Media and Communication, Concentration in Media Studies, B.A.
Program overview:
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies at St. Francis College prepares students to critically examine the powerful role media plays in shaping culture, politics, society, and global communication. In an era defined by rapid technological change and constant access to information, the program equips students with the analytical, creative, and communication skills needed to understand and navigate today’s complex media environment. Students are encouraged not only to interpret media critically, but also to engage thoughtfully with the evolving digital world and its impact on contemporary life.
Students in the Media Studies program explore the history, theory, and cultural influence of media across film, television, journalism, social media, advertising, and emerging digital platforms. Through interdisciplinary coursework, students develop strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills while examining issues such as representation, ethics, media literacy, popular culture, and global communication. The program also provides opportunities for creative and applied learning experiences, allowing students to connect media theory with real-world practice and professional development.
Supporting the program’s focused, outcomes-driven curriculum is St. Francis College’s robust General Education Program, the cornerstone of the College’s mission to cultivate educated, well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute thoughtfully and ethically to an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Employ theories and practices of classical and contemporary rhetoric across different forms of communication.
PLO 2: Analyze media across the realms of reading, writing, listening, and viewing through critical thinking and research skills.
PLO 3: Use performance practices for creative expression and/or to address substantive global and local issues.
PLO 4: Assess their own roles as global citizen in a media-saturated world, and the social responsibilities of these roles.
PLO 5: Create media projects using the tools and technologies of media production.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
| General Education Requirements | 48 |
FS | Understanding College | 1 |
WRI1 | Writing | 3 |
OC1 | Presentation | 3 |
QR1 | Mathematics | 3 |
DL | Digital Literacy | 3 |
LWP-1000 | Introduction to Digital Humanities |
|
ALC | Arts and Literature across Culture | 6 |
COM-1001 | Introduction to Media Production |
|
FA-1402 | Orientation in Art |
|
NSS | Natural Sciences | 6 |
EP | Ethics and Philosophy | 6 |
SSS | Social Sciences | 6 |
COM-2000 | Mass Communication |
|
COM-2015 | Mass Media and Society |
|
HGP | Historical and Global Perspectives | 6 |
FH | Personal Wellness | 2 |
RS | Religion | 3 |
| Major Requirements | 51 |
COM-2001 | Writing for Media | 3 |
COM-2300 | Media Research Methods | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 |
COM-2040 | Interpersonal Communication |
|
COM-2100 | Acting I: Voice and Movement |
|
COM-2111 | Language of Film | 3 |
COM-3103 | Digital Media Cultures | 3 |
COM-3200 | News Writing | 3 |
COM-4990 | Field Experience in Communication Arts | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 |
COM-4996 | Capstone Practicum |
|
COM-4998 | Capstone Seminar |
|
| Media Studies Concentration |
|
| Select one of the following: | 3 |
COM-3100 | History of Film |
|
COM-3120 | History of Television |
|
COM-3102 | Advertising and Society | 3 |
COM-3601 | Political Communication | 3 |
COM-4100 | Film Criticism | 3 |
COM-4600 | Globalization of Media, Communication & Technology | 3 |
COM-4611 | Communications and the Law | 3 |
| COM Electives | 9 |
| Liberal Arts Electives | 9 |
| General Electives | 12 |
| Total Credits | 120 |
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Whether interested in attending film screenings, networking with industry leaders, joining the Communications Honor Society or completing an Improv Boot Camp, there is no shortage of fun and interesting activities to participate in as a Communication Arts student.
Qualified students seeking an additional academic challenge can participate in the St. Francis Honors Program, where students participate in a series of small, intensive seminars, trips, and other activities that lead towards a senior thesis.
The College is also home to 15 national honor societies and its own Duns Scotus Honors Society which recognizes students for their academic and community achievements.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
📰 Journalism & Media Analysis
You will analyze, interpret, and report on media content, public discourse, and emerging communication trends across traditional and digital platforms.
📢 Public Relations & Strategic Communication
You will develop communication strategies, manage public messaging, and help organizations effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
💻 Digital Media & Content Strategy
You will research media trends, develop digital content strategies, and evaluate how audiences interact with media across online platforms.
📊 Media Research & Audience Analysis
You will study media audiences, analyze communication patterns, and evaluate the social and cultural impact of media technologies.
🏢 Corporate & Organizational Communication
You will support organizations by developing communication materials, analyzing media messaging, and improving internal and external communication strategies.
🎓 Graduate Study & Advanced Research
You will build a strong academic foundation for graduate study in communication, media studies, journalism, cultural studies, or related fields.