Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies is a studies-based interdisciplinary major. It features the academic (aesthetic, analytical, critical, historical, theoretical) and interdisciplinary study of communication as represented by the departments included within the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication.

Designed to ensure flexibility and choice, Communication Studies allows students a chance to fully investigate multiple fields in the communications discipline. Emphasis is placed on providing an overview of Communication while also accentuating personal academic growth. Personal choice and options allow students a chance to complete the degree in a timely manner.

In this interdisciplinary program, Communication Studies students must select one of the following concentrations as a distinctive area of investigation:

  • Communication and Entrepreneurship
  • Contemporary Media Environments
  • Global and Community Engagement 
  • Production (for Temple Japan students only)
  • Communication Studies Thesis (the Major of Distinction concentration, which is available for advanced scholars)

An optional concentration in International Communication is also available.

The flexibility of the Communication Studies program offers students access to the field experiences, internships and study away experiences vital to a comprehensive education. Students with a number of skill sets and academic interest areas are often drawn to this innovative program and graduates are poised for a number of professional and academic possibilities, such as graduate, law or professional school. Graduates of this program will be well-suited to pursue a variety of positions across numerous aspects of the communications field.

Students receive cross-curricular expertise through foundation and core courses. Academic rigor and student choice are at the very core of the program. Choices allow a student flexibility, and curricular oversight ensures a solid, academically robust education. Courses are designed to allow student progress to be monitored at yearly intervals. Experiential learning is promoted, particularly during the junior and senior years. Cross cultural exchanges and experiences are integral aspects of the program's design. Advanced scholars have a distinct and individualized concentration.

Production Concentration

The Production concentration is available only at Temple University, Japan Campus. It provides an overview of divergent technologies used in the production of media, including traditional and multi-media platforms. Students wishing to expand their knowledge of communications to include skill-based knowledge vital in a variety of professional fields, including filmmaking, television and radio are welcome.

Students are expected to gain an understanding of both fiction and non-fiction narratives, and how technological components such as photography, editing and audio contribute to the realization of the project. As writing is a crucial component of project work, students will complete scripts, essays and articles, including extensive revision. Attainment of professional production broadcast standards is expected.

Campus Location: Japan

Program Code: CO-CMST-BA

Contact Information

Kevin Jones, MFA, Chair of the Division of Media and Fine Arts
kevinhjones@tuj.temple.edu

Ron Carr, MFA, Faculty Advisor for the Communication Studies Major
carr@tuj.temple.edu

Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2024-2025. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2024 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Summary of Requirements

The degree of Bachelor of Arts may be conferred upon a student majoring in Communication Studies by the recommendation of the faculty and upon satisfactory completion of a minimum of 124 semester hours (s.h.) of credit with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 overall and in the major.

Students must meet:

  1. University requirements
    • All students are required to complete the General Education (GenEd) curriculum.
    • All students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses in the major at Temple University.
  2. Lew Klein College of Media and Communication requirements, including KLN 1001 and KLN 1002.
  3. Minimum of 42 s.h. in Communication Studies.
  4. Each course that fulfills a requirement for the major must be passed with a C- or better.
  5. Maximum of 30 s.h. in any one Klein department may be counted toward the major.
  6. A maximum of 4 s.h. of Internship credit may be counted toward the degree.
  7. A maximum of 8 s.h. combined of Independent Study and/or Special Projects may be counted toward the degree.
  8. No more than 8 s.h. in Kinesiology and Dance activities courses.
  9. Students may participate in study away programs.
  10. Transfer students are required to complete a minimum of 24 s.h. of major courses at Temple.
  11. Communication Studies majors may minor in established Klein minors. The Communication Studies student who declares a minor must complete the entire program requirements for both the major and the minor. Courses listed for both the Communication Studies major and Klein minor will only apply towards one of the curriculums. If the class is part of an array of courses, students will be required to take a different course to satisfy the major requirement.

Communication Studies: Production Concentration Requirements

  1. All Communication Studies majors must take the following two foundation courses:
    CMST 1111Communication and Public Life3
    MSP 1021Introduction to Media Analysis3
    Total Credit Hours6
  2. All majors will take five additional core courses. Students will select one course each from the categories below (15 credits). Students should plan to meet the prerequisites for courses in their selected concentration by taking appropriate core courses.
    Core Courses
    CMST 2111Communications Seminar 13
    Communication Theory
    Select one of the following:3
    Introduction to Media and Society
    Journalism and Society
    Research Methods
    Select one of the following:3
    Introduction to Brand Strategy and Research
    Journalism Research
    Analysis
    Select one of the following:3
    Introduction to Public Speaking
    Media Popular Culture 1
    Cross-Cultural Perspectives (specific to TUJ)
    Select one of the following:3
    Intercultural Communication
    Journalism and Globalization
    Total Credit Hours15
    1

    Course has prerequisites.

