Overview of Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies (CMS) is an academic discipline that focuses on the study of communication and media, their history, origins, effects, and content. It is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing from fields such as sociology, psychology, political science, cultural studies, and media studies. CMS primarily focuses on how various forms of communication (print, TV, radio, and digital) interact with each other, with individuals, and how they shape everyday life.

Career Opportunities Associated with Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies majors often pursue careers in advertising, public relations, journalism, digital media, television and film production, market research, digital marketing, and communications. There are also opportunities to pursue roles in management, education, and even government, as well as in non-traditional roles such as a social media manager.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies majors often benefit from internships and co-op opportunities related to their field. These experiences can offer valuable real-world experience in the rapidly changing field of communication and media. Possible placements could include news stations, advertising firms, non-profit organizations, radio or TV production companies, or any number of other businesses in the communications industry.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Communication and Media Studies

In some universities, students may choose to pursue a degree in Communication and Media Studies with a specialized track or concentration. This may involve taking additional courses in a more focused area of study, such as Digital Media or Journalism. Students can pursue more in-depth courses in areas such as public relations, digital marketing, television production, film studies, or media law.

How Communication and Media Studies Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Communication and Media Studies graduates can pursue a wide range of graduate programs in areas such as public relations, journalism, radio and television production, and media studies. Due to the wide variety of topics covered by Communication and Media Studies, a degree in this field can also be a great launching point into a variety of other graduate programs such as a Master’s in Business Administration or Public Policy.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Communication and Media Studies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having an increasing impact on the field of Communication and Media Studies. AI is being used to automate media creation and allow for more efficient production and distribution of content. AI is also being used to better understand audience interests, target viewers, and create more personalized media experiences.

The Career Outlook for Communication and Media Studies

The career outlook for Communication and Media Studies is positive. As digital and social media platforms continue to grow in scope and influence, the demand for communicators who understand these platforms and the underlying technologies that power them will increase. In addition, media and communications professionals will be increasingly relied upon to help organizations manage their public image and to facilitate their strategic communication plans.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Communication and Media Studies:

Santa Clara University, Salary: $53,040

CUNY Graduate School and University Center, Salary: $51,317

New York University, Salary: $50,327

University of Pennsylvania, Salary: $50,120

Boston College, Salary: $49,055

Northwestern University, Salary: $48,590

Northeastern University, Salary: $48,567

Northeastern University Professional Programs, Salary: $48,567

University of California-Berkeley, Salary: $48,287

University of Maryland Global Campus, Salary: $47,841

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies.