Communication and Media Studies
Communication and Media Studies at Fisher College
Program Mission
The Communication and Media Studies major is an interdisciplinary program that combines courses in Communication, Advertising, Public Relations, and Journalism.
The program considers media industries and their relationship to culture and society, and the understanding of how communication works. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, professional writing skills and effective oral communication.
The Communication and Media Studies major prepares students for a wide variety of careers in business and industry, advertising, public relations and journalism, or advanced study.
Objectives
The Communication and Media Studies program will assist students in developing:
- A foundation for understanding the communication and media studies discipline that prepares them to focus on the humanistic aspect of media and its impact on society
- Knowledge, skills, and values that prepare them for future careers in mass media or advanced study, in our interconnected society
- Curiosity, creativity, and intellectual risk-taking
- Critical thinking skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and ability to create works of high quality
- An improved sense of self-confidence and self-efficacy and an awareness of their responsibilities as professionals in their field
| First Year | Credit hours | |
|---|---|---|
| CM100 | Introduction to Human Communications |
3 |
| CM101 | Introduction to Mass Communications |
3 |
| CS101 | Computer Concepts and Applications | 3 |
| EN101 | English I | 3 |
| EN102 | English II | 3 |
| IS105 | Common Experience |
3 |
| MA117 | Finite Math |
3 |
| PS101 |
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Second Year | Credit hours | |
| CM105 | Public Speaking |
3 |
| CM203 | Media Writing | 3 |
| EN201 | Intermediate Writing | 3 |
| MA121 | Basic Statistics | 3 |
| Program Electives* | 6 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Science Elective | 3/4 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
| Third Year | Credit hours | |
| CM300 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| CM400 | Media Criticism | 3 |
| IS210 | Professional Development for Internship** | 1 |
| Program Electives* | 6 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Social Science Elective | 3 |
|
| Free Electives | 12 |
|
| Total Credits | 30/31 | |
| Fourth Year | Credit hours | |
| CM450 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| CM460 | Internship | 3 |
| Program Elective* |
3 | |
| Global Awareness Elective*** | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Literature Elective | 3 | |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
|
*Take one CM or MC elective at the 200-level; three program electives at the 300 or 400-level; and one program elective at any level. **Not required for Division of Accelerated and Professional Studies Students. |
||
Graduate Competencies
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Demonstrate an increased understanding and comprehension of media industries and their relationship to culture and society and the process of communication
- Identify ethical issues in the media industry and articulate their understanding of how these issues can impact and affect society and individuals
- Write and speak effectively in their chosen fields of study
- Employ specific technological terminology used in the media industry
- Connect to an established professional media organization and be able to network with other media professionals
- Create a culminating project to showcase their professional work
Potential Careers and Earnings
| Job Title | Duties | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Proofreader | Mark errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation in copy material that will go to press. Work with writers to ensure accurate, concise phrasing. Measure pages tto allow for printing parameters. | $34,000 |
| Account Coordinator | Create and cultivation relationships with media contacts who could potentially cover clients in articles, TV segments, etc. Initiate celebrity outreach (i.e. find celeb contacts and send them products). Mediate between the media and clients: arrange interviews, send press materials, etc. | $34,000 |
| Public Relations Associate | Design ways to educate the public about a client's products, accomplishments, or goals. To do this, they study what an organization is all about, ask questions about the product and how it compares with the competition, perform public opinion research and formulate a promotional plan. Organize and attend events, speaking engagements, or trade shows that best promote the client/product and builds a relationship with the community. Counsel clients on the right words to use to promote their company/product. Prepare and write internal and external newsletters, develop press kits and write press releases. | $48,000 |
| Assistant Media Director | Evaluate targets and current Media trends to create and maintain optimal Media Plans. Construct print, broadband and non-traditional media briefs/recommendations to clients and outlet agencies. Engage in regular contact with clients, account management team and vendors. Prepare and manage divisional monthly budget, weekly status, and strategic competitive reports. Train and motivate planners and assistant planners while managing their day to day tasks. Work closely with sales representatives and marketing departments of magazines and television networks to negotiate/execute programs and added value opportunities. Partner with multiple agencies to create a 360 degree synergistic approach to brands. Develop cost strategy and contribute integral brand/target insights for New Business Pitch. | $45,000 |
