Communication & Media Studies at Sonoma State University

Notice

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sonoma State University has transitioned to remote instruction for spring 2020. Employees are working remotely in almost all departments. Email is the best way to communicate with our faculty and staff. Please see the SSU COVID-19 site for more information.

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Announcements

COMS "News and Events": Be sure to check out our "News and Events" section for an important message from your COMS Dept. Chair about Coronavirus precautions and preparations.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SPRING AND SUMMER 2020 GRADUATES!

Please see the video below in your honor:

Communication & Media Studies

Are you considering a career in media? Our department offers media-focused courses, experienced professors and a hands-on learning experience. Our classes cross over a diverse range of topics and skillsets which allow students to be knowledgeable in many aspects of the media industry.

What is Media Studies?

Media Studies explores the history and impact of media on society as well as research theory and methods of media analysis. Our core curriculum is designed to make students smarter, more savvy media consumers as well as more thoughtful and ethical media practitioners.

Tricaster Studio

We also provide our students with a robust curriculum that allows them to develop media skills in a variety of areas, including video production, writing for the media, public relations, broadcasting and digital media. Students have the opportunity to focus on specific skills or developing skills across the media spectrum.

Change of Major

Do you want to become a COMS Major?

COMS is an impacted major. Check the “announcements” box on this website for the latest dates and information about our application process. Please request to be notified when applications are available each semester. COMS Change of Major - Request to be Notified

Classroom Picture with Amy G

Careers, Fields & Industries

Where Do SSU COMS Alumni Work?

There are many career paths that a person with a Communication and Media Studies Major can choose. Below are some of the career paths that graduates from Sonoma State University with a major in Communication and Media Studies have followed. Use this as an ideas list, but certainly not all of the careers you might consider:

Print Journalism
Public Relations
Radio Broadcasting

Video Production
Feature Films
Web Design

Television News
Social Media
Web Content Management

Message from Department Chair

The changes in media over the past decade alone have been seismic. From the explosion of social media platforms to the ubiquity of the smart phone, new media has fundamentally changed who we are. The Communication and Media Studies major helps students not only understand the impact of these changes, but also how to become more savvy media consumers.

We also help prepare student for possible media careers by teaching a wide variety of skillsets that include writing for the media, video production, radio broadcasting, public relations, and digital design. Our goal is to create an environment where students can discover and develop their interests and turn them into lifelong passions.

Ed Beebout, Professor

News & Events

Spotlight

Mirage

Is true love an illusion? That subject is explored by students in the Studio Blue short film group.