Navigate the media landscape and master the art of storytelling and ethical reporting while preparing for a career in journalism and media.
The Major
Through a combination of study and hands-on experience, our students explore how media connect people, influence society, and shape human experiences. From the American Revolution to the rise of Hollywood celebrities, to the ubiquity of social media, media affect our past and our contemporary world.
Create a news package, short documentary or podcast in our state-of-the-art studios; analyze media messages; hone your reporting and writing skills across various formats; analyze the historical origins and impacts of a variety of media practices; and gain insights into different media industries.
As a leader in promoting diversity in journalism and media, the program amplifies the voices of our students by teaching them investigative reporting and media-making skills they can use to succeed in their chosen careers while promoting justice and positive social change.
Our Program
Our Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the features of the Media & Communications major?
Learn from Media Professionals
Our faculty features distinguished media scholars, accomplished journalists, and experienced media creators, drawing on extensive backgrounds in public history, academia, and the media industry.
Small Classes
Small class sizes for writing and production courses offer students opportunities for one-on-one mentorship with faculty and an intimate environment to develop intellectual and creative skills.
Mentoring
Faculty work closely with students to guide them through their undergraduate studies, create their media portfolios and prepare for careers or graduate school.
Portfolio Development
Students have the opportunity to develop media work samples and a media portfolio.
Practical Experience
Students complete internships in diverse areas such as television and film production, broadcast management, social media communication, broadcast news, public relations, and more. On campus, facilities like the Media Innovation Center and OWWR, Old Westbury Web Radio offer hands-on experience in the production and presentation of entertainment and news content.
Interdisciplinary Approach
The program’s structure integrates insights and applications from various fields, offering access to resources across multiple departments.
Are there dedicated Media and Communications facilities?
Absolutely. One hub of activity for the major is the Media Innovation Center, which recently underwent a $1.2 million renovation. In the MIC, students have access to a multimedia production facility and an inventory of audio and video field production equipment to create television shows, documentary films, podcasts, and emerging media projects.
Students also have access to an additional podcasting studio located in the Campus Library to create programming reflecting contemporary culture, social issues and scholarship.
OWWR, Old Westbury Web Radio, provides student, alumni, faculty, staff, and community volunteer programming that broadcasts online. OWWR features news, sports, talk, and offers a wide variety of music programming, acting in the public interest.
The Catalyst newspaper and website serve as both the voice of the student body and as a training ground for aspiring journalists. Students involved in The Catalyst cover the news, write reviews, and offer opinions about events and issues occurring both on and off campus.
What courses would I take?
Everybody’s path is a little different, depending on their interests and aspirations. In general, the course of study is comprised of seven required components:
- Knowledge of American Society (4 credits)
- Media Studies Courses (8 credits)
- Writing, Analysis and Research (12 credits)
- Media Production Courses (8 credits)
- Media Electives (8 credits)
- Internships (4 credits)
- Media and Communications Capping Course (4 credits)
While not required, students are encouraged to also complete a portfolio of samples of work done in courses and the internship to be used in seeking graduate education or employment
What can I do with this major?
Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of areas including broadcast journalism, film and television production; media sales and management; media promotion; public relations; law and public policy; and non-profit management.
The Media Innovation Center
A central hub of activity for students in the Media & Communications major is the Media Innovation Center, which in Fall 2023 re-opened after more than $1 million in renovations were conducted to create modern media laboratory committed to multimedia content instruction, production and distribution.
Our Students and Faculty
A National Platform
Media and Communications students engaged as part of an unprecedented initiative that brought together students across the country to report on the 2024 presidential election through Student News Live — a global, 24-hour online broadcast simulcast by iHeartRadio and PBS News Student Reporting Labs.
Professor champions local news coverage
Assistant Professor Ӧzgür Akgün is one of 14 academics state-wide who are leading efforts to address news deserts and struggling news outlets through the SUNY Institute for Local News.