| Marketing and Communications Assistant | Support marketing and communication executive staff. Prepare and mail generic proposals and requests for marketing and sales materials. Assist with editing formal Requests for Proposals. Collect and distribute industry-related news articles from the web in e-mail format to upper management on a daily basis. Effectively communicate with outside vendors for printing services and promotional items. Assist with the design of bi-annual newsletter. Develop queries for prospecting system in coordination with sales managers and prepare all mailings as necessary. Prepare and submit purchase orders. Maintain marketing inventory. Maintain marketing reports (e.g., summary, trend, eligibility, etc.). Assist with trade show coordination to include: Remove exhibit from storage; check exhibit, coordinate repairs or touch-ups, pack, load, label, and ship to designated show site. Proper routing of trade show information to sales managers and upper management. | $35,000 |
| Public Relations Coordinator | To get as much press as possible for client brands via all media outlets (magazines, newspapers, tv). Work with fashion editors at all the major magazines, stylists for celebrities and talk shows, as well as models. | $44,000 |
| Marketing and Communications Coordinator | Support communications and marketing efforts through proofreading materials, copy-writing, research, and a lot of organization. Use an online database tool to manage the distribution of all mass e-mailings. Write and edit internal staff e-newsletter. Organize and manage photography library. Help coordinate the production of materials across departments. | $33,000 |
| Advertising Salespeople | Analyze potential client's products and services, markets, and competitors. Create sample advertisements. Meet with the potential clients and present advertising ideas. Provide follow-up with clients including completing the proof process, asking for feedback and reviewing ad placement results. | $46,000 |
Attending school in Boston provides you a world of opportunity-especially when it comes to internships. Boston has it all: newspapers, magazines, TV and radio stations, advertising agencies, public relations firms, government and non-profit agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and innovative dot.com start-ups.
Internships provide students an opportunity to experience the communication industry from the inside. In addition to receiving course credit, you'll also obtain valuable professional experience for your resumé.
Keep in mind the more competitive communication internships require a 3.0 GPA. Stay focused on your coursework and this goal is within reach. So you won't feel overwhelmed, you'll take a 1-credit course prior to your internship that will teach you how to write your resume, research internship opportunities, and hone your interview skills.
Michael Meadows
Dr. Michael Meadows began working at Fisher College September 2007. He is the Program Director for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Media Studies and teaches entry-level and advanced courses in the major. Dr. Meadows received his Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Boston University, a Master's Degree in Communication Studies from Northern Illinois University, and his Ph.D. in Communication from Wayne Statue University. Dr. Meadows has taught in Michigan, Massachusetts, Ohio, and New Hampshire before moving back home to Boston. He is currently working on an anthology that examines the impact of infotainment values on society and culture.
Dr. Heidi Hendershott
Dr. Hendershott began teaching Communication and Media Studies at Fisher College in 2009. Prior to coming to Fisher College Dr. Hendershott was a faculty member in Communication at the University of San Diego for eight years. She completed her Bachelors' degree in Communication from the University of Hartford in Connecticut and obtained her Masters' and Ph.D. degrees at Penn State University, where she also taught media studies courses.
Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates media studies, critical media pedagogy, and cultural studies, Dr. Hendershott's research focuses on the history, production, reception, and political economy of the media with specific emphasis on popular music. She has presented her work at the National Popular Culture Association Conference, as well as numerous state and regional conferences in communication and education. Her work has been published in The Review of Education, Pedagogy and Cultural Studies.
Dr. Hendershott currently teaches introductory level and upper division courses in Communication and Media Studies at Fisher College. When not at school you can find Dr. Hendershott on the tennis court; as an avid tennis player she competes in tournaments throughout Massachusetts.
Web Links: Industry Resources
AAF - American Advertising Federation
The AAF is the oldest national advertising trade association, representing 40,000 professionals in the advertising industry.
API - American Press Institute
The API was formed in 1946 and is focused on developing future leaders and executives in the newspaper industry.
PRSA - Public Relations Society of America
The world's largest organization for public relations professionals; the society has nearly 32,000 professional and student members.
Web Links: Educational Resources
Center for Citizen Media
A website aimed at helping to enable and encourage grassroots media, especially citizen journalism, at every level.
Mediastudies.com
Provides links to world news, media studies sites, and other resources for educators, students, researchers, and the wider community.
Trade Publications
Advertising Age
American Journalism Review
Broadcasting and Cable
Columbia Journalism Review
Media Week
PR Week
TV Week
World Press Review