Communication & Media Studies at Adams State University

Learn to compose and produce media for various audiences through the Communication & Media program at Adams State University. The Communication & Media Studies major encourages you to apply reading, writing and critical thinking skills within a multimedia environment.

Through coursework, student media groups, and hands-on projects, you’ll examine and appraise different media, including written, studio, and video materials. You’ll have access to broadcasting equipment and video-editing software and equipment, as well as opportunities to work for the The Paw Print student newspaper, KASF-FM student radio and more.

Upon graduation, you’ll demonstrate competence in a variety of media forms and techniques. The skills and knowledge you gain at Adams State will prepare you for many career paths, broadcasting, video production, social media, graduate school, and a variety of other communication-oriented careers.

Why choose Communication & Media Studies at Adams State?

  • Access to video, radio, and newspaper equipment and experiences, even in your first year!
  • Professors who are knowledgeable about Media Studies and the media industry.
  • Fun, friendly atmosphere and close-knit students.

Related Programs

Contact Us 

719-587-7800
800-824-6494
bbonnstetter@adams.edu

Adams State campus north

Communication & Media Studies Program Highlights

The Haynie Center

The Haynie Center is the home of the Adams State student-run media, including: The Paw Print newspaper; KASF Grizz Radio; Grizzly Video Production and the SandHill Review, literary and arts magazine. The center is located on the north end of the Student Union Building. The center is named after Brooks Haynie, Ph.D, who passed away in the fall of 2006. He taught Mass Communication at Adams State from 1998 until 2006.

90.9 FM GRIZZ RADIO

Communication & Media Studies Program Outcomes

Write Your Own Story

A Communication & Media major lays the groundwork for understanding the foundations and major principles of mass media and can lead to a mass media career and beyond. Students apply basic concepts learned in the major to any communication path they follow.

Traditional Media

If you are pursuing a career in a traditional media field such as a journalism, you can apply your understanding of media learned in the sequence to a wide range of work.

You’ll analyze different forms of media, study the impact media has on our culture, and learn about media history and laws. You may also have a chance to test the waters by creating media projects of your own. Most students graduate with a well rounded portfolio.

Campus Media

Campus media outlets provide valuable practical experience, which prepares students for their future profession.

The Paw Print – Newspaper
KASF Grizz Radio
Grizzly Video Productions
The Haynie Center

Careers

Multi-media Production
Radio
Sports Writing
Broadcast
Video Production
Social Media Manager

Adams State north campus

Communication & Media Studies Program Faculty

bonnstetter-mass-comm
Beth Bonnstetter, Ph.D.
Professor | Program Chair
Paul-Tunis-1x1-1-200x200
Paul Tunis, MFA
Asst. Professor, Media Writing

Communication & Media Studies Program Curriculum

Explore Some of Our Courses

COMM 280 Visual Rhetoric (3 hours)
The discourse behind visual communication will be explored. Photography, television, film, web images, etc. will be analyzed for their persuasive meanings. Further, students will create visual messages using standard industry practices to gain an appreciation of how visual rhetorical meaning is encoded.

COMM 345  The Business of Radio & TV (3 hours)
Students will take an in-depth look into how the radio and television industries operate, including possible career options in these areas. Topics covered will include radio stations and radio clusters, media conglomeration, showrunning, the television “upfronts,” the Nielsen Ratings, pitching, and more!

COMM 350: Media Theory & Criticism (3 hours)
Students will explore various theories that explain the nature of mass communication, the impact that media have on society, and the trends in media consumption. Particular emphasis will be placed on propaganda, violence in media, information processing, media monopolies, and critical media consumption. Students will be expected to track current media and debate contemporary media controversies in class.

Academic Catalog