Communication and Media Arts (CMDA)

CMDA 220  Writing for the Media  (3 credits)

Prerequisite(s): CMST 110 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite. Restriction(s): School of Communication and Media majors only. This course covers the basic principles of writing for print, electronic, and on line media and provides hands-on writing experience. Students develop an understanding of industry standards of writing by communication and media professionals. They also build their skills in creating a variety of media texts, including news packages, documentary and fiction programs, press releases, speeches, Web pages and blogs, public service announcements and advertisements. Meets the Graduation Writing Requirement for majors in Communication Studies.

CMDA 320  Multimedia Projects  (3 credits)

Prerequisite(s): CMST 210. The course offers students a supervised multimedia project experience. Students develop skills in concept development, research, fieldwork, collaboration, production planning, execution, and management as they work on client-based (corporate, governmental, non-profit) or cause-related projects across varied technological platforms. The course requires substantial work outside of class time.

CMDA 360  Communication and Media Cooperative Education  (3,6 credits)

Prerequisite(s): CMST 210. Restriction(s): School of Communication and Media approval required. Advanced students complete a supervised employment experience, outside the classroom, that complements their program of study in the fields of communication and media. The experience provides students the opportunity to define their career objectives and enhance professional skills and expertise. An MSU faculty member evaluates student progress and awards credit.

CMDA 440  Independent Study  (1-3 credits)

Prerequisite(s): CMDA 320 and departmental approval. Opportunity to obtain credit for independent research projects; students must obtain approval from the division coordinator before registration period for the semester of the independent study; generally not for production projects. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credits.

CMDA 490  Colloquium Series  (0 credits)

Restriction(s): Open only to Majors/Minors in the School of Communication & Media Arts. Students are required to register for and attend the colloquium series each semester. The series provides a forum for students, faculty, and invited guests to share their work and address relevant current issues in news, public policy, government, etc. Meetings take place once a month each semester.