Media, Culture, and Communication (BS)

Program Description

The BS in Media, Culture, and Communication (MCC) is a 128-credit program that foregrounds the historical, political, and cultural dimensions of media and technology. As MCC majors, students gain the tools to research, analyze, and understand complex media landscapes in local and global contexts. Majors are encouraged to take advantage of the courses we offer abroad, for example through our Global Media Scholars Program, to cultivate their knowledge of the production, circulation, and reception of media around the world. Opportunities to apply theoretical coursework in practice can be sought through the degree’s Professional Electives, by completing the optional Internship Program, and/or the BEMT minor, among other pathways.

The components of the major include a strong liberal arts preparation, three core courses in theory and analysis, and upper-level courses consisting of three framing courses and four electives in the following five areas of study:

• Global Communication and Media
• Visual Culture and Sound Studies
• Interaction and Experience
• Media Industries and Politics
• Technology and Society

If interested in pursuing a double major, students may consider combining the major in MCC with journalism, politics, sociology, or another area of interest. Students must consult with their primary adviser in MCC and an adviser in the department of the proposed second major to discuss both programs of study. Students may also declare a co-major in Global Public Health/Media, Culture, and Communication.

Honors

Departmental Honors: Senior Honors Seminar for selected students with at least a 3.75 grade point average, culminating in a senior thesis/project based on faculty-supervised independent research.

Undertaking the Honors Program in Media, Culture, and Communication is an exciting but demanding opportunity for students with outstanding academic records and a serious intellectual curiosity about the discipline. The program prepares and guides students to pursue original, independent research under the supervision of a full-time faculty member during the senior year.

Admissions

New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply. 

Program Requirements

Areas of Study

Global Communication and Media

Visual Culture and Sound Studies

Technology and Society

Media Industries and Politics

Sample Plan of Study

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Identify and explain the key concepts, theories, and scholarly work associated with the study of media, culture, and communication.
2. Compare and contrast key historical cases and concepts in the study of media, culture, and communication, and apply historical insights to the contemporary world.
3. Choose and apply appropriate methods to questions of concern in the study of media, culture, and communication.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking and analysis of the complex interrelations and dynamics of media in its diverse forms, as they unfold in historically and geographically distinct social, political, and economic contexts.
5. Translate points of curiosity around phenomena in media, culture, and communication into feasible scholarly questions, and develop a feasible path of inquiry.

Policies

Program Policies

Minimum Grades

MCC and GPH/MCC majors and minors must earn a B- or better in MCC-UE 1 Introduction to Media Studies, MCC-UE 3 History of Media and Communication, and MCC-UE 14 Methods in Media Studies. Students are allowed one unique opportunity to retake a core course during their time in the program. Students receiving below a B- in two or more MCC core courses will have to explore other options for majoring at NYU.

STEM OPT Benefits for International Students

If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in this program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT.

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Steinhardt Academic Policies

Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.