives. Students receive a broad-based liberal arts education through a series of courses that offers significant opportunities for selecting classes to meet individual interests and needs.
The BA degree provides students with a solid understanding of communication technology, theory, and research methods as part of a common 20 credit core. In addition, students complete a four credit production requirement and a 16 credit option in either Media Studies or Professional Communication. A minimum of 20 credits in the major must be completed at the 3000/4000 level.
The Communication and Media Studies Program will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in a wide array of fields, including advertising, digital communication, technical writing, and more. You may also choose to further your studies in graduate school, specializing in areas such as public relations, digital media, or film-making.
Our faculty, which comprises scholars and professionals in the field, is committed to your academic success and will help you develop skills that are invaluable to today’s marketplace, including effective public speaking, presentation, written communication, and technical skills.
Communication and Media Studies majors have access to an array of audio, video, lighting and gripping equipment. The department offers Digital Video Production, Journalism, Animation and other courses that allow students to explore and hone their visual story-telling, and podcasting skills.
Curriculum & Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| CM 2000 | Studies in Communication and Media (TECO) | 4 |
| CM 2006 | Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| CM 3645 | Communication Theory (WRCO) | 4 |
| CM 4655 | Communication Research Methods (QRCO) | 4 |
| CM 4905 | Senior Seminar | 4 |
| Production Requirement | 4 | |
| Courses from this category cannot double count for courses in the Option list. | ||
Complete one course from the following: | ||
CM 2750 | Introduction to Film and Video Production | |
CM 2995 | Professional Social Media | |
CM 3095 | Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3125 | Communicating Through Animation (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3400 | Interactive Web Communication (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3675 | Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO) | |
GD 2000 | Game Design Principles | |
| General Education | ||
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 | 4-8 | |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | 3-4 |
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 3-4 |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| GACO | Foreign Language 2 | 6-8 |
| Electives | 22-34 | |
| Option Requirements | ||
| Complete one from the following required options: | 20 | |
Media Studies | ||
Professional Communication | ||
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).
- 2
The foreign language requirement for all BA degrees calls for 0-8 credits: one year of one language (6-8 credits); or one 3000/4000 level world language course (3 credits); or being a native speaker of a language other than English (zero credit). American Sign Language I and II fulfill this requirement; however, American Sign Language does not satisfy the Global Awareness Connection.
Media Studies Option of BA Communication and Media Studies
The Option in Media Studies enables students to explore media history, theory, criticism, and production in relation to a variety of media forms, including film, television, and emerging technologies. Students learn to effectively analyze, create, and understand the effects of media offerings of all kinds. They are also introduced, through regular course topics and screenings, to a wide range of noteworthy media offerings that have been created and disseminated in various historical eras, including both early and contemporary films, television programs, print and online artifacts, and video games. This course of study is recommended for students who plan careers or graduate study in the fields of advertising, broadcast journalism, film, marketing, media studies, media writing, online communication, print journalism, public relations, television, and related areas.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Media Studies Option | ||
| CM 2775 | Media and Cultural Studies (TECO) | 4 |
| Complete two courses from the following: | 8 | |
CM 3005 | Rhetoric and Semiotics (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3006 | Analyzing Screen Media (DICO) | |
CM 3485 | Global Perspectives in the Media (GACO) | |
CM 3505 | Media Effects | |
CM 3945 | Social Media: Technology and Culture (INCO,INCP) | |
| Complete eight credits from the following courses; four credits need to be CM courses; four credits must be 3000/4000 level; courses in the Production Requirement cannot be double-counted in this list: | 8 | |
