Media Studies, B.A.

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Set in a liberal arts context, the media studies bachelor of arts degree program allows students to study modern media through the application of various theoretical frameworks and skills. Students with an interest in media studies will find the greater Portland area an excellent location for media-related activities and service learning projects. By emphasizing theory and practice, the media studies major challenges the student to analyze and practice the creation, dissemination, utilization, and evaluation of mediated messages.

Students concentrate in one area of Media Studies (Writing, Production, or Media Ecology) and may apply Internship credits to their major.

Students electing to complete the Double Major in Communication and Media Studies can follow the pathway outlined here .

Program Requirements

Major Requirements (42 credit hours)

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

Media Studies Foundational Courses (18 credit hours)

CMS 103 - Introduction to Media Studies Credits: 3
CMS 150 - The Writing Process Credits: 3 *
or
CMS 274 - Writing for the Media Credits: 3
CMS 200 - Research Methods in Communication Credits: 3
CMS 203 - Introduction to Video Production Credits: 3
CMS 204 - Introduction to Video Production Lab Credits: 1
or
CMS 222 - Digital Radio & Audio Production Credits: 3
CMS 223 - Communication Law Credits: 3
CMS 284 - Introduction to Cinema Studies Credits: 3
or
CMS 374 - Media Criticism and Aesthetics Credits: 3

Concentrations

Students choose one concentration and take 6 of the courses listed under that concentration (18 credit hours)

Students should consult directly with his or her faculty advisor to determine courses relevant to their career and learning interests.

Meridian Experience (6 Credit Hours)

Media Studies majors with 90+ earned credit hours, please choose one of the following courses:

CMS 400 - Senior Project Workshop Credits: 3
CMS 485 - Senior Seminar in Media Studies Credits: 3
CMS 493 - Advanced Internship and Professional Portfolio in Media Studies Credits: 3
All Media Studies majors with 90+ earned credit hours are required to take CMS 450 - Service Learning Practicum (3 credit hours)

USM Core Requirements

The USM Core Curriculum is a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal education that enables our graduates to be world-minded, intentional, life-long learners and captures your general education degree requirements.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.

Media Studies, B.A.

Program Requirements

Media Studies Foundational Courses (18 credit hours)

Concentrations

Media Writing

Media Production & Design

Media Ecology

Meridian Experience (6 Credit Hours)

USM Core Requirements