Pathway for DM in Communication and Media Studies

Students electing to complete the Double Major in Communication and Media Studies will minimally be required to complete the following requirements (57 credit hours):

A grade of “C” or higher is required for all courses for the double major

Core Courses (9 credit hours | 3 courses)

• CMS 102 - Introduction to Communication  
• CMS 103 - Introduction to Media Studies  
• CMS 200 - Research Methods in Communication  

Communication Context (9 credits hours | 3 courses)

• CMS 201 - Introduction to Public Relations  
• CMS 235 - Communicating Security   
• CMS 242 - Communication and Social Media   
• CMS 265 - Intrapersonal Communication  
• CMS 290 - Intercultural Communication  
• CMS 330 - Interpersonal Communication  
• CMS 332 - Communication in the Family  
• CMS 345 - Small Group Communication  

Communication Theory (9 credits hours | 3 courses)

• CMS 190 - Nonverbal Communication  
• CMS 223 - Communication Law  
• CMS 235 - Communicating Security  
• CMS 272 - Persuasion  
• CMS 298 - Topics in Communication I  
• CMS 330 - Interpersonal Communication  
• CMS 332 - Communication in the Family  
• CMS 360 - Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age  
• CMS 375 - Meaning and Communication  
• CMS 401 - Launching into Life After College  
• CMS 423 - The First Amendment  
• CMS 480 - Gender Communication  

Media Analysis (9 credits hours | 3 courses)

• CMS 210 - Topics in Media Criticism I  
• CMS 284 - Introduction to Cinema Studies  
• CMS 286 - History of International Cinema to 1945  
• CMS 288 - History of International Cinema Since 1945  
• CMS 294 - Visual Communication  
• CMS 303 - Media Effects  
• CMS 310 - Topics in Media Criticism II  
• CMS 323 - Understanding Technology  
• CMS 374 - Media Criticism and Aesthetics  
• CMS 380 - Film Genres & Auteurs  
• CMS 485 - Senior Seminar in Media Studies   

Media Writing (6 credit hours | 2 courses)

• CMS 150 - The Writing Process  
• CMS 202 - Writing for Popular Print Media  
• CMS 205 - Topics in Media Writing I  
• CMS 215 - Journalism Reporting and Writing  
• CMS 225 - Screenwriting  
• CMS 274 - Writing for the Media  
• CMS 300 - Topics in Media Writing II  
• CMS 302 - Writing the Feature Story  
• CMS 305 - Writing Opinion: Editorials and Columns  
• CMS 315 - Broadcast Newswriting  
• CMS 393 - Internships in Communication & Media Studies  

Media Production (6 credit hours | 2 courses)

• CMS 203 /CMS 204  Introduction to Video Production and Lab
• CMS 220 - Topics in Media Production I  
• CMS 222 - Digital Radio & Audio Production  
• CMS 320 - Topics in Media Production II  
• CMS 322 - Digital Audio Storytelling  
• CMS 324 - Photojournalism  
• CMS 326 - Special Effects and Animation   
• CMS 340 /CMS 341  Narrative Filmmaking and Lab
• CMS 393 - Internships in Communication & Media Studies  
• CMS 440 /CMS 441  Advanced Narrative Filmmaking and Lab
• CMS 460 - Topics in Media Production III  

Senior Seminar (3 credit hours | 1 course)

Choose one of the following:

• CMS 423 - The First Amendment  
• CMS 480 - Gender Communication  
• CMS 485 - Senior Seminar in Media Studies   

Capstone Course (6 credit hours | 2 courses) 

• CMS 400 - Senior Project Workshop  
• CMS 495 - Communication Capstone  

Honors in the Major

Communication & Media Studies double majors who do outstanding work in the majors can graduate with honors in the majors. Requirements include:

• Students identify an Honors in the Major faculty mentor before the completion of 70 credit hours

• Achieve a GPA of at least 3.7 in CMS courses 

• Earn a grade of B or higher in all CMS courses that count toward the major 

• Complete the Communication Capstone (CMS 495 - Communication Capstone ) OR Media Studies Capstone (CMS 400 - Senior Project Workshop ) 

• Complete ONE of the following:

  • Submit a portfolio of work approved by the student’s faculty mentor/supervisor

  • Participate in the annual USM Thinking Matters or UROP 

  • Complete CMS 491 (Independent Study) with a grade of A