Dec 27, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Media Production and Studies, Specialization in Media Studies, B.A.


Media Studies

The traditional electronic media of television and radio are more important than ever as sources of information and entertainment. This is partly because of fundamental changes in media industries and technologies that allow programs once available only from broadcast stations and cable systems to be delivered through the Internet to devices and locations unimaginable just a few years ago. At the same time, traditional program forms are being rapidly reinvented. From music videos and podcasts to web advertisements, social media content and YouTube programs, media is attracting new audiences that are both global and hyper-local.

The mission of Media Studies specialization is to produce graduates who can analyze, understand, and predict future trends in media industries and the influences of media on individuals and societies. Ultimately media studies graduates find careers in media programming, sales, management, marketing, and research at public and commercial radio and television, cable television, telephony, social media, advertising, and education companies and organizations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Media Studies are expected to:

  • Comprehend and analyze the historical, cultural, political, and economic contexts that shape the operation of electronic media systems (broadcasting, telephony, Internet, digital media);
  • Critically analyze the social, cultural, and psychological effects and implications of electronic media systems from a variety of theoretical and policy perspectives;
  • Comprehend and apply the key social science research methods used in researching the role of electronically mediated communication processes;
  • Formulate and effectively communicate ideas in oral, written, and visual contexts;
  • Comprehend and analyze the various production, performance, and writing techniques that are integral to the realization of effective media texts.

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements


Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

   English Composition and Oral Communication
   _____________________________    ________

   Quantitative Literacy
   _____________________________    ________

Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

   Humanities and the Arts
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________    

   Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                      

   Social and Behavioral Sciences
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                        

Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                    

University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US    ____________
International Perspective       ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120                              

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36                      

Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC)


World Languages and Cultures (_____ yrs of HS_______) 

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas. 
​   ________1010_________________    ________ 
​   ________1020_________________    ________ 
​   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 

Lab Science  

   _____________________________    ________ 

Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.   
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________  

Major Requirements


Specialization in Media Studies


(24 Hours)

Total Hours: 40-42


Minor


(Usually 20 Hours, no courses in major may be used)

Electives and Non-Credit Courses


Communication Electives:


 No more than two (2) COMM Electives will apply to the Media Studies Electives.

Suggested Groupings:


Notes:


  • No course from the major may be counted in the minor
  • No course from any minor may be counted in the major.
  • MDIA 4890  Media Internships may be taken up to 3 credit hours.
    See internship coordinator.

For Graduation You Will Need: (BAC)


  1. 122 credit hours minimum.
  2. Minimum GPA 2.00.
  3. Minimum GPA 2.5 in Major Requirements 1 and 2 (COMM Emphasis and electives)
  4. At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
  5. 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
  6. Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
  7. A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.

To ensure a timely graduation, see a College Advisor during the semester prior to your intended graduation.

Remember to complete an Application for Graduation by the end of the second week of classes during the fall semester or spring regular session, or by the end of the first week of the summer semester. For the specific dates, check your DARS. You may log onto MyBGSU to complete the online application. After the deadlines, you will need to complete an application in person in the College Office.