Communications & Media Technologies (BA)

The School of Communications & Media Technologies BA program provides a dynamic education of essential modern media skills including foundations in storytelling, broadcasting, journalism, and mobile platforms. Under the guidance of industry experts, students learn to shoot, edit, write, and host their own productions, and use the latest technologies to stream and broadcast them.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree
Core Classes

This program is available online and on campus

ADV 207

Creative Strategy Core/3

Great things happen when a strategic framework is applied to creativity. Based on current cultural and market observations, you'll develop and present strategic maps and data visualizations to connect businesses and people.

COM 102

Visual Storytelling: Editing Fundamentals for Short-Form Video Content Core/3

Editing can be a persuasive storytelling tool. Using your own original footage, you'll gain basic editing skills—including importing, exporting, audio mixing, and color correction-to increase the emotional impact and user engagement of your videos.

COM 295

Media Entrepreneurship: Brand You Core/3

Establish your personal brand and entrepreneurial identity in communications, media, and design. Through building a compelling portfolio, refining your digital presence, and mastering the art of pitching, you'll gain essential skills to stand out in competitive markets, culminating in a professional portfolio and business pitch.

COM 495

Creative Futures: Portfolio and Professional Identity Core/3

Artist-entrepreneurs wanted. To increase your hire-ability, you'll develop a personal brand strategy that includes a resume, demo reel, website, social media plan, a unique logo, and a professional business name. You will also be interviewed by professional hiring managers.

FND 149

Introduction to Design Thinking Core/3

Unlock your creative potential by harnessing the power of the creative process. You will generate ideas to solve physical and conceptual design problems. Learn from faculty across different disciplines and engage with your peers to create innovative solutions through collaborations.

GR 102

Design Technologies Core/3

Gain familiarity with the technical tools of the trade. You'll study the theory and function of industry-standard computer hardware and software and learn the digital design principles professionals use to produce visual communications and digital products.

GR 122

Typography 1: Hierarchy and Form Core/3

Typography gives language a physical form. Part science and part art - good typography is a skill unique to graphic design and makes your ideas come to life. You'll learn to solve typographic design problems by focusing on letterforms, proportion, hierarchy, legibility, structure, aesthetics, and more.

GR 150

Introduction to Visual Communication Core/3

Successful visual communication unites many diverse creative professions. You'll gain hands-on interdisciplinary ideation and creative problem-solving experience by working on projects that emphasize collaboration and audience engagement.

IXD 105

Design Technology: Visual Design Tools Core/3

Take a deep dive into the skills behind industry-standard design and production: vector graphics and typography, color manipulation, finding workflow techniques, presentation and output methods, and more.

PH 103

Photography for Artists Core/3

Designed for all majors interested in photography, students will be presented an inspired approach to using photography across mediums. Topics include proper exposure, lighting, composition, and optimizing photos for a digital workflow. A smartphone or digital camera is required for this course.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Core24
Sophomore Portfolio3
Senior Portfolio3
Major30
Major Electives9
Electives9
Liberal Arts42
Total120

BA COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework.
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
    4 Art Historical Awareness courses
    1 Creative Ideation course
    1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
    1 Historical Awareness course
    1 Quantitative Literacy course
    1 Cultural Ideas & Influences course
    1 Employment Communications and Practices course

After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Production Skills and Technical Knowledge

  • Produce broadcast-ready video and audio content (including recording on location and in the studio, editing, and creating basic media graphics)
  • Generate interactive content for websites, social media and mobile devices
  • Format and distribute content across all major media platforms

Conceptual Thinking

  • Identify, gather, assess, record, and research relevant information for a story
  • Formulate precise questions, consider diverse points of view, and research opportunities as part of the interview and investigation process
  • Discuss and analyze media trends
  • Develop unique, original story ideas

Written and Oral Communication

  • Develop scripts, features, articles and other written content for media coverage in various platforms
  • Perform professionally, including hosting and reporting on camera and microphone, or direct on-air talent to do the same
  • Communicate concepts and ideas for a media project using industry terminology, both verbally and in writing

Visual Communication

  • Rapidly visualize story ideas in the pre-production and production stage
  • Apply basic design principles to various types of video, print, and interactive media

Professional Readiness

  • Produce a professional reel to acquire a job within the media industry or corporate environment
  • Meet deadlines and submit work according to professional presentation standards
  • Produce content demonstrating specialized knowledge in a specific area of the media, such as art, design, news, entertainment, fashion, or sports
  • Identify strengths and tailor portfolio to showcase them