Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies (CMS) Clayton State University

Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies (CMS)

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies (CMS) emphasizes training in liberal arts: literature, theater, art, philosophy, and languages. The ability to write and speak well, think critically about different media and modes of communication and recognize written, visual, and multimedia texts — these types of broad-based, flexible skills enrich graduates’ lives. Additionally, these same skills offer graduates the tools they need to thrive in professions revolutionized by rapidly evolving and digital media technologies.

• Was English, art, or theatre your favorite class in high school?
• Were you involved with the school newspaper, yearbook, or debate club?
• Do you like taking pictures or shooting video? Are you excited about Web page design?
• Are you passionate about writing, reading, or movies?

If so, you are the kind of person who may thrive in our program!

Industry Outlook

Where are Clayton State University’s CMS graduates today? You may find them covering stories for the New York Times and Sports Illustrated, working for Cox Media Group, starting their own video production company, rising through the ranks at a local public relations agency, serving their local communities in the nonprofit or public sectors, or attending graduate school.

As a Communication and Media professional, you might end up working in television or radio broadcasting, music production, advertising, or public relations; writing for a newspaper or magazine; designing social media marketing campaigns; leading training workshops; or managing sales or human resources departments.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the B.A. program in Communication and Media Studies will demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Communicate effectively using multiple channels of communication.
2. Conduct primary and secondary research on media products and communicative practices.
3. Critically analyze the aesthetic dimensions and layered meanings of past and present communication and media products.
4. Understand theoretical perspectives on communication, media, and global culture.
5. Apply media aesthetics to the production of communication vehicles using appropriate technologies.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical theories, professional standards, and legal constraints in communication and media environments.

Career Opportunities

The Communication and Media Studies major prepares students for careers in some of the fastest-growing sectors of the local and national economy.

Atlanta: The Place for Communication and Media Professionals

• Home to major employers like Turner Broadcasting, Cumulus Media, Tyler Perry Studios, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS, and Delta.
• One of the top five cities in the US for media jobs (The Balance).
• Dozens of public relations firms in the metro area (Clutch).
• 80 radio stations within the listening range of the city (Radio-Locator).
• Over 3,200 full-time positions at the top 50 advertising and marketing firms in Atlanta (AJC).
• More than 150 recording studios and 20,000 jobs in the music industry (GDEcD).
• Over 2,000 film and television production-related companies (GDEcD).

Concentrations

Media Design and Production
Communication professionals need diverse experience including print, still photography, audio, and video. They may design a social media marketing campaign, produce a video or podcast, author a blog, redesign a website, or create promotional flyers or brochures.

Organizational and Corporate Communication
Organizations large and small, public and private, need managers, trainers, and human resources professionals to ensure effective communication and smooth operations within the organization, as well as advertisers, marketers, and public relations professionals to communicate with external stakeholders.

Advocacy and Social Justice
Communication professionals are often called to public service. You’ll find them in churches, advocacy groups, non-profits, and government agencies, where they analyze public discourse on controversial topics, design persuasive campaigns, and serve as effective representatives to the public.

Internship Information

All Communication and Media Studies majors are required to complete one internship and have the option of completing up to three internships (with the approval of the faculty coordinator). In their internships, students complete a minimum of 150 hours of work for a company or organization while receiving experience, training, and mentorship from a qualified supervisor.

Student Eligibility

• Must be a Communication and Media Studies major
• Must be in good academic standing
• Must have earned at least 30 credit hours
• Must have completed the course prerequisites
  • COMM 3100 with a minimum grade of COR
  • COMM 3300 with a minimum grade of CAND
  • CMS 3101 with a minimum grade of C
• Must have the approval of the faculty coordinator, Professor Susan McFarlane-Alvarez

Approval will only be given to students who have been accepted into an internship with a registered business, nonprofit, or government agency. The internship must directly relate to the student’s area of study and future career goals. It must advance a set of learning objectives agreed to by the student and their site supervisor.