COMMUNICATION
MEDIA/COMMUNICATION STUDIES
College: Communication and Information
Degree: B. A. or B. S.
Limited Access: YES
Contact: Advising Center
Address: 4115 University Center, Bldg C
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2651
Phone: 850-644-7278
E-Mail: advising@cci.fsu.edu

Description of Major
Students in Media/ Communication Studies will gain a solid liberal education highlighting media studies and human communication.  Courses include the study of the history, evolution and the changing state of mass media, communication technologies, and techniques in mass media production.  Students will develop an understanding for the economic and social effects of media, including legal and ethical issues. Students in these emphasis areas may pursue careers in media such as broadcasting, cable, advertising, video production, information technologies, as well as preparation for graduate study and professions in law, ministry, politics, lobbying, speech writing, and management.

Prerequisites Coursework:
18 hours outside the major and beyond Liberal Studies
Note:  State-wide common prerequisites are always under review.  For the most current information and for other courses that may serve as acceptable alternatives, visit http://facts23.facts.org/florida/facts/Home_Page/College_Students/Transferring/Common_Prerequisite_Manual/ .

Admission Requirements to Major Program of Studies
The Department of Communication is a limited access program, restricted by both total numbers of students in each major and minimum grade point average required for application. Each major operates with a different enrollment cap. Achievement of the minimum application GPA does not guarantee admission to a communication major; all admissions are competitive. Admission criteria are available from the Department. An application must be completed and submitted to the Department of Communication. Minimum requirements for admission into this major include: an overall GPA of 2.8 on all college coursework attempted; a completed application submitted to the Department of Communication on or before the first business day in February for each year; and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Students must provide proof that they have passed or been exempted from CLAST before applying and must have completed 43 hours of college coursework at the end of the semester of application. Acceptance by a faculty committee will be based on a review of the application and transcript, and other relevant materials in light of the published admissions criteria. By the end of the spring semester in which the student is applying for admission, the AA Degree or all remaining Liberal Studies and Gordon Rule requirements must be completed.  If transfer students have A. A. pending at the time of application, the student must submit proof that he/she is on the spring graduation list.

Mapping
Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system.  Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion.  Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors.  You may view the map for this major at
www.academic-guide.fsu.edu.

Major Program of Studies at FSU:  33 hours
No grade below a “C-“ will be accepted for any course in the major. Maintenance of a 2.8 cumulative GPA is required. The Department of Communication reserves the right to refuse admission or discontinue enrollment of any student at any time, if, in the judgment of the faculty, the student does not meet departmental or major standards.
Four core courses (12 hours)
MMC 2000 (3) Introduction to the Mass Media
RTV 3001 (3) Media Techniques
SPC 2608 (3) Public Speaking
SPC 3210 (3) Contemporary Human Communication
Advanced courses (12 hours)
Students select four (4) courses from the approved list
Application/activity courses (9 hours)
Students are required to complete 9 hours from the approved list of application/activity courses.

Language Requirement.
Students formally admitted into any program in the Department of Communication must achieve proficiency in one language other than English prior to graduation. Students may fulfill this requirement though: modern, classical, or sign language;  or business language. If coursework is taken, it must be for a letter grade; S-U grading (other than for test credit) will not be accepted. See the University Bulletin or contact the department for details (www.comm.fsu.edu).

Minor Coursework: 12 hours minimum
Communication Studies majors must fulfill the minor requirement in one department outside Communication.  Students should contact the minor department for specific requirements.  Minors must be approved by the advisor. All work counted toward the minor must carry a grade of “C-“ or higher. Recommended minors include: English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Theatre, Journalism (at FAMU), Sociology, Criminology, Social Sciences, American Studies, Women’s Studies, Black Studies, and British Studies (London Program). 

Computer Skills Competency:  3 hours.  CGS 2060 (3), CGS 2064 (3), CGS 2100 (3), or CGS 4470 (3). 

Oral Communication Competency:  0 hours beyond major requirements.
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly.  This requirement may be met through appropriate high school speech training or with an approved college-level course.  SPC 2608 is required for this major and also satisfies this requirement.

Minimum Program Requirements - Summary
Total Hrs. Required 120
Liberal Studies 36
Major Coursework 33
Minor Coursework 12
Computer Skills 3
Oral Communication Competency 0
Language Requirement 0-12 (depending on placement)
Electives to bring total hours to 120

Remarks:
1. 60 hours must be earned at a senior institution.
2. The final 30 hours must be in residence at FSU.
3. A minimum of 40 hours must be earned at the 3000/4000 (junior/senior) level.
4. The B. A. degree requires a foreign language through the intermediate (2200) level or equivalent.

Employment Information
Students graduating in this major should have a solid liberal education with emphasis in speech communication. Degrees in this major are applicable to a number of fields including law, ministry, speech writing, management, lobbying, sales.