Mar 29, 2024  
2022 Undergraduate Catalog 1.1 (WINTER-SPRING) 
    
2022 Undergraduate Catalog 1.1 (WINTER-SPRING) [ARCHIVED CATALOG - Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Communication and Media (B.A.)- Hegis Code 0601.00


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(Bachelor of Arts Degree)

The Communication and Media major focuses on written, oral, and multimedia communication. Communication and Media students develop an understanding of historical, legal, cultural, and critical aspects of communication, while learning practical skills necessary to succeed in a variety of communication-related professions.

In addition to taking a common set of nine foundational courses, all students in the Communication and Media major select a concentration in one of nine areas, allowing them to specialize in a field of communication.

This approach enables students to develop both general and specialized knowledge and a set of communication skills that are integral to personal exploration and growth, engaged citizenship, and rewarding careers.

Students in the Dual Degree Program, BA Communication and Media / MS Childhood Education, should consult with their Academic Advisor to review degree requirements.

Total credit hours required for Communication and Media Bachelor of Arts degree: 120

Learning Objectives 

Successful graduates from this program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate competence in communicating effectively in multiple contexts.
  • Demonstrate a theoretical and practical understanding of communication.

Academic Requirements


See Core  section of this catalog.

Core: 34 - 55 Credit Hours


28 Credit Hours


Major Electives


Students must take a total of 6 credit hours of electives at the 200-level or above from the following areas: Communication Arts (COM), Communication and Media (CMM), Film Studies (FLM), Journalism (JLM), Public Relations (PRL), Sports Communication (SCM), or Theatre (THE). Fieldwork or internships may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

Concentration


Students must declare and complete at least one of the following areas of concentration (*please note that some of the courses in these concentrations have prerequisites that must be fulfilled. In some instances, the prerequisites are satisfied by courses found in the CMM Major Course Requirements or by courses in the Utica College Core):

Communication Arts


The Communication Arts concentration focuses on developing a broad array of knowledge and skills applicable to many careers, with particular emphasis on oral, interpersonal, organizational, intercultural communication and media studies. Students engage in a critical assessment of the values underlying communication practices, technologies, institutions, and their social and ethical consequences. Advisors work with students to develop a course of study based on a student’s interests and desired career path. 

Electives


Students must select 6 credit hours of electives from the following areas: COM (Communication Arts), FLM (Film Studies), JLM (Journalism), PRL (Public Relations), THE (Theatre).

30 Credit Hours


Communication & Social Justice


Link your passion for social justice with a communication-based foundation and a variety of disciplinary perspectives to develop the knowledge and skills you need to understand and combat the social, cultural, and institutional causes of inequality, injustice and oppression.  The concentration provides excellent preparation for students wishing to become human rights, civil rights, or environmental advocates, community organizers, social workers, alternative media workers, or lobbyists, as well as those considering graduate study in the social sciences, social work, or law. 

Select three


(at least one course must be selected from each category)

30 Credit Hours


Creativity Studies


Brainstorm, experiment, fail, try again, and discover new ways to approach challenges. Creativity is the ability to come up with innovative solutions, and it is a skill anyone can develop and apply to any field. Students who select a concentration in Creativity Studies enhance the skills from their core communication classes with a variety of arts based courses. This is particularly beneficial for students who seek out careers where they will be encouraged to think creatively where innovation is critical. Note: Students concentrating in Creativity Studies must take classes in more than one of the following arts areas: Literature (LIT), Fine Arts (FIA), Film Studies (FLM), Music (MUS), Theatre (THE).

30 Credit Hours


Health Communication


This concentration will provide students with an understanding of the many ways that communication plays a role in healthcare. Whether it is the interaction between a physician and a patient discussing treatment options for a serious illness, the unraveling of complicated healthcare insurance rules, or effectively explaining dangerous drug interactions to an elderly patient, healthcare in our society requires professionals who understand the importance of communication. 

30 Credit Hours


Journalism


The journalism concentration provides the core courses necessary for today’s digital, broadcast and print journalist. Students will learn the storytelling, reporting and media production skills essential for careers in journalism and study the issues shaping the field. The concentration emphasizes hands-on experience through interactive classes, working with student media organizations and internships with professional media organizations.

30 Credit Hours


Public Relations


The public relations concentration prepares students to manage relationships between an organization and its key publics by becoming skilled in communicating across multiple media platforms, research, problem solving, strategic decision making, conflict resolution, speaking and campaign/event planning. Public relations practitioners are highly sought after in a wide range of industries, including business, government, education, sports, health care, and human services.

30 Credit Hours


Sports Communication


The sports communication concentration is designed for the person who wants to promote sports and emphasizes applying their skills in a sports setting. Students study the complex relationship between sports and the media, how the business of sports works, and how sports reporters craft their stories. Students can also gain experience through internships at professional sports organizations and sports media outlets.

30 Credit Hours


Sports Journalism


The sports journalism concentration focuses on how to cover sports for television, websites and other digital media, magazines, and newspapers. Students learn to write and produce sports stories, study the complex relationship between sports and the media, and learn how the business of sports works. Students also gain handson experience through professional media internships and student media outlets.

30 Credit Hours


Theatre


Theatre is live storytelling for a physically present audience. We are constantly performing and creating stories in our everyday lives. Learn how to get your messages across more effectively through performance and production.  Students who take a concentration in Theatre will learn how to use creative problem solving skills, collaboration and improvisational thinking to benefit them in a variety of ways no matter which career path they choose. 

30 Credit Hours


Electives


Students must complete sufficient elective courses to earn at least the minimum number of credit hours required for this degree.

Note:


At least 18 credits of major coursework must be at the 300-level or higher.

Program Credits


Core 34-55 Credits
Major Course Requirements 28 Credits
Major Electives 6 Credits
Concentration 30 Credits
College Electives 1-22 Credits
   
Total Credit Hours Required For Degree 120 Credits

 

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