Communication, Culture, and Media – BA

A Place to Make Media, Communicate, Transform Culture

Communication, Culture, and Media (CCM) is an interdisciplinary liberal arts-based program where you learn about how media, communication, and technology impact culture, society, and daily life. Think critically about how the power of technology, media, and language advance cultural diversity and social justice. Prepare yourself to succeed in an increasingly complex, globalized world, as a communicator, creative, designer, social advocate, cultural citizen, etc. Join us to reimagine the world in order to transform it.

Employers seek out CCM students because they are smart, creative, and competent communicators who can analyze complex problems, design ethical solutions, and shape a brighter future.

CCM at Michigan Tech

A Place to Get Involved

To develop the broad range of skill sets taught in the classroom and gain real-world experiences, you can get involved on campus and in the community. We bring alumni to campus regularly to highlight career options and professional opportunities - opening the door for you to network for co-ops, internships, and full time employment.

You can further build your resume by joining an Enterprise team with members from other majors, participating in a study abroad program, or by adding a minor. We also encourage involvement in professional academic organizations and student chapters, which include:

"Without CCM, I never would have had the life-changing experience of studying abroad in New Zealand, where I worked on a research project about the indigenous Māori people and their ongoing history with cultural activism."Bridget Alaniva '18, BA Communication, Culture, and Media

CCM Student Spotlight: Abby Kuehne

A Place You Chart Your Future

Our graduates work in a range of industries and with a variety of job titles, while others use their CCM degree as a basis for graduate work in communication, media, or cultural studies. Employers know our graduates are experienced in working with intersecting ideas and complex, nuanced arguments. Through our degree program, you will learn to speak dynamically and effectively to diverse audiences. You’ll practice writing in well-organized persuasive, analytical, and creative ways, while considering the historical, political, and cultural implications of your topics. Join the ranks of CCM graduates who work in these exciting positions:

Account Executive
Business Manager
Copy Writer
Community Affairs Liaison
Community Relations
Consumer Advocate
Corporate Communications
Corporate Trainer
Editor
Government Relations
Human Resources Administration
Information Specialist
Journalist
Language Specialist
Marketing Representative
Media Buyer
Media Programmer
Media Relations
Photojournalist
Print Production Coordinator
Promotions and Publicity
Public Information Officer
Publisher
Recruiter
Researcher
Risk Communication Consultant
Sales Representative
Speech Writer
Staff Writer
Technical Writer
Tour Director
Translator
Web/Graphic Designer

Major Requirements

Major Electives: 34 credits
Modern Languages requirement: 6 credits
Free Electives: 24 credits
General Education Courses: 39 credits

For specific information about degree requirements, please contact Humanities Undergraduate Advisor, Maria Bergstrom.

Courses

Communication and Culture
Research and Writing in Communication
Public Speaking and Multimedia
Introduction to Digital Media
Media and Society
Technology and Culture
Media Theory
Interpersonal Communication and Technology
Human-Machine Communication
Professional Development in Humanities

Learning Objectives

Disciplinary Knowledge of Communication, Culture, and Media

Students acquire in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge of the fields of communication, cultural studies, and media studies, as well as opportunities to focus in areas of interest (film and media studies; theory and practice in digital media; communication and advocacy). This includes, for example:

a history of communication from cave painting to the Internet
familiarity with a broad range of communication theories within human interaction, language, representation, and media networks
an understanding of communication, media, and technology as forces within contemporary contexts of capitalism, democracy, cultural practices, and professional and social life
knowledge of communication, technology, and media’s relation to complex global processes
communication-focused critical analyses of dominant ideologies of technology and their relation to culture
exposure to the role of social responsibility and advocacy in communication practices
recognition of communication’s function in promoting inclusive and ethical communication

Communication and Media Research Skills

Students develop skills to independently conduct research on topics in communication and media within academic, professional, and everyday life contexts. They are able to:

apply qualitative and humanistic methods, models, and tools to study a variety of communication forms and processes
identify and evaluate appropriate sources according to academic standards
develop ideas in structured and coherent formats
draw theoretically informed judgments and conclusions in critique and problem solving
create research reports that use information effectively and ethically
reflect on theoretical, ethical, and relational issues and responsibilities in research

Critical Media Literacy and Creative Thinking

Students learn to critically analyze media (industries, texts, and audiences), technology, and human interaction and develop an understanding of the creative process in order to produce diverse and adaptable solutions to problems in communication contexts. They learn to think critically and with contextual awareness about a variety of issues in interpersonal and organizational communication; information society; technology and culture; media representation and identity; media industries, democratic participation and social change; international communication and globalization. They demonstrate insight and thoughtful analysis about:

the economic, social, political, and technological implications of cultural production in historical and contemporary contexts
meaning-making in interpersonal, popular, professional, and public contexts
regulatory issues concerning media conglomeration, the public interest, and participatory democracy
the impacts of communication and media technology in shaping human relationships, identity, creative practices, political processes, and social life

Communication and Leadership Skills

Students acquire professional communicative and leadership skills appropriate for a global and media-saturated world. They are skilled at effectively presenting their work in written and oral form. These skills include:

delivering prepared and focused presentations for a variety of audiences, situations, and purpose
applying knowledge of media technology to effectively communicate in written, oral, and digital contexts
adapting communication strategies for effective leadership in diverse contexts and with cultural competency
practicing collaborative teamwork

Media Production

Students who choose this area of coursework develop practical media skills and experience in the areas of graphic design, digital photography, digital media, web design, and documentary production. They learn about:

graphic design, logo-identity, and branding
web design, development software, and programming languages
digital photography and photographic manipulation
how to develop a signature aesthetic through the study of past and current design practices and aesthetics
creative visual solutions to everyday business and/or advocacy applications