CM 2007 | Strategic Communication | |
CM 2405 | Public Speaking | |
CM 2915 | Communication and Leadership | |
CM 2995 | Professional Social Media | |
CM 3005 | Rhetoric and Semiotics (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3006 | Analyzing Screen Media (DICO) | |
CM 3095 | Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3125 | Communicating Through Animation (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3400 | Interactive Web Communication (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3485 | Global Perspectives in the Media (GACO) | |
CM 3505 | Media Effects | |
CM 3515 | Communication, Media, and Wellness (WECO) | |
CM 3675 | Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3750 | Film and Video Production Techniques | |
CM 3760 | Narrative Film-making | |
CM 3915 | Topics in Media Studies | |
CM 3926 | Topics in Screenwriting and Video Production | |
CM 3945 | Social Media: Technology and Culture (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3960 | Internship | |
CM 4915 | Independent Study | |
EN 2360 | Introduction to Film | |
EN 3125 | Advanced Composition | |
EN 3135 | Non-Fiction Workshop | |
EN 3305 | The Craft of Screenwriting: Reading and Writing Screenplays | |
EN 3325 | Literature into Film | |
EN 3595 | The Filmmaker's Vision: An Introduction to Film Analysis | |
EN 3685 | Scriptwriting | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Professional Communication Option of BA Communication and Media Studies
The Option in Professional Communication enables students to explore various approaches to persuasive communication. Students learn to identify and apply theories and techniques that enable effective communication to occur in a variety of professional settings. They complete a series of required courses offered through the Departments of Business and Communication and Media Studies, and they round out their coursework with a range of interdisciplinary courses that correspond with their educational and professional interests. This course of study is recommended for students who plan careers or graduate study in the fields of business, communication, professional writing, promotion, sales, sports information, and related areas.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Communication Option | ||
| CM 2915 | Communication and Leadership | 4 |
| Complete two courses from the Professional Communication Option; at least one needs to be 3000/4000 level: | 8 | |
CM 2007 | Strategic Communication | |
CM 2995 | Professional Social Media | |
CM 3095 | Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3400 | Interactive Web Communication (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3675 | Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO) | |
| Complete eight credits from the following courses; four credits need to be CM courses; four credits must be 3000/4000 level; courses in the Production Requirement cannot be double-counted in this list: | 8 | |
CM 2007 | Strategic Communication | |
CM 2405 | Public Speaking | |
CM 2775 | Media and Cultural Studies (TECO) | |
CM 2995 | Professional Social Media | |
CM 3005 | Rhetoric and Semiotics (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3006 | Analyzing Screen Media (DICO) | |
CM 3095 | Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3125 | Communicating Through Animation (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3400 | Interactive Web Communication (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3485 | Global Perspectives in the Media (GACO) | |
CM 3505 | Media Effects | |
CM 3515 | Communication, Media, and Wellness (WECO) | |
CM 3675 | Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3750 | Film and Video Production Techniques | |
CM 3760 | Narrative Film-making | |
CM 3915 | Topics in Media Studies | |
CM 3926 | Topics in Screenwriting and Video Production | |
CM 3945 | Social Media: Technology and Culture (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3960 | Internship | |
CM 4915 | Independent Study | |
BUS 2300 | Business Writing and Presenting (WRCO) | |
BUS 1100 | Introduction to Marketing and Sales | |
MKT 3500 | Special Topics in Marketing | |
MKT 3120 | Marketing Research and Consumer Insights (QRCO) | |
MKT 3210 | Event Planning and Marketing | |
MKT 3140 | Creating Effective Marketing Content | |
MGM 3450 | Organizational Behavior & Team Development (DICO) | |
MKT 3450 | Sports Marketing and Sales | |
MKT 3230 | Public Relations | |
MKT 4230 | Marketing Management | |
MKT 4120 | Impact Marketing | |
EN 3125 | Advanced Composition | |
EN 3135 | Non-Fiction Workshop | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years. For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester. Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).
