Apply Now Visit Us Request Info
Skip to Main Content
Calendars News & Media Library Directory Alumni & Giving
Castleton
Menu
About Castleton
Vermont State University Quick Facts Our Campus Office of the President Host a Conference or Event on Campus Public Disclosure Employment Opportunities Castleton's Pledge to Combat Bias, Privilege, and Systemic Racism Strategic Priorities
Academics
Undergraduate Programs Graduate Programs Certificate Programs Our Faculty Professional Development & Continuing Education Research Career Services & Internships Study Abroad Academic Support Academic Resources Degree Plans The Three Colleges of Castleton University
Campus Life
Campus & the Region Residence Life Clubs & Activities Student & Parent Resources Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion International Student Office
Community
Community Engagement Sustainability & Green Campus Initiatives The Castleton Center for Social Justice and Trauma Informed Care Hidden History Project Spartan Arena Fitness Center Bridge Initiative
Arts
The Casella Theater Arts Facilities Art Galleries Arts Reach Performing Arts Calendar Becoming a Fine or Performing Arts Student Supporting the Arts at Castleton Contact Us
Athletics
Become a Spartan News & Updates Athletic Facilities Sports Camps & Clinics Hall of Fame Spartan Arena Athletic Bands Varsity Sports
Admissions
Request Information For First-Year Students For Transfer Students For International Students For Graduate Students For Veterans and Military Service Members Early College & Dual Enrollment Financial Aid & Scholarships Tuition & Fees Contact the Admissions Team Visit Castleton Apply Now
Home Academics Undergraduate Programs Media and Communication Media and Communication Program Requirements

This Section

Media and Communication Degree Program
Media and Communication Program Requirements Digital Media Program Requirements Journalism Program Requirements Media Studies Program Requirements Public Relations Program Requirements Video/Film Production Program Requirements AS in Media and Communication Program Requirements Media and Communication Faculty

Related Sections

General Education Program

Media and Communication Program Requirements

These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outlines the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.

Bachelor of Arts graduates in Media & Communication will be able to:

  • Understand media from social, economic, political, ethical, and global perspectives.
  • Effectively research and analyze media material.
  • Produce high quality media in visual, oral, and written forms.
  • Effectively apply media and communication skills in a rapidly changing real world environment.

BA in Media & Communication

Complete the following courses required of all COM majors (12 cr):

Code Course Credits

COM 1040

Media Writing

This course introduces students to the basics of writing for 21st century media, exploring both forms that have their origins in print, and emergent forms native to the digital landscape. Students will practice writing for news and entertainment outlets, film and video, podcasting and radio, advertising, public relations and social media.

Every Semester

3

COM 1211

Introduction to Video and Filmmaking

This is a project-oriented course in which students develop their abilities to communicate in a wide range of video applications. It offers hands-on instruction, practice and guidance in writing, producing, directing, camerawork, audio recording, single and multi-camera production, and editing. Depending on their interests, students produce, direct and/or appear on camera in a number of in-and out-of class productions.

This course fulfills an Arts and Aesthetics general education requirement.

Fee Studio fee $20.

Every Semester

3

COM 1220

Introduction to Media and Communication

This course introduces students to the study of communication processes and media literacy practices. Students will explore print media, audio-visual media and mobile platforms. They will also examine historical and technological developments, and subsequent cultural, political and economic implications of these platforms.

This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement.

Every Semester

3

COM 2140

Race, Gender and Sexuality in Media

OR COM 2260 - Media and Society 3 cr

Media are among our primary sources of images of people, places and things we do not encounter ourselves in our everyday lives. This course examines the images of women and racial and sexual minorities who have been on the fringes of policy development and yet at the center of narratives created by mainstream media. It takes a detailed look at the symbolic and social power of commercial media's role in constructing social and cultural differences around age, gender, race, class and sexuality.

This course fulfills an Arts and Aesthetics general education requirement.

Prerequisite: COM 1220 or consent of instructor.

Fee Fee $20

Spring

3

Plus take 30 additional credits of COM courses (30 cr)

And in the senior year (6 cr):

Code Course Credits

COM 4510

Communication Portfolio

and one of the following courses:

In this course students develop and organize materials to support their career development efforts. Drawing from papers, stories, scripts, graphics, videos, audio files, etc. produced during their time as undergraduates, students produce online and hard copy portfolios and "reels." Students reflect on their overall growth and development within their fields of study, and thoughtfully address the works selected for their portfolios.

Restrictions Restrictions: Senior Standing

Fall

3

COM 4810

Internship in Communication

The student takes on a position of responsibility in an off-campus professional environment under the direction of an on-site supervisor and a faculty member. Experiences are available in newspapers, magazines, large and small radio and television stations, production companies, marketing and PR firms, nonprofits, and other areas. All students enrolled meet periodically to discuss experiences. (Students may take up to 15 credits in COM 3810 and COM 4810 combined.)

Signed contract required at time of registration.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

1-12

COM 4850

Senior Project in Communication

The student produces an independent project in his or her field under close supervision of a faculty advisor. Projects may be production oriented (short film) or analytical (thesis paper). Such projects may be in coordination with the university radio station, newspaper or local television facilities, but may not consist of an established position within these organizations. All students enrolled meet weekly to discuss projects.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and senior standing.

3

(Credits required for the major: 48)

And complete the University's Gen Ed requirements

View the General Education Requirements.

Law Degree (CU/VLS 3+2)

This major participates in the 3+2 program with Vermont Law School, in which highly-focused students can earn a Bachelor's degree in just three years at CU and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in just two years at VLS.

For details, see the Law Degree page.

Castleton
Castleton University, Castleton, VT 05735
(800) 639-8521
info@castleton.edu
Resources VSC Portal Contact Us Maps & Directions Employment Castleton Store Report discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct
© 2023 Castleton University. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy Emergency Information Accessibility
Twitter Facebook Flickr Instagram LinkedIn youtube Merit

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Cookie Policy

About Castleton Academics Campus Life Community Arts Athletics Admissions
Calendars News & Media Library Directory Alumni & Giving