Media Studies, B.A.

Program Code: MEDIA_BA

Spring 2024 Curricular Update: The program description, entrance requirements, and program requirements detailed on this page are effective beginning Spring 2024. To learn more about what approved curricular changes take effect in Spring 2024, please visit the Changes to the UG Bulletin page. To view the requirements in effect for Fall 2023, please visit the 2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin PDF.

Program Description

This major is designed for students who wish to possess the analytic and critical skills needed to succeed in a professional world increasingly dominated by media. Students are exposed first to a breadth of approaches to understanding different forms of media (e.g. aesthetic, cultural, humanistic, psychological, economic, social, political)  and then select specific areas of concentration to prepare them for different fields of research or professions involving media. All areas of concentration help students hone their analytic skills.

The following four options are offered:

Film and Television Studies Option

This option is designed for students interested in studying the art, history, and criticism of film and television. Electives offer students the opportunity to pursue a related field, such as art, art history, creative writing, speech communication, or theatre arts. This option merges aesthetics and social sciences and is appropriate for those seeking a more theoretical/critical approach to the study of film and video.

International Communications Option

This option is designed for students who want to study the mass media systems of the world and their role in international affairs. The option offers students an opportunity to enhance their occupational opportunities in international business, organizations, or government and to be better prepared to participate in the world community. Students must select either a University-approved minor in a foreign language, area studies, or international studies; a University-approved education abroad program; or other international-related courses or programs with prior departmental approval.

Media Effects Option

This option focuses on the social and psychological effects of media messages and technologies. Students progress through a general introduction to problems and issues, such as the effects of televised sex and violence, to courses that emphasize more theoretical approaches and advanced applications. A minor in a complementary area of study, such as Psychology or Sociology, is encouraged.

Society and Culture Option

In this option, a student and faculty adviser work together to tailor a program of courses to meet the student's individual interest in a coherent theme in media studies. These courses are usually selected in tandem with a minor or other supporting cluster of non-major courses in the area of specialization. Examples of themes include, but are not limited to, communication and the environment, communication and health campaigns, sports and the media, minorities and the media, and gender and the media. A minor in an area of specialization is encouraged.

What is Media Studies?

Students study the role and impact of the media on society in this theory-based, research-driven major. Students explore the relationships between media and the public, analyze media messages and technologies, and examine their effects on individuals and cultures. Course work covers a wide range of topics, including message analysis, media psychology, public opinion, global media, film studies, game studies and human-computer communication. Students can customize their studies by specializing in film and television studies, media effects, international communications, or society and culture.

You Might Like This Program If...

You have an ability to think critically and logically, along with an attention to detail and an interest in research. Strong observational skills are important, as are high level of curiosity and an inquisitive nature. Excellent verbal and written communications skills are important. In addition, an appreciation and understanding of popular culture combine to help students interested in the major bring valuable perspectives to their studies.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIA STUDIES

Spring 2024 Curricular Update: The program description, entrance requirements, and program requirements detailed on this page are effective beginning Spring 2024. To learn more about what approved curricular changes take effect in Spring 2024, please visit the Changes to the UG Bulletin page. To view the requirements in effect for Fall 2023, please visit the 2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin PDF.

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

  1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
  2. have at least third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Spring 2024 Curricular Update: The program description, entrance requirements, and program requirements detailed on this page are effective beginning Spring 2024. To learn more about what approved curricular changes take effect in Spring 2024, please visit the Changes to the UG Bulletin page. To view the requirements in effect for Fall 2023, please visit the 2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin PDF.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 0-12
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements 24
Requirements for the Major 42-51

0-3 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: Film Option - 0-3 credits of GH courses or 0-3 credits of GA courses; Media Effects Option - 3 credits of GS courses.

3 of the 24 credits for Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements are included in the Requirements for the Major, General Education, or Electives and 0-12 credits are included in Electives if foreign language proficiency is demonstrated by examination.

