Whether you’re passionate about uncovering the truth, exploring digital media trends, or understanding the global impact of communication, our program equips you with the tools to succeed in today’s media-driven society.
In this program, you’ll get hands-on experience with everything from traditional journalism to the latest digital media trends. You’ll learn to develop media literacy skills to articulate how power and identity are communicated in national, regional, and globally mediated contexts. You will also craft engaging stories, whether for news outlets, social media, or multimedia platforms. You’ll dive into key issues shaping today’s media, like the impact of AI, media effects, global communication challenges, and the ethics of journalism in a digital age.
A concentration in media studies will equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel in a wide range of academic and professional opportunities.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Practical skills: Whether it’s writing, reporting, or video production, you’ll get plenty of real-world experience with skilled and highly trained faculty.
- Cutting-edge tools: The department keeps abreast with evolving mediated forms and changing technologies. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to engage with the latest technologies and platforms.
- A chance to make a difference: We focus on media that drives change, especially within the Inland Empire (whether that’s covering important local news stories or creating content that connects people across cultures and communities).
FAQS
Why Media?
As media have and continue to shape every facet of life, a specialization in Media Studies gives you the tools to be an empowered and conscientious global citizen. Develop media literacy skills, sharpen your critical thinking, cultivate a transnational understanding of the world, and refine your digital media production skills. To study media is to study the world and to develop the tools to succeed in an ever-changing media landscape.
What courses are taught in the Media concentration?
Course offerings in the Media concentration include: Critical Media Literacy, Gender, Race, and Class in Media, Ethical Aspects of Communication, Multimedia Journalism (Coyote Chronicle), Journalism Production (Local Matters), Digital Audio and Radio, among several rotating courses. Please consult the course catalog for current semester offerings.
What career opportunities are available with a Media concentration?
A major advantage of the Media concentration is the career versatility for students. Our graduates are pursuing careers in broadcast, film, and radio production. Also, our students have gone on to pursue corporate roles, particularly in marketing and media relations as well as the entertainment industry. Additionally, a significant number of our graduates go on to advanced degrees and have leveraged their media expertise into careers in education and teaching.
Do I need production skills to specialize in Media?
While media production skills are beneficial, particularly for those interested in a media production focus, they are not required. Our highly trained faculty will lead you in using cutting edge, industry standard, equipment and software.