Media & Communication - B.A.

Media & Communication students are curious about the production and meaning of media — news, photographs, film, music, television, video games and social networking platforms — and about how audiences respond to that content. Our Major Electives menu includes courses on specific principles and practices, while our Related Professional Studies menu emphasizes creative forms that traverse various cultural industries. Students select courses that complement their intellectual and professional interests, usually by designing focus areas in consultation with faculty advisors.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of how the major media industries work in local-global contexts.
• Analyze, interpret and evaluate the aesthetic impressions and expressions of media texts.
• Compare and contrast theories that scholars use to explain the beliefs, attitudes, values, opinions and behaviors of media audiences.
• Assess the political-economic and social-cultural influences among media industries, texts and audiences.
• Apply production or writing skills to the creation of an original project.

The program offers a strong liberal arts education and opportunities to study abroad. Media internships serve as springboards for career opportunities in a variety of industries. Additionally, students are well-positioned to pursue graduate degrees in a variety of fields.

Media & Communication

A four-year program leading to the bachelor of arts degree

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Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites.

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In lieu of an internship, research course, or study abroad, students may use the Applied/Experiential Learning credits toward a minor.

^IcTypically, internships require a minimum of six credits. Students interested in a 9 or 12-credit internship can apply additional experiential learning and free elective credits, if available. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling internship and free elective credits.

^SaTo be eligible to count toward Applied/Experiential Learning, a Study Abroad offering must meet certain requirements. Contact Experiential Education & Career Services to discuss eligible Study Abroad options for this degree program and visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications.

#  In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For students who qualify for the J2 program, up to four graduate courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

Note: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math courses.

Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.

Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university.

For first-year applicants, a completed application and high school transcript(s) are required. For transfer applicants, a completed application and high school and/or college transcript(s) are required. Completion of optional materials is encouraged.

Successful candidates for first year admission have taken a high school, college preparatory academic program including English, mathematics, science, social science and foreign language. Admissions decisions may also consider individual experiences and particular circumstances unique to each student. Other considerations are made based upon recommendations, writing ability and extracurricular activities.

Visiting campus, both in‐person or virtually, is a valuable way of assuring that JWU is the right university for you. 

J2 Program

The JWU J2 program allows qualified students enrolled in a matriculating undergraduate program to take graduate level courses at JWU. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with their academic advisor to discuss their interest, qualifications and plans. The undergraduate student may take up to four graduate courses (maximum 12 credits) and are limited to 6 credits a semester and 3 credits per session (Fall Session I and Fall Session II). 

The completion of graduate credits to fulfill undergraduate program requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Matriculating undergraduate students who wish to formally enroll in a graduate program must fulfill all requirements for entrance into the intended graduate program and complete a graduate program application. 

Note: Not all graduate courses are included as part of this policy. Courses offered as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and doctoral courses are excluded from this policy and are restricted to program majors only. Additional courses and/or programs as determined by individual colleges may also have restricted access.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to enroll in graduate-level courses (excludes: Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, doctoral courses, Counseling graduate program courses, and other programs as outlined by the colleges), undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Completed and registered undergraduate credits at least 90 credits
• Meet the individual course prerequisites

Appeal to Eligibility Criteria

College dean or designee will receive a copy of the Petition Form, Student's GPS and email requesting appeal if the student requests to appeal the GPA or earned/registered credit criteria. College dean/designee will review and determine approval.  

These courses carry graduate credit and will replace undergraduate degree requirements when applicable, traditionally free-electives (maximum of 12 credits). The course will be applied to the undergraduate degree in the order in which they are taken (if required) and will also be applied towards both the students undergraduate and graduate GPA.

Students should maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits of undergraduate coursework to maintain full-time status; graduate course enrollment is not calculated into undergraduate full-time status. For students already attending full-time as undergraduates (12 credits or more) and paying the full-time tuition, the graduate credits will be included in full-time tuition fee. Students attending part-time (11 credits or less) will pay the cost per-credit undergraduate tuition for the graduate course.

Course registration will be based on space availability and students enrolled in graduate level courses will be required to maintain good academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level.