COURSE CURRICULUM

The media practices option in the Communication major is a specialized track designed for students who want to focus on hands-on media production while still building a strong foundation in communication theory. It prepares students for creative and professional work in fields such as broadcasting, videography, documentary filmmaking, podcasting, vlogging, screenwriting, digital content creation, and social media production. The program begins with foundational communication courses like Introduction to Media Studies, Propaganda and Persuasion, and Introduction to Language and Social Interaction, which help students understand how media messages are created, interpreted, and influence audiences. Students then move into communication analysis courses at the 500 level, where they develop deeper critical thinking skills about media systems, audience behavior, and communication strategies. At the upper-division level (600/700 courses), students gain more advanced and specialized knowledge while also exploring elective options that can match their specific creative or professional interests. A key feature of this option is its strong emphasis on practical, real-world experience. Students are encouraged to build technical skills in digital, audio, and visual production and apply them in professional settings through internships or field-based learning opportunities. These experiences allow students to work in environments such as media production companies, television and radio stations, digital marketing agencies, and content creation studios. Alongside technical training, students also develop storytelling, editing, and strategic communication skills that are essential in today’s media-driven world. Overall, the media practices option blends academic study with creative production and industry experience, making it ideal for students who want to turn their interest in media and storytelling into a career in entertainment, journalism, digital media, or communication industries.