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UMSL | Communication and Media

B.S. in Media Studies

As of 2019, the courses that were part of the B.S. in Media Studies have been aligned with new Emphasis Areas for the Communcation B.A. All courses will still be offered.

The department will offer all courses that were previously included in the curriculum for the B.S. in Media Studies. Some, such as the video and media production courses, will be part of the Applied Visual Emphasis Area, while advertising-focused courses and others will be included in the Strategic Communications or Mass Communications Emphasis Areas.

Emphasis Areas for the Communication B.A. (Starting Fall '19)

  • Mass Communication

  • Interpersonal Communication

  • Applied Visual Communication

  • Strategic Communication

Among other certificates, the Department of Communication and Media Studies still offers a Certificate in Media Production.

Information is provided below for students who began the Media Studies B.S. prior to 2019.


The B.S. in Media Studies is built around the principles of media theory and practice, and is structured to help students develop the applied writing and creative skills they need to succeed in careers such as media production and advertising.

It offers students a solid grounding in the field of media studies through the required courses. It then allows students to tailor their program to their interests by selecting from a menu of applied writing, medium-focused introductory courses, and practicum/internship experiences to complete the core. These are complimented by a range of elective courses. The program also takes advantage of the synergies with our sister program in Communication. Several courses may count towards both degrees.

The B.S. may be paired with the advertising certificate or the media production certificate so that students can graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate certificate in their area of emphasis.

All Media Studies majors must satisfy the University and the College requirements. Media Studies majors must complete 36 hours as part of the degree. At least 24 hours must be taken at UMSL. A core of 21 hours is required, plus 15 hours in electives. The curriculum includes:

Curriculum 36 Hours
COMM 1050 Introduction to Mass Communication
MEDIA ST 2235 Media Theory
Students also need to select at least two of the following introductory courses
COMM 1150 Introduction to Public Relations
MEDIA ST 1070 Introduction to Cinema
MEDIA ST 1100 Introduction to Advertising
MEDIA ST 1110 Introduction to Broadcasting and Digital Media
 And at least two of the following applied writing courses
COMM 3358 Communication in Public Relations
MEDIA ST 2180 Introduction to News Writing
MEDIA ST 2080 Advertising Copywriting
MEDIA ST 2212 Broadcast Writing and Reporting
The final core requirement is a three-credit hour capstone experience, such as an internship, practicum, or senior project.
Students must also take 15 credit hours of electives to complete the remaining 36 hours of the degree program. Of these, at least six credit hours must be 2000 or higher and another six must be 3000 and higher. More detailed information is available in the University Bulletin.