Requirements for the Major

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 100NThe Mass Media and Society Keystone/General Education Course3
COMM 205Gender, Diversity and the Media Keystone/General Education Course3
COMM 270Introduction to Multimedia Production3
COMM 304Mass Communication Research3
COMM 305Introduction to Critical Studies of Media3
COMM 405Political Economy of Communications3
COMM 413WThe Mass Media and the Public3
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option21-30

Requirements for the Option

Film and Television Studies Option (21 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 150NThe Art of the Cinema Keystone/General Education Course3
COMM 242Basic Video/Filmmaking3
COMM 250Film History and Theory Keystone/General Education Course3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits from the following:9
Topics in American Film
Topics in International Cinema
Narrative Theory: Film and Literature
Documentary in Film and Television
Advanced Film Theory and Criticism
Internship
Independent Studies
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Rhetoric of Film and Television
Chinese Film and New Media Keystone/General Education Course
International Cultures: Film and Literature Keystone/General Education Course
Literature and Culture
French Culture Through Film Keystone/General Education Course
Topics in French Film History and Theory I: 1895-1945
Topics in French Film History and Theory II: 1945-2002
Modern Italian Literature and Cinema
Japanese Film
Film Music Keystone/General Education Course
Film and Philosophy Keystone/General Education Course
International Communications Option (21-30 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 110Media and Democracy Keystone/General Education Course3
COMM 410International Mass Communications3
COMM 419World Media Systems3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Introduction to Media Effects Keystone/General Education Course
The Art of the Cinema Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Advertising
Telecommunications Regulation
Topics in International Cinema
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select at least one of the following for a minimum of 9 credits and a maximum of 18 credits (no more than 9 credits in COMM) 19-18
University approved minor in foreign language, area studies or international studies
University approved education abroad program
Other international related courses or programs with prior departmental approval
1

More than one is strongly recommended.

Media Effects Option (21 credits)

A minor in a complementary area of study is encouraged (e.g. Psychology or Sociology).

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 118Introduction to Media Effects Keystone/General Education Course3
COMM 418Media Effects: Theory and Research3
PSYCH 100Introductory Psychology Keystone/General Education Course3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Media and Democracy Keystone/General Education Course
The Art of the Cinema Keystone/General Education Course
Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Advertising
Law of Mass Communications
Sports, Media and Society
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Effects of digital games
Effects of social media
Effects of entertainment media
Effects of Science, Environmental and Health Media
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Introduction to Social Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits in research methods from an approved department list 13
1

The approved department list can be found on the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications website.

Society and Culture Option (21 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 411Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Media and Democracy Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Media Effects Keystone/General Education Course
The Art of the Cinema Keystone/General Education Course
Select 12 credits (a least 9 credits at the 400 level) in communication theory from the following:12
Media and Democracy Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Media Effects Keystone/General Education Course
The Art of the Cinema Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to the Sports Industry
Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications Keystone/General Education Course
Cultural Foundations of Communications
News Media Ethics
International Mass Communications
Sports, Media and Society
Ethics and Regulation in Advertising and Public Relations
Media Effects: Theory and Research
World Media Systems
Topics in American Film
Topics in International Cinema
Narrative Theory: Film and Literature
Documentary in Film and Television
Advanced Film Theory and Criticism

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

B.A. Degree Requirements

Foreign Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one foreign language. See the Placement Policy for Penn State Foreign Language Courses.

B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, Foreign Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; foreign language credits in this category must be in a second foreign language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language)

Other Cultures (0-3 credits): Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the General Education US/IL requirement.​

Integrated B.A/M.A. in Media Studies

Requirements for the Integrated B.A/M.A. in Media Studies can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Learning Outcomes

Professional Values and Competencies

Individual professions in journalism and mass communication may require certain specialized values and competencies. Irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:

  1. understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and assemble and to petition for redress of grievances;
  2. demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
  3. demonstrate an understanding of gender, race ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;
  4. demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
  5. understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
  6. demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
  7. think critically, creatively and independently;
  8. conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
  9. write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
  10. critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
  11. apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
  12. apply basic tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Bellisario College Academic Advising
204 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1503
commadvisor@psu.edu

https://www.bellisario.psu.edu/current/advising

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Media Effects Option: Media Studies, B.A. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Language Level 14Foreign Language Level 24
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3COMM 100N*13
ECON 102 (GS)3PSYCH 100 (GS)*†3
General Education Course (GN)3B.A. Other Cultures3
COMM 1601General Education Course (GN)3
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Language Level 34STAT 200 (GQ)4
COMM 118*13COMM 110, 150N, 180, 205, 320, 403, or 412*3
COMM 270*3U.S. Cultures (US)3
General Education Course (GQ)3General Education Course (GH)3
General Education Course (GA) (Inter-Domain)3Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 405*3COMM 305*3
COMM 304*3General Education Course (GH) (Inter-Domain)3
PSYCH 221 or 256*3International Cultures (IL)3
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)3General Education Course (GN)3
Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain3Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 413W*3COMM 418*3
COMM 325, 326, 327, or 328*3ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3
Supporting Research Course*23General Education Course (GA)3
Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain3Elective3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 13.5 13.5
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses that do not offer COMM 100N or COMM 118 will take those courses at University Park. COMM 100N will be taken the 5th semester to replace CAS 100 taken 4th semester at the commonwealth campuses. COMM 118 will be taken the 6th semester to replace ENGL 202A/ENGL 202B/ENGL 202C/ENGL 202D taken the 4th semester at the commonwealth campuses.

