Requirements
The specialization requires at least 9 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Media Psychology. Three (3) courses:
- MSCH-B 445 Sports and Television
- MSCH-J 360 Journalism Topics (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 470 Broadcast Media Analysis
- MSCH-S 310 Sex in the Media
- MSCH-S 315 Media Processes and Effects
- MSCH-S 317 Children and Media
- MSCH-S 451 Topical Seminar in Media Psychology (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-S 471 Applying Theory to Media Design
- MSCH-V 334 Current Topics in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
MSCH-B 445 Sports and Television
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 203, MSCH-C 207, MSCH-C 208, MSCH-C 209, or MSCH-B 330
- Description
- Seminar exploring issues in televised sports in support of and in conflict with other cultural icons in society, business, and education. Includes writing on the ways sports, as program content, influences the television industry and on the ways television influences college and professional sports.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-B 445 or MSCH-S 445
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourseSummer 2026CASE SHcourseSpring 2026CASE SHcourse
MSCH-J 360 Journalism Topics
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Focuses on emerging trends in journalism. Topics vary.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 enrollments and 18 credit hours in JOUR-J 360 and MSCH-J 360.
MSCH-J 470 Broadcast Media Analysis
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Seminar on problems of communicating news through aural and visual channels. Application of communications theory to broadcast news and public affairs presentations. Study of effects of format, verbal content, nonverbal content, and presenter on communication process.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 470 or MSCH-J 470.
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourseSummer 2026CASE SHcourseSpring 2026CASE SHcourse
MSCH-S 310 Sex in the Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Explores the role and portrayal of sex and sexuality in media and examines in detail the potential social and psychological effects of exposure to sexual content in the media.
- Repeatability
- Credit give for only on of MSCH-S 410 or MSCH-S 310.
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourseSummer 2026CASE SHcourseSpring 2026CASE SHcourse
MSCH-S 315 Media Processes and Effects
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 213; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Examination of the effects of the mass media on human cognitions, attitudes, and behaviors, relying on empirical social science research; emphasis on the effects on individuals, although study will include groups, organizations, and social norms.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-S 315 or TEL-T 314.
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourseSummer 2026CASE SHcourseSpring 2026CASE SHcourse
MSCH-S 317 Children and Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 213, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Acquaints students with the popular and research literatures on children and media, including television and computers. Students will be expected to identify recurring themes and topics related to children and media and to evaluate their significance in understanding the role of media in children's lives.
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourseSummer 2026CASE SHcourseSpring 2026CASE SHcourse
MSCH-S 451 Topical Seminar in Media Psychology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Exploration of social problems and research issues related to media psychology. Topics vary.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
MSCH-S 471 Applying Theory to Media Design
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 101 or MSCH-H 101
- Description
- Basic media theories as well as cognitive, emotional, and social psychology, with a focus on how these theories can be applied to the design of media messages. Special attention given to interactive and immersive mediated environments.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-S 471 or TEL-T 471.
MSCH-V 334 Current Topics in Media
- Credits
- 1–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Analysis of selected problems in media studies. Topics vary each semester.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
- Specialization GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the specialization.
- A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the specialization—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Exceptions to specialization requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.