Communication and Media Studies, BA

The Department of Communication Studies offers majors in both communication studies and in media and screen studies. The department also offers an integrated major that allows students to combine COMM and MSCR courses to create a unique plan of study that features courses on the theory and practice of communication along with the study of media, cultural, and creative industries. Students graduating with a communication and media studies major can pursue a graduate degree or enter careers in advertising, communication education, healthcare, journalism, law, public relations, government/politics, media and film production, and social and human services.

Communication is a diverse discipline and every department is unique. At Northeastern, the Communication Studies curriculum was designed to achieve three distinct learning objectives:

1. Basic communication skills, including the ability to research a question, prepare and deliver a compelling speech, and think critically and write effectively.
2. An understanding of the communication discipline including an appreciation of the history of communication studies, familiarity with important theoretical principles, and the ability to apply this knowledge to contemporary problems.
3. A distinct area of emphasis that distinguishes their major. Some of the more popular areas include argumentation and advocacy, organizational or health communication, digital communication, and media production.

Our Media and Screen Studies curriculum designed to achieve six distinct learning objectives:

1. Apply basic knowledge of fundamental techniques of video-based film production in a visual project
2. Define terms, concepts, and theories that are fundamental to the study of media
3. Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to media texts
4. Apply the history of media studies to current issues of media with a particular focus on identity, industry, and democracy
5. Plan, write, and present original research papers and presentations, incorporating an analytical understanding of concepts and ideas in Media and Screen Studies
6. Apply theories of media and culture central to the field of Media and Screen Studies to a media text or issue

Co-op Opportunities

• Zipcar
• Wayfair
• TJMaxx and HomeGoods
• Strong Women Strong Girls
• Southwest Airlines
• Liberty Mutual
• Johnson & Johnson
• John Hancock
• Institute of Contemporary Art
• Eaton Vance Management
• Donna Karan International
• Dana Farber Cancer Institute
• Constant Contact
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Arnold Worldwide
• Amazon