Communication and Media Studies

Overview

Professors: Pierson, Shedletsky; Associate Professors: Ebben, Panici; Assistant Professors: Kivatisky, Vukasovich; Lecturer: Gilbert; CMS Production Studio Manager and Lab Instructor: Ives; Administrative Specialist: Towns

The Department of Communication and Media Studies offers two bachelor of arts degrees, one in communication and the other in media studies. These two degree programs are distinct in several ways. In terms of focus, the communication degree program takes a broad view of communication, including the examination of face-to-face contexts and mediated ones. The media studies degree program more specifically focuses on media writing, media ecology, and media production. Another difference in these degree programs occurs at the senior level. Media studies majors are given the choice between working on a senior project, taking a senior seminar, or doing an internship and preparing a portfolio of their writing, research, or production work, and they also participate in a service learning practicum (working for a community organization in a media capacity). Communication majors take the Communication Capstone, which is designed to be a culmination of their undergraduate work and as a transition to graduate studies. Aside from the differences that make each program unique, the programs share a common core of courses that serve as a foundation for both. The two programs also embrace a liberal arts philosophy. This means that the emphasis is on critical thinking rather than vocational training.

The Department of Communication and Media Studies is pleased to accept transfer credit from other accredited institutions of higher learning. Students wishing to receive credit for courses taken outside of USM will need to meet with their Communication or Media Studies faculty advisor, or if they do not have one, the chair of the Department in order to discuss specific courses. Students may transfer a maximum of 12 credits in the major. This limit applies to credits transferred from other institutions, credits earned through USM Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio evaluation, and to any combination of Transfer and PLA credit. Department Policy excludes the following major requirements - CMS 400 , CMS 485 , CMS 493 , and CMS 450 (Media Studies), CMS 495 and the Senior Seminar (Communication) - from Transfer or PLA credit eligibility. The transfer of credits is at the discretion of the Department. Students are encouraged to contact the Department chair with any questions about the Department or our programs.

For students interested in pursuing a double major in Communication and Media Studies, please check the double major requirements posted on the Department’s website. The Department also offers minors in Communication & Media Studies, Cinema Studies, Audio and Video Production, and Public Relations. The Department of Communication and Media Studies website is available through the directory on the University’s web homepage.

Students must receive a grade of C or higher in all required courses in their respective degree programs in order to graduate.

Graduating with Distinction

Graduating with Distinction in Communication. For a B.A. degree in Communication with distinction, a student must achieve a 3.7 GPA or higher in courses taken in the major.

Graduating with Distinction in Media Studies. For a B.A. degree in Media Studies with distinction, a student must achieve a 3.7 GPA or higher in courses taken in the major.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Minor