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 interested 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. This includes CMS 393 Internship in Communication and Media Studies (up to 3 credits can be used). Internship experiences involve students in the community and strengthen resumes. Please contact Prof. Dennis Gilbert (dgilbert@maine.edu) if you are interested in an internship.

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.

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Media Studies major: 42.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C.
Minimum GPA requirement for major courses listed below: 2.0.

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 their 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 Credits: 3

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

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.

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: CMS 374
Quantitative Reasoning:
Creative Expression: CMS 150 , CMS 205
Cultural Interpretation:
Science Exploration:
Socio-cultural Analysis: CMS 102
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship: CMS 235 , CMS 323 , CMS 360
Culture, Power, and Equity:
International: CMS 286 , CMS 288
Engaged Learning: CMS 340 /CMS 341 , CMS 393 , CMS 401
Capstone: CMS 450