Media and Communication, Department of Media, Journalism, and Film

Students in the Media and Communication program (formerly Media and Culture) examine how media products, practices, institutions, and technologies allow us to communicate and connect with others and shape how we experience the world.

Our Major

Media are diverse and integrated into every dimension of human life. That variety is reflected in the MAC program’s attention to a wide range of media, including television, film, podcasting, popular music, video games, and social media. It is also reflected in an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares students to successfully navigate professional and personal lives defined by rapidly changing media. The program allows students to focus on areas they are most interested in. Students can learn how to make a short film or podcast; critique media messages that contribute to social inequalities or social change; examine the role algorithms and data play in the world of advertising and our wider culture; investigate the ways media technologies shape our everyday lives; or go behind the scenes of various media industries. By graduation, MAC students will gain the cultural competencies and media skills required to be successful media producers, ethical media consumers, and responsible media citizens.

MAC majors will develop expertise in up to three areas:

Researching and analyzing media representations, technologies, industries, and practices to assess their impacts on individuals, cultures, and society.
Gaining the skills and experiences necessary for success in a wide range of media and related industries.
Producing high-quality audio, video, and film content in our professional grade studios.

Program Requirements Our Courses

What are the features of the Media & Communication major?

Interdisciplinary approach

The program's interdepartmental framework brings together insights and applications from various disciplines while providing access to resources across several departments.

Small classes

Writing and production classes are limited to 18 students in order to facilitate an effective learning environment.

Practical experience

Students have obtained internships in television and film production, broadcast management, social media communication, broadcast news, public relations, and political messaging and analysis, among others. Miami’s Inside Hollywood and Inside Washington programs also provide first-hand experience in the entertainment industry and political media. There are also a number of Miami student organizations such as Miami Television News that provide practical experience.

What are the special admission requirements, if any?

None.

What courses would I take?

During your first year, you will take two introductory courses that will give you a broad overview of the media world. You will then take four core classes that will equip you with necessary skills spanning a variety of areas, including video production, media history, and writing for media. The following years, you will focus on completing your five electives that you will choose from 15 media courses. You will also choose two signature experiences during your final semesters, such as Inside Hollywood, Inside Washington, or a Senior Project in Communication.

What can I do with this major?

Our graduates have had successful careers in a wide range of areas including film and television production; media sales and management; media promotion; public relations; corporate communications; law; public policy and broadcast journalism.

Who can I contact for more information?

Ron Becker, Area Coordinator
230 Williams Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-3540
beckerrp@MiamiOH.edu