Communication, Culture, and Media – BA

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

Employers are looking for student like ours: smart, creative, and competent communicators who think imaginatively, analyze urgent problems, and design viable solutions to real-world issues. CCM graduates bring to the workplace a distinct set of skills. 

• accustomed to working with complex ideas, instructions, and arguments
• speak dynamically and effectively to diverse audiences
• they bring insight to discussions, teamwork, collaborative projects in organizational settings
• critical evaluations and comparisons of information
• illuminate complex relationships
• recognize critical gaps and opportunities
• able to formulate innovative, creative, imaginative perspectives
• recognize and reconcile diverse perspectives
• write in well-organized persuasive, analytical, and creative ways
• aware of historical, political, and cultural implications as well as the practical inter-workings of media technologies in everyday life
• understand the conventions and expectations of media environments
• contextualize thinking
• imagination to think about what if and what else

 

There are many possible job titles for CCM majors following graduation. Some job titles may require additional education or training.

• Account Executive
• Business Manager
• College Program Coordinator 
• Copy Writer 
• Commentator 
• Community Affairs Liaison
• Community Relations
• Consumer Advocate
• Consumer Affairs Specialist
• Corporate Communications
• Corporate Trainer 
• Customer Relations Representative
• Editor
• Editorial Assistant
• Government Relations
• Human Resources Administration
• Information Specialist
• Internet Consultant 
• 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
• Telemarketing Specialist
• Tour Director
• Trainer for Communication Technology
• Translator
• Web/Graphic Designer

• National Association for Communication
• Cultural Studies Association
• International Association of Communication and Media Researchers
• International Communication Association
• Society for Cinema and Media Studies

Most professional organizations also have student chapters.

CCM provides excellent preparation for graduate studies. Students can use their CCM degree as a basis for graduate work in communication studies, media studies, and cultural studies, as well as other fields requiring strong communication and research skills such as journalism, law, public administration, business administration, and more.