Media & Communications, B.A.

HEGIS Number: 0601 Curriculum Code: U1072 The major in Media and Communications provides students with a broad-based education emphasizing theoretical, historical and experiential learning in an interdisciplinary context. The Media and Communications major is located within the American Studies Department and its curriculum is designed to give students a grounding in the economic, political, social, and intellectual history of the U.S. A wide variety of courses is offered both on theoretical and practical levels, in communications and all varieties of media including radio and TV, newspapers, and inter-active media. Students will develop strong writing, reporting and other communications skills. The goal is to assist students in developing a critical view of the role and dynamics of media in contemporary society. Students gain practical experience through internships in a variety of fields. They intern in media organizations ranging from television and radio stations to newspapers and magazines - throughout Long Island and the New York Metropolitan Area. This major is appropriate for students interested in careers in media. It also serves as a foundation for students who want to do graduate work in media studies, journalism and communications. Students in other majors interested in Media can minor in Media & Communications, or Media Design. See the Minor section of the Catalog for details. The department also offers three micro-credentials in Fundamentals of Non-Fiction Video Production, Fundamentals of Television News Production, and Advanced TV/Video Production. Details can be found in the Micro-credentials section of the Catalog. Evening Students A limited selection of Media and Communications courses are available in the evening. Completion of a major in Media and Communications requires daytime course attendance. Transfer Students A Media and Communications major can be completed in a two year period with appropriate planning. With an advisor’s approval, a maximum of five courses will be accepted in transfer toward the 12 courses required for the major. Transfer students should note that the “Knowledge of American Society” course as well as AS 2802 - Multimedia Journalism and AS 3800 - Writing for Media are prerequisites for enrollment in 5000-level American Studies courses, as well as for a number of other courses in the major. It is essential that these requirements be fulfilled in a transfer student’s first year at Old Westbury if the expectation of completing the program in two years is to be met. These courses must be taken prior to the senior year.