Communication Department
Media/Communications Program Description
The Media/Communications program provides a career-oriented program designed to give the student broad practical and theoretical knowledge of various aspects of communication, television, radio, newspaper, advertising, public relations and digital multimedia.
Courses in Media/Communications, which include experiences of a practical nature, begin in the freshman year to provide the student immediate exposure to communication processes. Field experiences, permitting the student to observe and work in a chosen communications medium, begin early in the program. They allow students to explore media settings, develop skills, and make contacts that are critical to success in this industry. By the senior year the student may reach and maintain a clear, independent focus on the practical art of communication through the mass media and his/her role in that process.
In addition, the Media/Communications student is given the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive liberal arts background. While enriching his/her specialized program, this may provide the student with a humanistic perspective for the evaluation of his/her role in relation to society and assist toward mutual improvement of self and society.
Media/Communications majors may not take any Career Component course Pass/Fail.
All Media/Communications majors should complete 100-level Communication courses, writing courses (WRT 175 and WRT 200) and SPE 130 during their first year at Medaille. It is also important to complete as many other required 100-level courses as possible in the first two years.
Students may not go out on field experiences (MCO 277, MCO 377, MCO 388, MCO 477) unless their average is 2.5 or better, and unless they have all prerequisite courses completed, as stated in the catalog.
The Communication Department operates and maintains the college photography darkroom, radio lab, and television studio.
Medaille's on-campus radio lab offers students an opportunity to learn production, news, and on-air techniques. The student staff is responsible for all aspects of operating a radio station from programming to final product.
The TV studio allows students to learn various aspects of broadcast production from computer graphics to directing and editing a television program. Students produce their own show, “Medaille Magazine," which airs on local cable systems on public access. Hands-on experience at the production facility is encouraged.
Credit Distribution
Bachelor of Science
Major Requirements
General Education Component
ENG 110 College Writing II (3)
ENG 200 Analytical Writing (3)
*GEN 110 Critical Thought and Expression (3)
GEN 220 Colonial N. America(3)
GEN 230 Creative Expression (3)
GEN 240 Scientific Discovery (3)
GEN 410 Baccalaureate Capstone I (3)
GEN 411 Baccalaureate Capstone II (3)
**MAT 114 Intermediate Algebra (3)
MAT 201 Statistics and Society (3)
SPE 130 Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)
General Education Credit Hours 33
A. Coursework (40 credits)
MCO 101 Introduction to Mass Communications (3)
MCO 110 Journalism: Organization and Practice (3)
MCO 130 Broadcasting: Principles and Practice (3)
MCO 150 Media Promotion: Organization and Practice (3)
MCO 210 Computer Assisted Reporting (3)
MCO 211 Writing for Media (3)
MCO 300 Mass Communication Theory
MCO 301 New Communications Technologies (3)
MCO 355 The Theory of Media Criticism (3)
MCO 400 Media Communications Law and Ethics (3)
MCO 475 Media and Society Seminar (3)
MCO (Any) Media/Communications Elective (3)
MMS 200 Fundamentals of Multimedia (4)
B.Field Experience (11 credits)
MCO 277 Field Experience I (3)
MCO 377 Field Experience II (3)
MCO 477 Field Experience III (5)
Minimum Career Credit Hours 51
Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses (24 Credit Hours)
Required (15)
ART 260 Basic Photography
PHI 200 Logic
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
SPE 315 Advanced Public Speaking
Electives (9)
ECO (Any) Economics Elective
ENG 205 or ENG 215
HIS (Any) History Elective
Free Elective Component (12)
(May include any college course)
Total 120 credit hours
*Required of first-year students; all other students must substitute a 300/400 level Liberal Arts and Sciences Elective.
**Students who meet the math competency must substitute a Liberal Arts and Sciences Elective.
