Communication, Media & Journalism

The Communication, Media & Journalism Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Film and Digital Media and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with three concentrations: Organizational Leadership, Multimedia Journalism, and Public Relations. The department also offers Associate of Arts pathways in Communication, Media Studies, and Journalism, each of which is designed to prepare students to enter one of the department’s bachelor’s programs. CMJ’s minors in Journalism, Film Production, Public Relations, and Communication complement UNG’s many other majors. All of our degrees provide a strong interdisciplinary grounding in the liberal arts and prepare students for careers in digital media production, filmmaking, journalism, public relations, organizational leadership or other communication-related professions.

The Bachelor of Science in Film and Digital Media is a hands-on program that provides students with an understanding of motion pictures as a form of expression, experience in all phases of the production process, and awareness of how to succeed in the industry. The program of study requires students to become competent in all aspects of production as well as to develop expertise in a specialization, such as directing, screenwriting, producing, editing, cinematography, audio production, or creating digital effects. Graduates will be ready to step directly into the workforce or use the degree as preparation for a graduate program.

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication with concentration in Organizational Leadership combines the development of essential leadership skills such as critical thinking, effective speaking, decision-making, and problem solving with the practical application of organizational communication theory. Organizational Leadership students develop outstanding communication skills and leadership abilities as well as the understanding of how to adapt to various cultural and organizational contexts.

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication with concentration in Multimedia Journalism is a forward-thinking program of study that grounds students in professional ethics and principles of responsible journalism while preparing them for a rapidly converging and evolving field. Multimedia Journalism majors develop learn the newswriting and media production skills essential for delivering journalism content to a range of media platforms.

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication with concentration in Public Relations prepares graduates to work in various sectors of public relations, which the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) defines as “a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” CMJ’s Public Relations program adheres to the higher education guidelines set by the PRSA, balancing liberal arts and social science education with applied coursework that provides opportunities for students to put knowledge into practice and develop career-building skills.

The Minor in Journalism provides a foundation in journalism skills, ethics, and practice to students who wish to major in other subject areas.

The Minor in Film Production teaches aesthetic principles and media literacy while guiding students through all phases of narrative film production, from conception and planning to post-production.

The Minor in Public Relations teaches students the basics of strategic communication processes, primarily focusing on writing and creating campaigns.

The Minor in Communication complements any major program of study by developing students’ communication skills and their awareness of how the various areas of the communication field interrelate.

The Associate of Arts pathway in Communication provides students with grounding in theories and practice of interpersonal and speech communication. This program is designed to prepare students for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Organizational Leadership or Public Relations.

The Associate of Arts pathway in Media Studies introduces students to broadcast, video and sound production, filmmaking, and media analysis. This program is designed to prepare students for the Bachelor of Science in Film & Digital Media.

The Associate of Arts in Journalism introduces students to journalistic writing and multimedia journalism production and develops an understanding of legal and ethical journalism. This program is designed to prepare students for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication with concentration in Multimedia Journalism.

The Communication, Media & Journalism Department supports a number of student organizations and events that provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, including our internationally competitive Debate, Forensics, Interpretation Team, the Spanish-Speaking Debate Tournament, The Vanguard student news organization, decibel radio, and the Student Film Association.

No grade below a “C” will be accepted in the major or minor area, including any classes offered by the department.

All majors are required to take the Senior Capstone. The content of this course varies depending on the student’s major and career goals, but all students must demonstrate an appropriate degree content mastery, professionalism, and career readiness. Students will also complete a capstone project tailored to their specialization.

CMJ offers numerous courses that satisfy core curriculum requirements:

COMM 1503 Communicating in Diverse Cultures satisfies the Global Course requirement in Area B.
MDST 2150 Literature and Film satisfies the Area C1 Literature requirement.
COMM 2050 Media, Culture, and Society satisfies the Area C2 Fine Arts or Philosophy requirement.
COMM 1110 Public Speaking satisfies the Area C2 Fine Arts or Philosophy requirement.
MDST 1110 Film Appreciation satisfies the Area C2 Fine Arts or Philosophy requirement.

Programs

Associate of Arts

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Film & Digital Media (B.S.)

Minor