Media & Communication

All Media and Communication majors begin with common courses designed to establish a strong foundation in visual, verbal and written communication.

Other courses in the core help students develop skills in communication through multiple media and give students insights into professional, theoretical, critical and historical aspects of the industry. From there, students have the flexibility to take upper-level courses related to their interests in radio, TV/film, speech and performance communication, digital media, and public relations. Opportunities are available for student participation in performances; in print, online and broadcast journalism; and in radio, video and television productions. All students gain practical professional experience through required internships and practicums.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The Media and Communication program gives students the knowledge and skills needed to become effective professional communicators in their chosen field. The Media and Communication graduate is expected to be able to achieve the following objectives:

to communicate effectively in person;
to communicate effectively through multiple media;
to analyze and critically evaluate messages produced in different media;
to identify and discuss historical, ethical and legal issues related to mass communications and media studies; and
to demonstrate potential to work as a professional in the field of mass communications and media studies.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS¹			CREDIT HOURS
A. Core Skills
	ENGL 101	Writing and Inquiry I	3
	ENGL 102	Writing and Inquiry II	3
		Approved Mathematics	3
B. Humanities and Fine Arts (6 hours selected from 2 different disciplines)			6
C. Behavioral and Social Perspectives (6 hours selected from 2 different disciplines)			6
D. Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning
		Approved Science or Mathematics	3
		Approved Lab Science	4
E. Founding Documents of the United States
	HIST 111R²	United States History to 1877 OR HIST 112R² United States History since 1877 OR POLS 101R² American National Government	3
F. World Cultures			3
G. LINK 101			1
Total General Education Requirements			35

¹For approved courses see the General Education section
²If you already have credit for HIST 111, do not take HIST 111R; if you already have credit for HIST 112, do not take HIST 112R; if you already have credit for POLS 101, do not take POLS 101R

MAJOR PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS		CREDIT HOURS
JOUR 201	Introduction to Journalism	3
MEDA 101	Introduction to Mass Media	3
MEDA 200	Media Skills	3
MEDA 202	Radio Production	3
MEDA 310	Digital Video Production	3
MEDA 341	Introduction to Public Relations	3
MEDA 421	Seminar in Media Law and Ethics	3
MEDA 460	Emerging Media	3
MEDA 499	Senior Capstone	1
SPCH 101	Speech Fundamentals	3
SPCH 201	Voice and Diction	3

MAJOR PROGRAM ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS	CREDIT HOURS
Writing JOUR 375, MEDA 261, MEDA 360, MEDA 390	3
Visual Communication JOUR 203, JOUR 302, MEDA 204, MEDA 219	3
Internship or Practicum MEDA 290, MEDA 490, MEDA 491, THTR 490	3

Total Major Program Requirements	40
Additional Electives	45
TOTAL FOR BS DEGREE	120

Students must earn a "C" or better in all program requirement courses and in ENGL 101 and ENGL 102.
The Media and Communication major requires a minor. Students are encouraged to choose from five minors within the department (Film Studies, Media Writing, Public Relations, Speech and Performance, or Sports Media). Other minors or a second major require justification and approval by the faculty advisor and department chair.
Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses