B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Media Studies
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Media Studies at Queens College is designed to equip students with critical skills to analyze and understand the diverse systems for transmitting information and cultural resources, encompassing everything from traditional print and film to television, video games, the internet, and mobile technologies. The program explores media institutions, forms, content, creative processes, and social effects from multidisciplinary perspectives. It prepares students for various professions where information is shared and exchanged, including journalism, public relations, advertising, broadcasting, digital media, and further graduate studies, by fostering critical thinking, research acumen, and effective communication.
Curriculum The Media Studies curriculum at Queens College is structured to provide both a theoretical foundation and practical skills. Core required courses typically include "The Contemporary Media," "Media Writing," and "Social Media," along with a course focusing on advertising aesthetics or commercial design. Students also delve into "Media Criticism" and are encouraged to take a course in cultural anthropology. Beyond these core requirements, students choose from a wide array of electives that allow for specialization in areas such as film and television studies, advertising and marketing, international communications, or media arts. The curriculum may also include production-oriented courses in multimedia, studio television, filmmaking, screenwriting, podcasting, and post-production, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in content creation. The program emphasizes strong writing and analytical skills, preparing students to critically evaluate media messages within socio-cultural, political, and historical contexts.
Research Focus The Media Studies Department at Queens College fosters research that critically examines the global social, cultural, economic, and political impact of various media. Faculty research interests are diverse, encompassing areas such as film and television studies, advertising and marketing, international communications, digital media, and media arts. Specific research topics explored by faculty include media narratives of social issues, the culture and economy of disaster, queer media, environmental cultural studies, new materialist feminism, and the relationship between moving images and state power. Students are encouraged to engage in research, often culminating in writing-intensive courses or independent projects, where they learn to apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary media phenomena and analyze the role of media in shaping society.
Industry Engagement Queens College leverages its strategic location in New York City to provide extensive industry engagement opportunities for its Media Studies students. The college's Center for Career Engagement and Internships plays a vital role in connecting students with internships and career resources. Students can participate in a dedicated Media Studies Internship Program, which offers for-credit placements at major media institutions across the New York metropolitan area, including opportunities in advertising, public relations, radio, television, production, and casting. These internships provide invaluable real-world experience, allowing students to integrate classroom learning with practical work, build professional networks, and gain insights into the functioning of media industries at local, national, and global levels. The department also hosts colloquia featuring industry practitioners and researchers, providing students with direct access to professionals and current industry trends.
Global Perspective Queens College's inherent diversity, with students from over 130 countries, significantly contributes to the global perspective embedded within its Media Studies program. The multicultural environment on campus enriches discussions about global media systems, cultural representations, and cross-cultural communication. The curriculum explicitly addresses global media phenomena, exploring how different cultures produce, consume, and are influenced by media. Courses often delve into international communications and the global flow of information. The program encourages students to develop a nuanced understanding of how media shapes and is shaped by diverse global contexts, preparing them to work effectively in an increasingly interconnected and culturally varied media landscape, whether locally within New York City's multicultural environment or in international settings.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Media Studies provides a dynamic and interdisciplinary education, equipping graduates with critical analytical skills and practical experience vital for success in the ever-evolving media landscape. Located in the heart of New York City, a global media hub, the program offers unparalleled opportunities for internships and professional networking, preparing students for diverse and impactful careers.
Journalist (Print, Broadcast, Digital): With strong media writing and critical analysis skills, graduates can pursue careers as reporters, editors, or content creators for newspapers, magazines, television, radio, or online news platforms. They are well-prepared to research, evaluate, and disseminate information.
Public Relations Specialist: Media Studies majors understand how to shape public perception and manage communication. They can work for PR agencies, corporations, or non-profits, crafting press releases, managing media relations, and developing communication strategies to build and maintain a positive public image.
Advertising Account Executive/Strategist: Leveraging their understanding of media effects and consumer behavior, graduates can work in advertising agencies, developing campaigns, managing client accounts, and strategizing how to effectively reach target audiences through various media channels.
Social Media Manager: In today's digital age, businesses and organizations heavily rely on social media. Graduates can manage social media presence, create engaging content, analyze performance metrics, and execute social media marketing campaigns.
Content Creator/Producer (Digital, Video, Audio): With practical skills in multimedia, video, or audio production, graduates can create diverse content for websites, YouTube channels, podcasts, streaming platforms, or corporate communication. This includes roles like video editor, podcast producer, or digital content specialist.
Film/Television Production Assistant: For those interested in the entertainment industry, a Media Studies degree provides a foundational understanding of film and television. Graduates can start as production assistants on sets, learning the intricacies of production from the ground up, with potential to move into roles like assistant director, researcher, or coordinator.
Media Planner/Buyer: These professionals work in advertising or media agencies, determining the best media outlets (TV, radio, digital, print) to place advertisements, negotiating rates, and optimizing campaigns for maximum reach and effectiveness.
User Experience (UX) Researcher/Designer: Understanding how users interact with digital platforms and media is crucial in UX. Graduates can apply their analytical skills to research user behavior, design intuitive interfaces, and ensure optimal user experiences for websites, apps, and other digital products.
Market Researcher (Media Focus): Media Studies graduates are adept at research and data analysis. They can work for market research firms, analyzing media consumption trends, audience demographics, and the effectiveness of media campaigns to provide valuable insights for clients.
Arts Administrator (Media Arts/Film): Graduates can work in arts organizations, film institutes, or cultural centers, managing programs, coordinating events, and promoting media arts and film to the public. Their passion for media and organizational skills are key in these roles.
