As a major in Communication, Media, and Screen Studies (CMS) you will construct a unique and exhilarating program of academic possibilities specifically tailored to your needs and interests.
In the CMS major, you can pick between two main areas: Communication, Media, & Screen Studies (CMS) or Film, Television, and Media Production (FTMP), depending on what you're interested in and your career plans. In both areas, you'll get to learn about important ideas and research in the discipline while also gaining practical experience. Each concentration gives you different opportunities to explore interesting and current topics such as advertising, promotions, storytelling in films, how gender is portrayed and constructed, filmmaking, creating digital content, television production, social media, technology, propaganda, and communication in every day and work situations.
What can you do with your Communication, Media, and Screen Studies degree?
A degree in Communication, Media, and Screen Studies opens doors to various career paths. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 14% growth in media and communication jobs from 2020 to 2030, surpassing the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for these roles, such as public relations specialists and writers, was $66,320 in May 2023, exceeding the overall median wage of $48,060. The CMS degree can lead to rewarding careers in fields like advertising, public relations, corporate communication, film production, and social media management. Whether your goal is boardroom leadership, fieldwork, graduate studies, or entering the workforce directly, the CMS program is tailored to meet your needs.
If you'd like to explore different career options related to the CMS major, visit our Interest Pathways page. It shows examples of jobs that our graduates have been interested in.
What do we learn about in the major?
Our main goal in this major is to gain a clearer understanding of how we communicate with each other, how we use media or don't use media to communicate, and what we say about media, particularly emphasizing screen-based technologies. The name of our program highlights three key areas we focus on, and we have set specific learning goals for each of these areas.
This area looks at how people interact with each other and how these interactions affect identities and power dynamics. Students will be able to:
- Gain a solid understanding of communication theories and ideas related to identity, personal interactions, and how organizations communicate.
- Analyze and assess how communication helps shape and sustain identities and power within organizations and society.
- Use communication theories and concepts in real-life situations through effective speaking, writing, and digital communication
This area encourages critical and creative thinking about the role media plays in society and how it can enhance understanding, inspire creative expression, and drive social change. Students will be able to:
- Use critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills in their communication projects and when analyzing media.
- Examine the cultural and social contexts of messages and how they affect the audience and society.
- Analyze and create advertising and public relations content for various media platforms.
- Design messages that fit a project's goals, audience, and ethical standards.
- Work well with team members and stakeholders throughout production and analysis projects.
- Communicate ideas effectively, give and receive constructive feedback, and adapt to changing needs.
This area focuses on the history of screen media, its institutions, theories, practices, and emerging trends. Students will be able to:
- Understand the development of screen media and its cultural, social, and technological effects on society.
- Analyze screen media based on its form, genre, style, representation, and how audiences receive it.
- Evaluate how screen media shapes and reflects cultural values, beliefs, and attitudes.
- Think across various disciplines to explore the connections between screen media, technology, culture, and society.
- Be inspired to use screen media as a form of expression to promote positive social change.
Is the CMS major right for me?
We've noticed that a lot of our students share similar qualities. If you think any of these ideas relate to you or what you enjoy, this could be the perfect major for you.
- Curiosity: They’re eager to learn about how communication works in our connected world and want to investigate how media shapes society.
- Creativity: They have a creative spirit and love expressing themselves through different types of media, like writing, art, or digital projects.
- Critical Thinking: They tend to think deeply about media messages and want to understand what they mean and why they matter.
- Love for Storytelling: They enjoy stories, whether in movies, TV shows, or online content and want to find out how these stories are made and shared.
- Tech-Savvy: They feel comfortable using technology and may want to explore areas like video editing, graphic design, or other multimedia tools.
- Open-Mindedness: They are receptive to different perspectives, cultures, and ideas, both in media and in the field of communication.
- Communication Skills: They might have strong skills in writing, speaking, and interacting with others, or they want to improve in these areas.
- Future-Oriented: They are interested in potential careers in areas like media production, broadcasting, digital marketing, advertising, public relations, film analysis, or similar fields.