Required Options in this Major
Complete one option
Media Studies Option of BA Communication and Media Studies
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
| Year One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| CM 2000 | Studies in Communication and Media (TECO) | 4 |
| CM 2006 | Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| GACO | Foreign Language | 6 |
| Credits | 31-34 | |
| Year Two | ||
| CM 2775 | Media and Cultural Studies (TECO) | 4 |
| CM 3645 | Communication Theory (WRCO) | 4 |
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 2 | 4-8 | |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | 3-4 |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 30-38 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Production Requirement | 4 | |
| Courses from this category cannot double count for courses in the Option list | ||
Complete one course from the following: |
||
CM 2995 |
Professional Social Media | |
CM 3095 |
Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3125 |
Communicating Through Animation (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3400 |
Interactive Web Communication (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3675 |
Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3750 |
Film and Video Production Techniques | |
CM 3760 |
Narrative Film-making | |
| Media Studies | ||
| Complete two courses from the following: | 8 | |
CM 3005 |
Rhetoric and Semiotics (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3006 |
Analyzing Screen Media (DICO) | |
CM 3485 |
Global Perspectives in the Media (GACO) | |
CM 3505 |
Media Effects | |
CM 3945 |
Social Media: Technology and Culture (INCO,INCP) | |
| Media Studies Option | ||
| Complete eight credits from the following courses; four credits need to be CM courses; four credits must be 3000/4000 level; courses in the Production Requirement cannot be double-counted in this list: | 8 | |
CM 2007 |
Strategic Communication | |
CM 2405 |
Public Speaking | |
CM 2915 |
Communication and Leadership | |
CM 2995 |
Professional Social Media | |
CM 3005 |
Rhetoric and Semiotics (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3006 |
Analyzing Screen Media (DICO) | |
CM 3095 |
Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3125 |
Communicating Through Animation (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3400 |
Interactive Web Communication (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3485 |
Global Perspectives in the Media (GACO) | |
CM 3505 |
Media Effects | |
CM 3515 |
Communication, Media, and Wellness (WECO) | |
CM 3675 |
Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3750 |
Film and Video Production Techniques | |
CM 3760 |
Narrative Film-making | |
CM 3915 |
Topics in Media Studies | |
CM 3926 |
Topics in Screenwriting and Video Production | |
CM 3945 |
Social Media: Technology and Culture (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3960 |
Internship | |
CM 4915 |
Independent Study | |
EN 2360 |
Introduction to Film | |
EN 3125 |
Advanced Composition | |
EN 3135 |
Non-Fiction Workshop | |
EN 3305 |
The Craft of Screenwriting: Reading and Writing Screenplays | |
EN 3325 |
Literature into Film | |
EN 3595 |
The Filmmaker's Vision: An Introduction to Film Analysis | |
EN 3685 |
Scriptwriting | |
| Electives | 10 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Year Four | ||
| CM 4655 | Communication Research Methods (QRCO) | 4 |
| CM 4905 | Senior Seminar | 4 |
| Electives | 10-14 | |
| Credits | 18-22 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Required for the Option
- 2
Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).
Professional Communication Option of BA Communication and Media Studies
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
| Year One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| CM 2000 | Studies in Communication and Media (TECO) | 4 |
| CM 2006 | Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| GACO | Foreign Language | 6 |
| Credits | 31-34 | |
| Year Two | ||
| CM 2915 | Communication and Leadership | 4 |
| CM 3645 | Communication Theory (WRCO) | 4 |
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 2 | 4-8 | |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Credits | 21-28 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Production Requirement | 4 | |
| Courses from this category cannot double count for courses in the Option list. | ||
Complete one course from the following: |
||
CM 2995 |
Professional Social Media | |
CM 3095 |
Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3125 |
Communicating Through Animation (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3400 |
Interactive Web Communication (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3675 |
Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3750 |
Film and Video Production Techniques | |
CM 3760 |
Narrative Film-making | |
| Complete two courses from the Professional Communication Option; at least one needs to be 3000/4000 level: | 8 | |
CM 2007 |
Strategic Communication | |
CM 2995 |
Professional Social Media | |
CM 3095 |
Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3400 |
Interactive Web Communication (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3675 |
Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO) | |
| Professional Communication Option | ||
