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Media Studies, a three year program

The Media Studies option of the Mass Media program focuses on mass media history, theory, criticism and culture. Students will develop a broad understanding of mass media history, present and future; and it's impact on culture and society.

The below schedule is only one example of a three (3) year plan for a student in the Media Studies option of the Mass Media program. It is possible to complete the program in three years by taking six credit hours for three summer sessions. This example plan should not be used as a strict guide to completion of the program. Please see your advisor early in your first semester to discuss possible variations of your own degree plan. Effective academic advisement is a partnership, with advisees sharing in the responsibility.

First Semester (Fall)

  • MED 120 - Mass Media and Society [fulfills one Gen. Ed - Culture and Society] (3)
  • IDS 110 - Intro to University Life (1)
  • CIS/CSC 101 - Computers for Learning (2-3)
  • COM 115 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)
  • ENG 110 - Writing I (3)
  • MTH 130 [or higher] (3)
  • General Electives (3)
  •  

Total hours = 18-19

Second Semester (Spring)

  • MED 204 - Media Theory (3)
  • MED 274 - Introduction to Film (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World (4)
  • PED 100 - Fitness for Living (2)
  • Minor course (3)

Total hours = 18

Third Semester (Summer)

  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Culture and Society (3)

Total hours = 6

Fourth Semester (Fall)

  • JRN 270 - Intro to Journalism (3)
  • MED 365 - Media Design and Production (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • Minor course (3)
  • General Electives [may include JRN or MED courses] (3)

Total hours = 18

Fifth Semester (Spring)

  • MED 325 - Broadcast History (3)
  • MED Elective [with advisor approval in major] (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World [with lab] (4)
  • Gen. Ed. - Writing II (3)
  • Minor course [at least 3 hrs at 300+ level] (6)

Total hours = 19

Sixth Semester (Summer)

  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • General Electives (3)

Total hours = 6

Seventh Semester (Fall)

  • JRN 407 - Media law (3)
  • MED 454 - Media Analysis and Criticism (3)
  • MED Elective [with advisor approval at 300+ level] (3)
  • Minor course [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Electives [at 300+ level] (6)

Total hours = 18

Eighth Semester (Spring)

  • MED 581 - Media Ethics (3)
  • MED Elective [with advisor approval at 300+ level] (6)
  • Minor course [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Electives [at 300+ level] (4-5)

Total hours = 16-17

Ninth Semester (Summer)

  • General Electives (6)

Total hours = 6

Depending on the credit load carried by students each semester, students may need to take up to one additional credit hour of intercession classes at the 300+ level in order to reach the 125 hours required to graduate.

Students must earn a 3.0 or better GPA in MED 120, 204 and 274; and have a 2.25 combined GPA in order to be admitted to the major.

The B.S. in Mass Meda (Media Studies) major requires a minor. The minor should be selected in consultation with the advisor.

Periodicity of many classes is important, with many scheduled as F (fall) or S (spring) only classes.  Check catalog.

Students need a minimum of 40 hours of coursework at a 300+ course level in order to graduate.

Students will choose 12 hours of MED or JRN electives with advisor approval.

All statements in this document concerning requirements, prerequisites, conditions or other matters are for informational purposes and are subject to change.