Communication (Media/Communication Studies)

College: Communication and Information
Degree: BA
Specialized Admission: No

Description of Major

*Please Note: Face-to-face/in-person instruction of this program is available ONLY at the main campus in Tallahassee, FL. This program is NOT available via Online/Distance Learning.*

Students in Media/ Communication Studies will gain a solid liberal education highlighting media studies and human communication. Courses include the study of the history, evolution and the changing state of mass media, communication technologies, and techniques in mass media production. Students will develop an understanding for the economic and social effects of media, including legal and ethical issues. Students in these emphasis areas may pursue careers in media such as broadcasting, cable, advertising, video production, information technologies, as well as preparation for graduate study and professions in law, ministry, politics, lobbying, speech writing, and management.

Prerequisite Coursework

MMCx000-x999 (3) Mass Media Communication (Students at FSU will take MMC 2000 Introduction to Mass Communication to meet this requirement)

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org.

Requirements

Requirements for Progression to the Upper-Division Major
Students must complete the prerequisite coursework to be considered for the major. Students must also complete at least 52 hours of credit with a minimum grade point average of 2.00, at least half the required General Education requirements, including freshman English composition and both mathematics courses, or an A.A. Degree.

Major Program of Studies at FSU: (30 hours)
No grade below a C minus will be accepted for any course in the major.

Four core courses: (12 hours)
COM 3332 (3) New Communication Technologies
RTV 3001 (3) Media Techniques
SPC 2608 (3) Public Speaking
SPC 3210 (3) Contemporary Human Communication

Advanced courses: (9-18 hours)
Students select courses from the approved list; see advisor

Application/Elective courses: (0-9 hours)
Students can complete up to 9 hours from the approved list of application/elective courses; see advisor

Language Requirement:
Students formally fully declared into the major must achieve proficiency in one language other than English prior to graduation. As the M/CS degree is a BA-only program, students must satisfy the language proficiency requirement by completing coursework through the 2000 level (2200 or equivalent course) of a classical or modern language. Students admitted prior to 2012 must earn at least a “C minus” in each course; courses may not be taken on an S/U basis. For students admitted during or after 2012, language proficiency courses may be taken on an S/U basis. Native speakers of another language and other students who wish to demonstrate proficiency by means other than coursework should consult the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics.

Minor Coursework: (12 hours or more)
Media/Communication Studies majors must fulfill the minor requirement in one department outside Communication, with the exception of a minor in Hispanic Marketing. Students should contact the minor department for specific requirements. All work counted toward the minor must carry a grade of C minus or higher. Recommended minors include: English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Journalism (at FAMU), Sociology, Criminology, Women’s Studies, and British Studies (London Program).

Digital Literacy: (3 hours)
CGS 2060 (3), CGS 2100 (3), or other University-approved course.

Oral Communication Competency: (0 hours beyond major requirements)
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. SPC 2608 is required for this major and also satisfies this requirement.

Minimum Program Requirements - Summary
Total Hrs. Required 120
General Education 36
Major Coursework 30
Minor Coursework 12 or more
Language Requirement 0-12 (depending on placement)
Digital Literacy 3
Oral Communication Competency 0 beyond major coursework
Electives to bring total hours to 120

Mapping

Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major at www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

Remarks

1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.
4. The B. A. degree requires a foreign language through the intermediate (2200) level or equivalent.

Employment Information

Salary Information: National Association of Colleges and Employers, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Special Events Coordinator, Media Manager, Digital Media Production, Advertising and Promotions Manager, Arbitrator, Art Director, Archivist, Audio/Video Equipment Technician, Fundraiser, Consultant, Lobbyist, Research Analyst, Newspaper/Magazine Journalist, System Analyst, Writer/Author/Editor, Teacher. Students in these emphasis areas may pursue careers in media such as Broadcasting, Cable Advertising, Video Production, Information Technology as well as preparation for graduate study and professions in Law, Ministry, Politics, Lobbying, Speechwriting and Management.

Representative Employers: Radio, Internet Media Companies, Video Editing and Post-Production Houses, Sports Media Companies, Public TV and Radio, Advertising Agencies, Government Organizations, Independent Production Companies, News and Information Offices, Photo Agencies, Television/Cable TV, Universities, Video Production Companies.