| Complete eight credits from the following courses four credits need to be CM courses; four credits must be 3000/4000 level; courses in the Production Requirement cannot be double-counted in this list: | 8 | |
CM 2007 |
Strategic Communication | |
CM 2405 |
Public Speaking | |
CM 2775 |
Media and Cultural Studies (TECO) | |
CM 2995 |
Professional Social Media | |
CM 3005 |
Rhetoric and Semiotics (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3006 |
Analyzing Screen Media (DICO) | |
CM 3095 |
Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3125 |
Communicating Through Animation (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3400 |
Interactive Web Communication (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3485 |
Global Perspectives in the Media (GACO) | |
CM 3505 |
Media Effects | |
CM 3515 |
Communication, Media, and Wellness (WECO) | |
CM 3675 |
Journalism in the Digital Age (TECO,WRCO) | |
CM 3750 |
Film and Video Production Techniques | |
CM 3760 |
Narrative Film-making | |
CM 3915 |
Topics in Media Studies | |
CM 3926 |
Topics in Screenwriting and Video Production | |
CM 3945 |
Social Media: Technology and Culture (INCO,INCP) | |
CM 3960 |
Internship | |
CM 4915 |
Independent Study | |
BUS 2300 |
Business Writing and Presenting (WRCO) | |
BUS 1100 |
Introduction to Marketing and Sales | |
MKT 3500 |
Special Topics in Marketing | |
MKT 3120 |
Marketing Research and Consumer Insights (QRCO) | |
MKT 3210 |
Event Planning and Marketing | |
MKT 3120 |
Marketing Research and Consumer Insights (QRCO) | |
MKT 3140 |
Creating Effective Marketing Content | |
MGM 3450 |
Organizational Behavior & Team Development (DICO) | |
MKT 3450 |
Sports Marketing and Sales | |
MKT 3230 |
Public Relations | |
MKT 4230 |
Marketing Management | |
MKT 4120 |
Impact Marketing | |
EN 3135 |
Non-Fiction Workshop | |
| Electives | 10 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Year Four | ||
| CM 4655 | Communication Research Methods (QRCO) | 4 |
| CM 4905 | Senior Seminar | 4 |
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 3-4 |
| Electives | 17-18 | |
| Credits | 28-30 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Required for the Option
- 2
Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).
- The ability to read, write, listen, and present in various contexts and for various audiences.
- The ability to understand emerging communication and media technologies, and the complex causes and opportunities of that evolution.
- The ability to analyze and explain the moral, ethical and cross-cultural dimensions of messages.
- The ability to apply communication and media theories to critically analyze real-world issues and employ practical, innovative solutions.
- Advertising Agent (MyNextMove.org)
- Advertising and Promotion Manager (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
- Archivist (MyNextMove.org)
- Broadcast News Analyst (MyNextMove.org)
- Broadcast Technician (MyNextMove.org)
- Camera Operator (MyNextMove.org)
- Copy Writer (MyNextMove.org)
- Film and Video Editor (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
- Multimedia Artist (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
- Projectionist (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
- Public Relations Specialist
- Publication Editor (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
- Radio and Television Announcer (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
- Reporter (MyNextMove.org)
- Sound Engineering Technician (MyNextMove.org)
- Technical Writer (MyNextMove.org, BLS.gov)
- Strong written communication skills
- Strong oral presentation skills
- Effective interpersonal communication
- Effective conflict negotiation skills
- Acute Problem-solving abilities
- Perceptive leadership potential
- Independent and Collaborative communication competence
- Understanding of professional/organizational communication structures
Explore Program Details
We encourage all Communication and Media Studies majors to complete at least one internship. The internship course is included in the list of elective courses in the major, which means that students can engage internships as part of their major program curriculum. The outcome of including internship experience enables students to link their course work with practical application and provide students with real world high impact experiences.
Some of the organizations where our students have participated in internships include:
- Speare Hospital (organizational communication/marketing)
- Pemi-Baker Community Health (in marketing/promotion/advertising/interpersonal storytelling)
- WMUR (Manchester) (in production and organizational communication)
- ConcordTV (Concord) (in production)
- Preston Marketing
- Plymouth Chamber of Commerce (in advertising/marketing)
- Pemi-Baker Youth Center (in interpersonal and organizational communication)
- Plymouth Senior Center (in interpersonal and organizational communication)
- Beiderman’s Deli (in advertising/promotion)
- Loon Mountain (in marketing/promotion)
- Waterville Valley (in marketing/promotion)
- Whitebridge Farm Productions (Independent Film Company
-
All of my teachers, especially in the Communications and Business departments, were always more than a professor. They were experts in their fields, storytellers, world travelers, mentors, your number one cheerleader, and outstanding educators.
– A CMS Alum
Explore Today.
Realize Tomorrow.