  3. In consultation with a faculty advisor, a student must take seven courses (minimum 21 credits) from the list below.
  • Students must have met the prerequisites for courses in their concentration by taking the appropriate core courses (see above).
  • All students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses in the major. MSP 4796 is required. (TV Production Focus students are recommended to complete MSP 4796 before taking MSP 3701.) For the other writing-intensive course, options for this concentration are MSP 3196, MSP 3296MSP 4496, and JRN 2396.
    MSP 1701Introduction to Media Production3
    Choose either the TV Production or Audio/Radio focus:12
    TV Production Focus
    Intermediate Video Production
    Genres of Media Production
    Select one of the following:
    Audio for Media
    Advanced Editing
    Media Performance
    Producing and Directing
    Audio/Radio Focus
    Audio for Media
    Studio Music Recording Techniques
    Select one of the following:
    Intermediate Video Production
    Sound for Visual Media
    Media Performance
    Writing-Intensive Courses
    MSP 4796Creative Scriptwriting3
    Select one of the following:3
    Magazine Article Writing
    Writing Workshop
    Travel Writing
    Global Media
    Total Credit Hours21

Suggested Academic Plan

Please note that this is a suggested academic plan. Depending on your situation, your academic plan may look different.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a Concentration in Production

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2024-2025 Academic Year

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredit Hours
CMST 1111 Communication and Public Life 3
Select one of the following (Communication Theory): 3
Introduction to Media and Society  
Journalism and Society  
KLN 1001 Klein First-Year Seminar 1
ENG 0802
Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW]
or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
4
GenEd Quantitative Literacy Course [GQ] 4
 Credit Hours15
Spring
MSP 1021 Introduction to Media Analysis 3
KLN 1002 Klein College Introduction to Professional Development 1
GenEd Breadth Course 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Year 2
Fall
CMST 2111 Communications Seminar 3
Select one of the following (Analysis): 3
Media Popular Culture  
Introduction to Public Speaking  
IH 0851
Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
MSP 1701 Introduction to Media Production 3
Select one of the following (Research Methods): 3
Introduction to Brand Strategy and Research  
Journalism Research  
Select one of the following (Cross-Cultural Perspectives): 3
Intercultural Communication  
Journalism and Globalization  
IH 0852
Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours15
Year 3
Fall
MSP 4796 Creative Scriptwriting [WI] 3
Select one of the following based on either the TV Production or Audio/Radio focus: 4
Intermediate Video Production (for TV Production focus)  
Audio for Media (for Audio/Radio focus)  
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Electives 6
 Credit Hours16
Spring
Select one of the following based on the focus chosen in previous semester: 4
Genres of Media Production (for TV Production focus)  
Studio Music Recording Techniques (for Audio/Radio focus)  
Select one of the following based on the focus chosen in previous semester: 4
For TV Production focus, select one of the following courses:
 
Audio for Media  
Advanced Editing  
Media Performance  
Producing and Directing  
For Audio/Radio focus, select one of the following courses:
 
Intermediate Video Production  
Sound for Visual Media  
Media Performance  
Electives 9
 Credit Hours17
Year 4
Fall
Electives 15
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select one of the following: 3
Magazine Article Writing [WI]  
Writing Workshop [WI]  
Travel Writing [WI]  
Global Media [WI]  
Electives 12
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours124

Optional Concentration

The optional International Communication Concentration (ICC) provides a theoretical and practical education in international and intercultural communication and media. This program allows students to develop sought-after competencies in cultural sensitivity and intercultural communication skills by encouraging students to reflect on their own cultural lenses. Students participating in the ICC program will be exposed to multiple international perspectives through internationally- and interculturally-oriented courses offered on Temple's domestic campuses and may be supplemented with study abroad coursework.

This concentration is restricted to Klein students only.

Requirements

To earn the International Communication Concentration transcript notation, a student must successfully complete a total of 18-20 credits of International / Intercultural studies courses, a maximum 9 credits of which may come from courses transferred into Temple, across 3 areas. Each course that fulfills a requirement for the concentration must be passed with a C- or better.

