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

Master the media, understand the industry, and navigate culture - all while exploring your unique interests in the flexible Media and Communication program. Learn to make a short film or podcast using our professional grade studios; analyze media messages; practice writing across media; explore the algorithms that power media feeds; investigate communications technologies of the past, present, and future; and go behind the scenes of various media industries. With a focus on customized curriculum, collaborative projects, and practical skills, the Media and Communication program prepares students to make their mark.

Program Requirements

Our Major and Your Learning Outcomes

Through a blend of study and practice, our students learn how media and communication connect people, impact the economy, and shape human experience in meaningful ways. The Media and Communication program provides students with a solid baseline of skills, knowledge, and experiences through our Foundation and Core courses. As students advance through the program, they work with faculty advisors to develop personalized pathways through a range of possible electives, specializations, interdisciplinary partnerships, and internships. The flexible MAC curriculum allows students to focus on their interests and passions across a wide variety of media practice including television, film, podcasting, advertising, writing, social media, and more. Seniors complete a signature capstone experience to collaborate on a media production or produce an original research project. Students are encouraged to pursue minors, co-majors, or double majors from across the university.

Explain

Explain and demonstrate how media and communication operate through interconnections among texts, technologies, industries, users, and cultural contexts.

Identify

Identify and apply foundational theories and methods from the fields of media and communication to interpret and analyze the changing media environment and other facets of contemporary life.

Develop

Develop original research, interpret data and texts, and effectively communicate findings, ideas, and arguments.

Recognize

Recognize and demonstrate aesthetic and technical competencies across multiple modes of communication, including writing and audiovisual production

Publications and Projects

Unlock the innovative research and creative projects shaping the future of Media, Journalism, and Film! Explore the exciting work of our faculty and students, from thought-provoking publications to dynamic student-driven projects. Dive into the powerful world where storytelling, media analysis, and visual culture collide—right at the core of our department.

Explore Our Projects and Publications

Scholarships for MAC Students

The MAC program offers scholarships to incoming and current students. See our FAQ for more information.

MAC Student Projects

In and out the classroom, MAC students get hands-on experience making media, conducting research, and developing leadership skills. MAC students participate in a wide array of student media organizations such as The Maimi Student, UP Magazine, Redhawk Radio and more.

Experiences for MAC majors

MAC majors participate in unique opportunities like Inside Hollywood, Capstone Films, research apprenticeships with faculty, and leadership development as undergraduate assistants.

Career Development

MAC students have held internships in television and film production, social media, and advertising, among other areas. Our graduates work in a wide range of areas including television and film production, media management, advertising, social media, broadcast news, media writing, political communication, and more.

Professional grade studios and equipment

MAC students have access to professional-grade audio/video equipment and studios. Our Equipment Center is open six days a week to allow you the flexibility to borrow and return equipment at your convenience.

What are the features of the MAC major?

Flexible Curriculum

The Media and Communication program provides students with a solid baseline of skills, knowledge, and experiences through our Foundation and Core courses. As they advance through the program, students work with faculty advisors to develop personalized pathways through a range of possible electives, specializations, interdisciplinary partnerships, and internships. The flexible MAC curriculum allows students to focus on their interests and passions across a wide variety of media practice including television, film, podcasting, advertising, writing, social media, and more.

Professional grade studios and equipment

Students in our program have access to professional audio/video equipment and accessories to produce high quality media content. Our fully equipped production studios provide opportunities for classroom instruction and student organizations to produce high quality media content and podcasting. Our student-staffed Equipment Center is open six days a week to allow you the flexibility to borrow and return equipment at your convenience.

Small classes for key skills

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

Practical experience

MAC students have held internships in television and film production, social media communication, broadcast news, public relations, and political messaging, among other areas. Miami’s Inside Hollywood and Inside Washington programs also provide first-hand experience in the entertainment industry and political media. There are a number of Miami student organizations such as Miami Television News, Red Hawk Radio, Up Magazine, and The Miami Student that provide valuable practical experience.

What can I do with the MAC major?

Our graduates have had successful careers in a wide range of areas including television and film production, media management, advertising, social media, broadcast news, media writing, political communication, politics, and more. Our graduates also pursue postgraduate degrees in varied fields, including communication, law, media studies, political science, education, and others. For more information, take a look at our Distinguished Alumni.

What scholarships are available to MAC majors?

There are several scholarship funds to support students in the Media and Communication major.

The Rick Ludwin scholarships are given to incoming, first-year Media and Communication majors with strong academic promise and financial need. If you have been accepted to Miami University and want to be considered for this substantial scholarship, contact the MAC area coordinator for more info.
The Richard L. Spears scholarship is awarded to rising junior or senior MAC majors who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership within the program. MAC faculty review all eligible students. No application is required.
The William L. Utter scholarship is awarded to rising junior and senior MAC majors who demonstrate academic excellence. MAC faculty review all eligible students. No application is required.
The Robert Vogel Enrichment Fund provides money to offset costs for student projects focused on electronic media. Project can include audio or video productions, academic research projects, or support to present research at conferences. Interested students should contact the MAC area coordinator.

I am interested in MAC. What courses should I take first?

Most students should start with Foundation classes such as MJF 105: Media, Culture and You and MFJ 205: Communication Technology. Another course that serves as a good entry point to the major is MAC 202: The Smartphone and Society. Each of these courses also fulfill Miami Plan requirements, so they are a good place to explore whether this major is something you might be interested in.

As a MAC major, what kinds of courses will I be taking?

During your first several semesters, you will take Foundation and Core courses that provide overviews of the media and communications landscape. These courses include MJF 105: Media, Culture and You, MFJ 205: Communication Technology, MJF 146: Foundations of Production, MAC 202: The Smartphone and Society, MAC 212: Media, Representation, and Society.

In addition to these courses, you will select a number of electives covering a variety of areas including video or audio production, advertising, media analysis, writing for media, and more. Seniors complete a signature capstone experience to collaborate on a media production or produce an original research project. Many students also participate in our special programs such as Inside Hollywood, Inside Washington, or a Senior Project in Communication. For more detailed information on course requirements see program requirements

What kinds of student media organizations are on campus?

The Miami Student
The Miami Student Magazine
MTN, Miami Television News
UP fashion/lifestyle magazine publishes online all week and 3x a year in print.
WMSR Redhawk Radio hosts live music, sports and talk shows.
Happy Captive, one of Miami’s two literary magazines, publishes one issue a year.
Inklings, Miami’s other literary magazine, has a fall and spring issue.
M.A.F.I.A. is Miami's student-run video production organization.
Pixel Magazine is a mixed media publication.
PRSSA, @miamiohprssa promotes student orgs and the Miami community through PR.
Society of Professional Journalists includes a Miami chapter.
GreenHawks Media covers sustainability issues.
Colored Lens is an organization that focuses on LGBTQ+ representation in the media through a variety of outlets.

Who can I contact for more information?

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

Meet the MAC Area Coordinator

I am glad you are curious about the Media and Communication program. As area coordinator, I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the program. I can also help you become a MAC major. Don’t hesitate to reach out via email with any questions about our program or declaring the MAC major.

Learn more about Dr. Ron Becker

Skip carousel content