Media Production and Criticism Concentration

Courses offered in Media Production and Criticism fall under two broad categories: production or criticism. Students in this program may choose one of the two areas of emphasis:

Criticism courses offer students the opportunity to learn to think purposefully and critically about media and examine media roles from many perspectives. Through four required courses within the concentration, individuals may engage in different comparative and ideological frameworks, thereby providing a theoretical grounding in the study of media content, processes, and effects.

Production courses offer participants foundational knowledge applicable to a wide range of current media-related professions. Through four required courses within the concentration, individuals will have the opportunity to develop hands-on production skills, achieve technical proficiency, and make sophisticated choices in working with new technologies and emerging platforms, such as broadcast TV, mobile apps, streaming media, corporate communications, and social media.

Opportunities

All students have opportunities for research, global-engagement, public service, and career preparation. As a communication major you can:

  • Apply to the communication honors program and work closely with a professor on a research project of your own. Read more >>
  • Earn communication credit while studying abroad with Mason’s Center for Global Education.
  • Gain practical experience with a student media organization such as Fourth Estate (the student newspaper) or WGMU (the student radio station).
  • Develop speaking skills through the Debate or Forensics teams.
  • Learn valuable job skils by interning at major media outlets, government agencies, and private corporations (organizations such as the NBC Today Show, ABC News, ESPN Radio, or USA Today). Read more >>