Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies, A.S. (CM01)

Communication and Media Studies is a foundational program designed to give students the basic skills necessary for transfer to a baccalaureate degree program to pursue a variety of communication and/or media related concentrations. The program emphasizes courses in mass media, media literacy, professional communication, media writing, public speaking, and media production, providing an excellent foundation in the liberal arts and sciences while preparing students for transfer in areas such as print and digital journalism, broadcasting, media production, media and public relations, and organizational communications.

Careers in the field

Copywriter, Creative Director, Market Researcher, Media Analyst, Lobbyist, Corporate Communications Officer, Film Director, Speech Writer, Press Agent, Technical Writer, News Anchor, Public Relations Manager, Editor, Media Buyer

Schools to transfer to

  • SUNY: Brockport, Buffalo State, Fredonia, University at Buffalo, Oswego, Cortland
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Niagara University
  • Roberts Wesleyan College
  • Morgan State College
  • St. John Fisher College

Potential skills to be learned

Depending on the concentration or area you concentrate in: writing for various forms of media, interpreting media messages, media ethics, scriptwriting, the principles of journalism, video and audio production and editing, broadcast performance, interpersonal communication, small group communication, media literacy, mass communication, effective listening, public speaking, conflict resolution, nonverbal communication, assertiveness, group dynamics, leadership, critical analysis, persuasive tactics

Coursework enhancement activities available

Monroe Doctrine, Toastmasters International, Otis Young Motivational Speech Contest, WMCC the Fuse

Complete List of Course Descriptions

Communication & Media Studies

A.S. Degree - Transfer Program

Department:Visual and Performing Arts

School(s): Arts & Humanities

MCC Program Code: CM01

50% or more of this program can be completed online.

Description
The Communication and Media Studies program provides a comprehensive study of communication for those interested in a wide range of communication professions. Students will develop skills in written and speech communication messages and apply a variety of media tailored to interpersonal, organizational, and mass audiences. Using the theories of communication, critical thinking, and persuasion, students will consider the impacts of communication on culture, society and relationships. This program prepares students for transfer in areas such as journalism, media, public relations, and organizational communication.

Program Learning Outcomes
1.Apply communication theories in a variety of personal and professional settings.
2.Apply effective oral communication skills in a variety of personal and professional settings.
3.Create formal written communication for a variety of audiences.
4.Evaluate media messages in a variety of forms.
5.Analyze the impact of mass media in shaping social constructs, values, or norms of society.
6.Apply ethical principles in a variety of personal and professional settings.
7.Apply a listening model within a variety of personal and professional communications.
8.Produce media messages for a variety of audiences.
9.Discuss the development of the various communication disciplines, as it relates to their historical context in areas such as trends, content, regulations, or economics.

Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org

Distribution Requirements

Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER
ENG 101 College Composition (grade of C or higher required) OR
ENG 200 Advanced Composition(grade of C or higher required)
3
MTH 150 Survey of Mathematics OR
ANY SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION MATHEMATICS (SUNY-MATH) ELECTIVE
3-4
COM 101 Introduction to Mass Media
3
COM 118 First Year Seminar in Communication*
3
SPC 141 Interpersonal Speech Communication
3
First Semester Total:
15-16
SECOND SEMESTER
COM 114 Communication Theory
3
SPC 142 Public Speaking
3
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION WORLD LANGUAGES (SUNY-WLNG) ELECTIVE
3
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION NATURAL SCIENCES AND SCIENTIFIC REASONING (SUNY-NSCI) ELECTIVE (BIO 116 OR CHE 110 recommended)
3-4
OPEN ELECTIVE**
3
Second Semester Total:
15-16
THIRD SEMESTER
COM 235 Media Literacy
3
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
3
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION WORLD HISTORY AND GLOBAL AWARENESS (SUNY-WHGA) ELECTIVE OR
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION U. S. HISTORY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT (SUNY-USCV) ELECTIVE
3-4
COM 241 News Reporting
3
OPEN ELECTIVE**
3
Third Semester Total:
15-16
FOURTH SEMESTER
SPC 208 Communication Advocacy, and Democracy
3
COM 244 Social Media Strategies
3
COM 150 Video Production I
3
COM 245 An Introduction to Public Relations
3
OPEN ELECTIVE**
3
Fourth Semester Total:
15
TOTAL CREDITS:
60-63
*If the student has previously completed a college orientation class (e.g. COS 101 or 133), it will be subbed. If COS 101 was previously completed, a two credit elective may need to be completed to meet the minimum 60 credit requirement.
**Students are encouraged to seek advisement regarding coursework for transfer if open electives have not already been fulfilled. COM 142 is recommended for transfer into broadcast/journalism programs. COM 211 is recommended for transfer into journalism programs. SPC 143 is recommended for transfer into traditional communication programs.
Revised 8/3/2026