2

Supporting Research Courses (see adviser) - ANTH 428, ANTH 458, CAS 204, CAS 411, CAS 415, CAS 450W, EDPSY 406, EDPSY 450, ENGL 200, PLSC 308, PLSC 309, SOC 7, SOC 207, SOC 470, SOC 471, STAT 401, STAT 460, STAT 462, STAT 464, WMNST 401.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Film and Television Studies Option: Media Studies, B.A. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Language Level 14Foreign Language Level 24
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3General Education Course (GN) (Inter-Domain)3
ECON 102 (GS)3General Education Course (GS)3
COMM 150N*3COMM 100N*13
COMM 1601General Education Course (GA)3
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Language Level 34COMM 250*13
COMM 270*3B.A. Other Cultures3
General Education Course (GH) (Inter-Domain)3STAT 200 (GQ)4
General Education Course (GQ)3General Education Course (GA)3
Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain (U.S. Cultures)3General Education Course (GH)3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 305*3COMM 304*3
COMM 405*3COMM 242*13
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (GN)3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)3
Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain (International Cultures)3COMM 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 495, or 496*3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 413W*3COMM 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 495, or 496*3
COMM 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 495, or 496*3Supporting Course23
Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 13.5 13.5
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses that do not offer COMM 100N, COMM 242 and COMM 250 will take those courses at University Park. COMM 100N will be taken 5th semester in place of ENGL 202A/ENGL 202B/ENGL 202C/ENGL 202D which will be taken 4th semester at the commonwealth campus. COMM 150N will be taken 5th semester in place of COMM 250 which will be taken 6th semester in place of a B.A. Knowledge Domain (international cultures). The B.A. Knowledge Domain (international cultures) will be taken 3rd semester at a commonwealth campus in place of COMM 150N. COMM 242 will be taken 6th semester in place of COMM 305 which will be taken 7th semester in place of an elective. An elective will be taken 4th semester at the commonwealth campus in place of COMM 242.

2

Additional Supporting Course (see adviser) - CAS 415, CHNS 121N, CMLIT 153, ENGL 403, FR 138N, FR 487, FR 488, IT 475, JAPNS 453, MUSIC 4, PHIL 5 (Please check language of instruction)

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

International Communications Option (No Study Abroad): Media Studies, B.A. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Language Level 14Foreign Language Level 24
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3COMM 100N*13
ECON 102 (GS)3General Education Course (GS) (Inter-Domain)3
General Education Course (GH) (Inter-Domain)3General Education Course (GH)3
COMM 1601General Education Course (GN)3
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Language Level 34STAT 200 (GQ)4
COMM 1101*3COMM 118, 150N, 205, 320, or 4521*3
COMM 270*3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GQ)3B.A. Other Cultures3
Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain3Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain/Minor3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 304*3COMM 410 (International Cultures, IL)*3
COMM 405*3Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain/Minor3
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)3Supporting Courses and Related Areas3
General Education Course (GN)3Non-COMM Elective3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas3Elective/Minor3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 305*3COMM 413W*3
COMM 419 (US Cultures, US)*3Supporting Courses and Related Areas3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3Elective/Minor3
Non-COMM Elective3Elective/Minor3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 13.5 13.5
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses that do not offer COMM 100N, COMM 110 and 3 credits of COMM 118, COMM 150N, COMM 205, COMM 320 or COMM 452 will take these courses at University Park. COMM 100N will be taken 5th semester in place of the B.A. Knowledge domain which will be taken 2nd semester at the commonwealth campus. 3 Credits of COMM 118, COMM 150N, COMM 205, COMM 320 or COMM 452 will be taken 5th semester in place of ENGL 202A/ENGL 202B/ENGL 202C/ENGL 202D which will be taken 4th semester at the commonwealth campus. COMM 110 will be taken 6th semester in place of the B.A. Knowledge Domain which will be taken 3rd semester at the commonwealth campus.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