Common Course
Select one of the following:3
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
Klein International/Intercultural courses
Select three of the following:9
Any ADV, CMST, CSI, JRN, MSP, or PR courses taken as part of a Klein GO International Program, or on an overseas Temple Campus (Main Campus Students: Rome or Japan; TUJ Students: Main or Rome; Rome Students: Main or Japan).
Any ADV, CMST, CSI, JRN, MSP, or PR International Internship completed as part of a Klein GO Program
Intercultural and Cross Cultural Conflict
Communication, Culture and Identity
Intercultural Communication in the Workplace (if not used to fulfill common course requirement above)
International Reporting
Journalism and Globalization
Media and Cultural Differences
Communication and Development
Information Society
Global Media
Global Communication and Leadership
International/Intercultural Electives outside of Klein
Note: Satisfying the GenEd World Society requirement by completing a Study Abroad does not also satisfy this requirement.
Choose any two (2) courses of the following:6-8
Up to any two foreign language courses
Any non-Klein courses at the 2000-level or higher taken in a Klein GO International Program, or on an overseas Temple Campus (Main Campus Students: Rome or Japan; TUJ Students: Main or Rome; Rome Students: Main or Japan).
Any non-Klein internship taken in a Klein GO International Program
Anthropology
Visual Anthropology of Modern Japan
Visual Anthropology of Modern Japan
The Anthropology of Modern China
The Anthropology of Modern China
Peoples of Latin America
Peoples of Latin America
Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean
Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean
Art History
Roman Art and Archaeology
Greek and Roman Sculpture
Early Modern Italy and Spain in the 17th Century
Northern and Global Baroque Art: Art in the Age of Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer
Transnational Impressionisms
Modern Art, 1900-1945
Arts of Asia
History of Art in Rome (Study Abroad - Rome)
Art and Culture in Ancient Rome (Study Abroad - Rome)
Wonders of Rome: Art and Culture of the Baroque Era (Study Abroad - Rome)
Galleries and Studios of Rome (Study Abroad - Rome)
Arts of Asia (Study Abroad - Japan)
Pre-Modern Japanese Art up to the Edo Period (Study Abroad - Japan)
Asian Studies
Practical Asian Society and Culture
Survey of Japanese Literature Before 1868
Tokyo in Literature and Film
Tokyo in Literature and Film
Japanese Literature in Film
Japanese Literature in Film
Japan in a Changing World
South Asia: Peoples, Culture, Experiences
Japanese Culture
Japanese Culture
Introduction to Southeast Asia: Insular
Introduction to Southeast Asia: Mainland
Introduction to Asian Business
Ideology and Social Change in Japan
Ideology and Social Change in Japan
China: State and Society
China: State and Society
Contemporary China
Contemporary China
Japan Today
Japan Today
Women and Society in Japan
Women and Society in Japan
Film & Media Arts
International Cinema
Geography & Urban Studies
Urban Systems in a Global Economy
African Development
East and South Asia
Geography of East and South Asia
International Urbanization
Environmental Problems in Asia
Environmental Problems in Asia
Environmental Problems in Asia
Geography of Travel and Tourism
Transportation & Culture
History
History of Central Europe, 1618-1871
Central Europe Through Wars and Revolution, 1848-1989
Introduction to East Asia: China
Introduction to East Asia: China
Introduction to East Asia: Japan
Introduction to East Asia: Japan
Introduction to Southeast Asia: Insular
Introduction to Southeast Asia: Insular
Introduction to Southeast Asia: Mainland
Introduction to Southeast Asia: Mainland
Introduction to African History
Introduction to Latin America
Civilization and Modernity in the Caribbean
Civilization and Modernity in the Caribbean
Modern Islamic History
Third World Issues through Film
Irish History
History of England
Russia: Nationality and Empire
Russia: Revolution, State, and Empire
Southern Africa: A History
The Chinese Revolution
Modern India
History of Vietnam
History of Brazil
History of Brazil
Contemporary Mexico
Contemporary Mexico
Israel: History, Politics and Society
Modern Middle East
Third World Women's Lives
Jewish Studies
Jewish Diaspora/Survey of Jewish History
Latin American Studies
Latin America through Film and Fiction
Comparative Political Systems in Latin America
Fundamentals of Latin American Business
Fundamentals of Latin American Business
Historical Continuity and Social Change in Latin America
Sociology of Music: Nation, Race, Class and Gender in Argentina and Brazil
"Other Voices" in Latin American Literature
Caribbean Literature and Culture
African Culture in Brazil
Political Science
Contemporary Politics of Europe
Eastern Europe, Russia and the West
Comparative Political Systems in Latin America
Comparative Public Policy
Politics of International Law
Politics of the Global Economy
International Organization
British Government and Politics
Mideast Politics
East Asia and the United States
East Asia and the United States
International Environmental Policy
International Environmental Policy
Religion
Religion and Human Sexuality
Religion in Film
Indian Philosophies and Religions
Religions of India
Introduction to Buddhism
Introduction to Buddhism
Chinese Religions - Confucius to Mao
Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism
Introduction to Judaism
Introduction to Judaism
Kabbalah and Mysticism
Kabbalah and Mysticism
Jesus in the Media
Introduction to Islam
Religion in Contemporary Africa
Monks, Masters, and Magicians: Religion in Premodern Chinese Literature
Monks, Masters, and Magicians: Religion in Premodern Chinese Literature
I-Ching, Tao, and Ch'an/Zen
I-Ching, Tao, and Ch'an/Zen
Japanese Religions
Japanese Religions
The Philosophies of Judaism
The Philosophies of Judaism
The Islamic State
Women in Islam
Islamic Mysticism
African Religions and New World Culture
Total Credit Hours18-20

Contact Information

Jack Klotz, MSP Faculty Advisor
Annenberg Hall, Room 115
215-204-5823
jklotz@temple.edu