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Critical Perspectives on New Media
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Media Research Methods
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American Film
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Television Studies
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Special Topics in Media Studies
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Media Industries
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Foundations of Digital Photography
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Introduction to Environmental Journalism
Explore the full JWU Catalog course listing:
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Occupational Outlook*
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
| Occupation | Growth | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Art Directors | 4% | $100,890 |
| Communications Teachers, postsecondary | 12% | $79,640 |
| Editors | -5% | $63,350 |
| Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators | 12% | $60,360 |
| Graphic Designers | 3% | $50,710 |
| Market Research Analysts | 19% | $63,920 |
| Marketing Managers | 10% | $135,030 |
| Media and Communication Workers | 6% | $62,340 |
| Producers and Directors | 8% | $79,000 |
| Writers and Authors | 4% | $69,510 |
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job outlook: 2021-2031. Median salary: 2021.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
- The Campus Herald
- JWU Live (Radio)
- JWU Players
- JWU Ad Club
- Study Abroad
- JWU Media Production Club
- JWU Music & Entertainment Industry Student Association (MEISA)
Facilities
Center for Media Production (Providence): Light-controlled production space / Editing suites outfitted with powerful Mac workstations / Soundproof audio booth / pre-production space / screening space / cutting-edge production equipment with 4K shooting capabilities
Industry Experience
Media & Communication Studies students have interned at such top-tier locations as:
- WPRI/WNAC-TV
- RI International Film Festival
- iHeart Media (Providence and Boston)
- Providence City Council
- NYC Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications
Our Providence campus has hosted a number of guest speakers, including Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, journalist Gwen Ifill, Al Jazeera’s Abderrahim Foukara, NPR television critic Eric Deggans, MIT professor Sherry Turkle, and the Media Education Foundation’s Sut Jhally, among many others.
Internships
“I research brands and venues for artists’ events and develop potential marketing partnerships,” says Katie Gillen '19 (right) on her internship with Sony Music. “I also coordinate orders of all in-store promotional materials for upcoming releases, including Khalid, Cage The Elephant and Sara Bareilles. In addition, I update sales spreadsheets for all events, including signings and release events. Also, I set up pop cycles for upcoming releases, including P!nk and Cage The Elephant.”
Career Opportunities
Media & Communication offers a wide range of potential areas of focus, from film/TV production to the full spectrum of news and cultural writing, including food writing, nonfiction, and writing for radio, television, and film.
- Film & Television Production
- Film & Television Management
- Digital Radio & Music Production
- Digital Radio & Music Management
- Media Marketing & Distribution
- Digital Journalism
- Nonfiction Feature Writing
- Digital & Social Media
Below, watch Professor Christopher Westgate and Jessica Stewart '19, account manager of the RGA Agency, discuss the relevancy of media literacy in today’s media landscape.
Alumni Leaders in Media & Communications
Meet a selection of recent Media & Communication alumni who are blazing new trails in editorial, development, production and media research:
Nyle Vialet '17, Editorial Project Manager, Quarto Publishing Group: “I started off as an editorial intern at Quarto’s Massachusetts office, and after two months of hard work I landed a full-time position. I have since become a project manager for one of the world’s leading illustrated nonfiction book publishers. In the MCST major, I was able to practice what it would be like to work in publishing and was given support for my future goals. This major prepared and encouraged me to challenge my views. If I got the choice to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Natasha Martinez '17, Organizational Development Specialist, Environmental Defense Fund: “I’m responsible for planning and consulting with teams and individuals that need assistance with organizational challenges. This often means creating engaging developmental training sessions and helping staff explore topics such as interpersonal communication, manager-employee relations, and situational leadership. JWU’s MCST program prepared me with skills to serve the emerging needs of a content-rich society. In particular, I learned how people consume information across different media formats.”
Sarah Floyd '20, Boston University graduate student, Television & Production Management: “After graduating from JWU’s MCST program, I decided to pursue a master’s degree. Some of the MCST courses that have assisted in my graduate studies include Global Media, Media Research Methods, Motion Picture Editing, Narrative Filmmaking, Media Industries, and Critical Perspectives on New Media. The knowledge and expertise I gained from these courses have helped me develop an original research question for my upcoming thesis on differences between American and Japanese television. To this day, I am very grateful for the wonderful experience I was able to receive from faculty and peers. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I could.”