International Communications Option (Semester Abroad): Media Studies, B.A. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Language Level 14Foreign Language Level 24
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3COMM 100N*13
ECON 102 (GS)3General Education Course (GS) (Inter-Domain)3
General Education Course (GH) (Inter-Domain)3General Education Course (GH)3
COMM 1601General Education Course (GN)3
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Language Level 34STAT 200 (GQ)4
COMM 1101*3COMM 118, 150N, 205, 320, 381, or 4521*3
COMM 270*3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GQ)3B.A. Other Cultures3
Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain3Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 304*3Semester Abroad (No COMM Courses, All Electives)*15
COMM 405*3 
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)3 
General Education Course (GA)3 
General Education Course (GN)3 
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 410 (International Cultures, IL)*3COMM 419 (US Cultures, US)*3
COMM 305*3COMM 413W*3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain3
General Education Course (GA)3Elective3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 13.5 13.5
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses that do not offer COMM 100N, COMM 110 and 3 credits of COMM 118, COMM 150N, COMM 205 COMM 320 or COMM 452 will take these courses at University Park. COMM 100N will be taken 5th semester in place of the B.A. Knowledge domain which will be taken 2nd semester at the commonwealth campus. 3 Credits of COMM 118, COMM 150N, COMM 205, COMM 320 or COMM 452 will be taken 5th semester in place of ENGL 202A/ENGL 202B/ENGL 202C/ENGL 202D which will be taken 4th semester at the commonwealth campus. COMM 110 will be taken 5th semester in place of the B.A. Knowledge Domain which will be taken 3rd semester at the commonwealth campus.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Society and Culture Option: Media Studies, B.A. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Language Level 14Foreign Language Level 24
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3General Education Course (GN)3
ECON 102 (GS)3General Education Course (GH) (Inter-Domain)3
General Education Course (GN)3COMM 100N*13
COMM 1601General Education Course (GS)3
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Language Level 34STAT 200 (GQ)4
COMM 110, 118, 150N, or 2051*3COMM 110, 118, 150N, or 205*13
COMM 270*3General Education Course (GA) (Inter-Domain)3
B.A. Other Cultures3Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain (US Cultures)3
General Education Course (GQ)3Elective3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)3ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3
COMM 304*3COMM 305*3
COMM 405*3COMM Theory 400 Level Course*3
COMM Theory Course3Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain (International Cultures)3
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (GH)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM Theory 400 Level Course*3COMM Theory 400 Level Course*3
COMM 413W*3COMM 411*3
Bachelor of Arts Knowledge Domain3General Education Course (GA)3
Elective3Elective3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 13.5 13.5
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses that do not offer COMM 100N or 3 credits of COMM 110, COMM 118, COMM 150N or COMM 205 will take those courses at University Park. 3 credits of COMM 110, COMM 118, COMM 150N or COMM 205 will be taken 5 semester in place of the Other Cultures requirement which will be taken 3rd semester at the commonwealth campus. COMM 100N will be taken 5th semester in place of ENGL 202A/ENGL 202B/ENGL 202C/ENGL 202D which will be taken 4th semester at the commonwealth campus. 3 credits of COMM 110, COMM 118, COMM 150N or COMM 205 will be taken 6th semester in place of the B.A. Knowledge Domain (International Cultures), which will be taken 4th semester at the commonwealth campus.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Career Paths

The major provides a broad education in mediated communications. Graduates often go on to work in the media industry, with government, non-governmental or international agencies, or continue their education in graduate or law schools. In addition, because students can customize their studies by specializing in specific areas, they obtain experience or skills that are valuable in a variety of communications-related positions.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE MEDIA STUDIES PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

The media studies major provides an easy transition and logical progression into graduate studies for many students. Students who complete the major may move into a variety of areas of graduate study, including graduate-level degrees that lead to careers in higher education, research-driven careers or law school, among others.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Accreditation

The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications is evaluated regularly by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). The Bellisario College has consistently met the high standards of the Accrediting Council that is dedicated to excellence in professional education in journalism and mass communications. For undergraduate students, accreditation most practically means that upper-level professional classes in each major are conducted in rooms with 20 or fewer students.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACCREDITING COUNCIL ON EDUCATION IN JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF FILM PRODUCTION AND MEDIA STUDIES
103 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1243
mfj3@psu.edu

https://www.bellisario.psu.edu/departments/film-production-media-studies