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

2026 - 2027