Communication Studies Major Requirements: Contemporary Media Environment Track and Thesis Track

Last update: January 2026

Faculty Advisor

John A. Lipartito Jr.
Communication Studies
Instructor / Faculty Advisor for the Communication Studies major / Communication Studies Operations Manager
Programs
Undergraduate
- Email
  otitrapilrj@ude.elpmet.jut

Major Overview

Communication Studies is an interdisciplinary major within the Klein College of Media and Communication. Designed to ensure flexibility and choice, the major allows students to explore multiple fields within the communications discipline while emphasizing analytical, theoretical, and practical understanding. The program provides an overview of communication as a social process while encouraging personal academic growth and professional specialization.

The flexibility of the Communication Studies program offers students opportunities to complement their classroom learning with field experience and internships. Students with a wide range of skill sets and interests are drawn to this innovative program, and graduates are well prepared for careers or advanced study in communication, media, law, or other professional fields.

The Contemporary Media Environments Track provides an historical overview of communication technologies—from papyrus to movable type, from the rotary press to broadcasting and the Internet—and explores how these media forms shape public life. The track introduces theories about the relationship between technology and society, focusing on the intersection between communication technologies and the public sphere.

The Thesis Track (formerly the Major of Distinction) is an academically rigorous option for students who wish to construct an individualized curriculum that reflects their research interests across Klein College departments. Working closely with a faculty advisor, students design a personalized course plan that integrates coursework and research preparation.

University and Klein College of Media and Communication Requirements

Students will follow Klein College of Media and Communication Baccalaureate (B.A.) Degree Requirements.

Klein College of Media and Communication Baccalaureate (B.A.) Degree Requirements.

Major Requirements

44 credits required

Major courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C- or higher.

Foundation Courses

These courses should be completed during the first semesters, alongside GenEd requirements.

Course #	Course Title	Credits
KLN 1001	Klein First-Year Seminar	1
KLN 1002	Introduction to Professional Development	1
CMST 1111	Communication and Public Life	3
MSP 1021	Introduction to Media Analysis	3

Core Courses

To be completed after Foundation Courses, alongside GenEd requirements. Students must complete each course with a grade of C- or higher.

Course #	Course Title	Credits
CMST 2111	Communications Seminar	3
Select one of the following (Communication Theory):
JRN 1111	Journalism and Society	3
ADV 1101	Introduction to Media and Society	3
Select one of the following (Research Methods):
JRN 2101	Journalism Research	3
ADV 2141	Introduction to Brand Strategy and Research	3
Select one of the following (Analysis):
MSP 2421	Media Popular Culture	3
COMC 1111	Presentations for Policy Change	3
Select one of the following (Cross-Cultural Perspectives (specific to TUJ)):
COMC 3701	Intercultural Communication	3
JRN 3706	Journalism and Globalization	3

Notes: Main Campus may offer more course selections for Core Course areas. Speak with your advisor for details.

Contemporary Media Environments (CME) Track

The Contemporary Media Environments (CME) Track focuses on the interplay between communication, culture, and technology. Students explore how media industries, journalism, and digital platforms influence society and identity while developing skills in writing, media criticism, and analysis.
Students must take one course from at least three different departments within the Klein College of Media and Communication. At least one course must be Writing Intensive (WI) and at the 3000-level or above. One 2000+ Production course may count toward the Klein/SMC Course requirement (not WI or 3000+/4000+). An internship may also be applied toward the Klein/SMC requirement (not WI or 4000+). Total credits within the major: 44.

Thesis Track

The Thesis Track is designed for students who wish to pursue independent research and prepare for graduate-level study. In addition to coursework across multiple communication disciplines, students gain advanced writing and research experience through the completion of a two-semester thesis project.
Students must take one course from at least three different departments within the Klein College of Media and Communication. At least one course must be a Writing Intensive (WI) and at the 3000-level or above. Students must also complete three levels of foreign language study (Levels 1–3) and two thesis courses (Thesis 1 and Thesis 2). An internship may be applied toward the Klein/SMC Course requirement (not WI or 4000+). Total credits within the major: 44.

Notes:

Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in all major courses.
Students must select one of the three available tracks: Contemporary Media Environments, Production Track, or Thesis.
For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, please refer to the Temple University BulletinNew Tab

Undergraduate