Media Studies, B.A.

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.

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Honors in the Major

Honors in the Major

Media Studies majors who do outstanding work in the major can graduate with honors in the major. 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 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

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  Topics: Illuminated Autobiography; Writing the Personal Essay

• 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 400 , CMS 401  

• Capstone: CMS 400