Communication Arts Major: Cinema and Media Arts Option (B.A.)

Communication Arts Major: Cinema and Media Arts Option (B.A.)
cinema and media arts

Study the creative media industries to develop professional skills and knowledge in film, television and radio


What is cinema and media arts?

Cinema and media arts explores human communication through film, video, audio, digital arts and interactive media. Students in this field learn to act creatively, expressing their ideas through light, motion, color, sound and more. They are also challenged to think critically through the interpretation of media in cultural and historical contexts.

Why study cinema and media arts at UNH Manchester?

The communication arts: cinema and media arts option prepares students for careers in radio, film and television through courses in audio and video production, screenwriting, narrative, film history and more. Students study the creative media industries in-depth, developing the professional skills and knowledge that employers and graduate schools look for. With a focus on real-world learning, students get hands-on experience in our video and audio editing studios and may elect to intern at one of the high-profile media outlets in the area.

Potential careers

  • Art director
  • Camera operator
  • Cinematographer
  • Digital video editor
  • Film/TV marketing coordinator
  • Film producer or director
  • Graphic designer
  • Media writer or author
  • Motion graphics/multimedia artist
  • Production assistant
  • Screenwriter
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Curriculum & Requirements

Students choosing the Cinema & Media Arts Option study the creative media industries with a focus on developing professional skills and knowledge relating to careers in film, television and radio. Courses cover topics such as narrative, screenwriting, audio and video production, film history and criticism, documentary, and audience research methods. Students may elect to take an internship in the area of cinema and media arts to help fulfill requirements for the Option.
 
 For more information, contact Jeff Klenotic, program coordinator or contact the UNH Manchester Office of Admissions, (603) 641-4150.
 
 

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH Manchester undergraduate students will develop individual academic plans with their professional advisor during the first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
UMST 401
or UMST 402
First Year Seminar
or Transfer Seminar
1-2
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing 4
CMN 455 Introduction to Media Studies 4
Discovery Course 4
Elective 4
 Credits17-18
Spring
Quantitative Reasoning 4
CMN 456 Propaganda and Persuasion 4
Discovery Course 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
Foreign Language 4
CMN 457 Introduction to Language and Social Interaction 4
Major Elective 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Spring
Foreign Language 4
Major Elective 4
Major Elective 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Third Year
Fall
Major Elective 4
Discovery Course 4
Elective 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
Spring
Major Elective 4
Discovery Course 4
Elective 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
Fourth Year
Fall
Major Elective 4
Discovery Course 4
Elective 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
Spring
Major Elective 4
Discovery Course 4
Elective 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
 Total Credits129-130

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: Yes

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Students must complete all of the Communication Arts major requirements and will work with their academic advisor to select courses that also satisfy option requirements.

Cinema and Media Arts Option Requirements

The option in Cinema and Media Arts consists of 24 credits as distributed below. Courses may be used toward the Communication Arts Degree requirements as well as the Cinema and Media Arts option. Courses applied to the option must be completed with a minimum grade of C- and overall GPA of 2.0. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 12 credits at UNH Manchester.

I. Select three of the following:12
CA 500
Media Writing
CA 512
Screenwriting
CA 514
Fundamentals of Video Production
CA 515
Advanced Video Production
CA 517
Fundamentals of Audio Prod
CA 518
Advanced Topics in Digital Media Production 1
CA 519
Advanced Screenwriting
CA 520
Special Topics in Applied Communication 1
II. Select two of the following:8
CA 501
Internship/Communication in the Urban Community 1
CA 502
Image and Sound
CA 527
History of Film
CA 550
Special Topics in Communication Organization, History, and Policy 1
PHIL 565
Philosophy Through Film
III. Select one of the following:4
CA 612
Narrative
CA 615
Film History/Theory and Method
CA 618
Documentary
CA 795
Independent Study 1
Total Credits24
1

 Topic must be related to cinema and media arts.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Upon completion of the Communication Arts program, students will be able to:

  • Analyze how creativity, artistry, narrative, identity, persuasion, and ethics shape messages and relationships produced within a variety of social, organizational, and industry contexts.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills that give them expertise and proficiency in areas such as human relations, social media, digital video, audio production, graphic design, writing, and speaking.
  • Know the history of communication practices and understand how media technologies and messages have impacted societies, cultures, organizations, and businesses.
  • Effectively research and creatively explore communication practices, experiences, and trends using high quality sources of information, multiple modes of inquiry, and multiple presentation formats.
  • Identify professional interests or career paths by working with the Internship and Career Planning Office and by engaging with communication settings outside the classroom through internships, service learning, field trips, and independent studies.

Explore Program Details

As a communication arts major, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art sound recording and video production studios, a high-definition editing lab and a brand-new digital media screening room with surround sound.

Video Production Studio

From script to screen, bring your work to life in our state-of-the-art video studio and editing lab. Explore the artistry of digital media with high-definition cameras, green screen technology and industry standard editing software.

Audio Studio

The audio studio gives you the tools to record, edit and produce your original projects. Equipped with a digital recording booth, editing stations, control room and more, the studio is your haven for both audio and video production.

Our campus is in the heart of the region’s cultural, economic, entertainment and government activity — putting unlimited internship opportunities at your doorstep. We’ve partnered with local businesses to give you the real-world experience that sets you apart. Communication arts majors have interned at many high-profile organizations in the area, including:

  • Granite United Way
  • NH1 News Network
  • New Hampshire Public Radio
  • N.H. Department of Environmental Services
  • Verizon Wireless Arena
  • WMUR-TV

Learn more about internships

Communication arts majors gain the interpersonal and communication skills that employers in all industries look for. With a highly flexible curriculum and the ability to personalize your studies, your communication arts degree will open doors to unlimited career and graduate education opportunities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects positive growth in many communications-related professions between 2012 and 2024. Make an impact with career possibilities in any industry, from media to healthcare, education, counseling and beyond.

Job Title Job Growth Average Salary
Film/Video Editor or Camera Operator 11% $58,900
Graphic Designer 1% $46,900
Multimedia Artist or Animator 6% $63,970
Producer or Director 9% $68,440
Writer or Author 2% $60,250

Learn more about career planning

Add breadth to your degree with a communication arts minor, giving you the interpersonal and communication skills that will set you apart to employers in any industry.

View all minors

In partnership with the New Hampshire community colleges below, we've developed curriculum guides to show you which courses at your community college will transfer into UNH Manchester's communication arts program.

Click on a community college below to see transferable communication arts requirements.

Questions? Contact an admission counselor for help.

See the complete list of Pathways 

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