Cert in Communication and Media Studies

The media literacy certificate helps students understand how media shapes culture and society, and how to share that knowledge with others. It grew out of student interest and the university's commitment to community engagement. The Department of Communication teaches how media messages are constructed and how to take them apart across many media and technologies. Courses also examine the role of audiences and the value of production work. Students engage with local media literacy organizations, including teaching visual literacy in schools and working on state-level policy. The certificate is open to undergraduates and especially useful for future teachers and youth workers. Because courses emphasize both analysis and hands-on production, participants learn not only to question media messages but also to create and teach media literacy lessons in community settings.