Want to see what your path might look like as a media studies major? Here’s a sample schedule to give you an idea what classes you’ll be taking, plus term-by-term tips for keeping your education on track. Keep our academic requirements in mind—for a bachelor of arts degree (BA), you’ll need to take two years of a foreign language, and for a bachelor of science (BS), you’ll need to take at least one year of math.
The tables below show a general breakdown of courses for prospective students. Current SOJC students: Please meet with an advisor to discuss your specific schedule.
Fall Term - First Year
| Foreign Language 101 (BA) or MATH/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J201 Media & Society |
4 |
| WR 121 College Composition I |
4 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
Winter Term - First Year
| Foreign Language 102 or MATH/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J100 Media Professions |
2 |
| WR 122 College Composition II |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
Spring Term - First Year
| Foreign Language 103 (BA) or MATH/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J101 Grammar for Communicators |
2 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
First-Year Benchmarks
- Complete pre-major core courses.
- Join a student group.
- Attend a major info session.
- Begin career exploration.
- Meet with your academic advisor.
- Explore study-abroad options.
Fall Term - Second Year
| Foreign Language 201 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J211 Gateway to Media |
8 |
Winter Term - Second Year
| Foreign Language 201 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J212 Writing for Communicators |
4 |
| J320 Gender, Media, and Diversity (SOJC Core Context A) |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Spring Term - Second Year
| Foreign Language 203 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J213 Fact or Fiction |
4 |
| J250 Media Studies Production |
2 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Second-Year Benchmarks
- Consider starting a minor.
- Do informational interviews.
- Decide on your major specialization.
- Craft a resumé and cover letter.
- Meet with your faculty advisor.
Fall Term - Third Year
| J314 Intro to Media Studies |
4 |
| J385 Communication Law (SOJC Core Context A) |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Winter Term - Third Year
| J415 Media Studies Research Methods |
4 |
| J396 International Communication (SOJC Core Context A) |
4 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
| Elective |
4 |
Spring Term - Third Year
| J397 Media Ethics (SOJC Core Context A, >1* Arts & Letters) |
4 |
| Media Studies Specialization |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Third-Year Benchmarks
- Create a graduation plan with an advisor.
- Continue adding to your portfolio.
- Do an internship.
- Consider pursuing graduate school.
- Start actively networking.
Fall Term - Fourth Year
| J387 Media History (SOJC Core Context A) |
4 |
| Media Studies Specialization |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
Winter Term - Fourth Year
| Media Studies Specialization |
4 |
| Media Studies Specialization |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Elective |
4 |
Spring Term - Fourth Year
| J413 Capstone |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Elective |
4 |
Fourth-Year Benchmarks
- Connect with a career advisor to discuss job search and/or graduate programs.
- Do another internship.
- Continue networking.
- Apply for your degree and the SOJC Commencement Ceremony!
* Notations designate core ed courses associated with the following subject areas: >1 Arts & Letters; >2 Social Science; >3, >4, >5 Science
Academic Support and Career Advising
Need some guidance? Our academic advisors are here for you. The SOJC Student Services Center is your one-stop shop for undergrad academic advice and career-building tips. All undergraduate SOJC students are welcome—even if you haven’t enrolled yet. Drop in to Student Services on the ground floor of Allen Hall or make an appointment and get on track to meet your goals.
