Admission
All industries, including businesses and nonprofits, digital and traditional media, the arts and education, rely on communication. Our four undergraduate majors and two master's programs, as well as our minor and micro-credential, provide a diversity of knowledge about media and communication in today's interconnected world.
Apply to be a Media, Film & Journalism Studies Student
Undergraduate Applications
We offer four diverse majors, one minor and a micro-credential program. DU accepts both the Common Application and the University of Denver application. Our admission counselors are here to help you during each step of your admission process.
Graduate Programs
Our MA programs develop media professionals who go on to make a difference in today's global communication challenges.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Film Studies and Production
About this Program
With a BA in film studies and production, you'll be a critical observer and producer of our culture's most powerful media art forms: film and video. You'll learn the history, theory, production and criticism of motion pictures, while developing a hands-on understanding of the film industry.
You’ll explore existing and emergent media platforms, learning what it means to be an ethical, effective and culturally sensitive communicator. You’ll write scripts and participate in screenwriting teams, while developing technical skills in lighting, editing and sound design. Our award-winning faculty will guide you through the processes of fundraising, exhibiting and promoting your films.
You’ll also develop a deeper understanding of how sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, gender, class, age and ability are represented in and by media — and why such representations matter. Our classes adopt an intersectional lens in their exploration of how identity markers create unequal power dynamics both on and off screen, highlighting how off-screen dynamics greatly impact what is seen onscreen.
The BA prepares you for a career in the fast-paced, highly competitive industries of film, video and related fields. After graduating, you can apply your creative and analytical abilities across many sectors, including media, marketing, entertainment, education and communications.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
International and Intercultural Communication
About this Program
In today's increasingly globalized society, the world needs individuals who can navigate the complexities of communication across cultural and geographic borders. By combining courses from the Department of Media, Film and Journalism Studies and the prestigious Josef Korbel School of International Studies, students in the International and Intercultural Communication program gain the cultural knowledge, international relations expertise and communications skills they need to be successful in this environment. As a student in the International and Intercultural Communication program, you will have the freedom to build a personalized, relevant coursework plan that prepares you to pursue your unique professional goals.
You’ll have access to internationally recognized experts in the fields of communication, strategic messaging, international health communication and international relations. Our students complete internships at leading companies and nonprofit organizations and go on to find careers in a wide range of fields such as global health communication, international relations, public diplomacy, international education and administration, international PR and marketing communication.
Students in the International and Intercultural Communication program are also eligible to pursue a certificate in public diplomacy, global health affairs, or global business and corporate responsibility.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Journalism Studies
About this Program
Spurred by technological advances and changes in consumer behavior, journalists now must be equipped to produce content for a variety of platforms. As a BA student in Journalism Studies you will be empowered to develop sound news judgement. You will be prepared to enter the field with the creativity, versatility, and storytelling skills necessary to produce stories for both traditional and digital media. You will receive training in ethical and legal decision-making as well as writing, editing, video/audio production and digital design.
Your Journalism Studies degree will equip you to join a field with a wide range of potential career opportunities — from news anchor and international correspondent to technical writer and book or magazine publisher. By adding a minor area of study outside of journalism you will develop a unique specialization that can also increase employment opportunities. Additionally, you will gain practical work experience and a professional network before you graduate by completing an internship with an off-campus media outlet.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Media and Public Communication
About this Program
The MA in Media and Public Communication combines theory and practice to prepare you for successful careers in strategic communication, public relations, health communication, nonprofit management, media education, research and more.
Choose a concentration based on your interests and professional goals: The Strategic Communication concentration spans the fields of public relations, public affairs, health communication and brand management. The Media and Globalization concentration explores how media industries and technologies influence cultural, economic and political processes in contemporary societies.
Students in the Media and Public Communication program are also eligible to pursue the Public Diplomacy Certificate.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Media Studies
About this Program
Contemporary communication and information media — including traditional and digital media — are integral to political, economic and cultural life today. As a student in the BA in Media Studies, you will learn to examine critically the role and influence of media in our society. You will cultivate a broad understanding of media industries and will also gain communication skills that are applicable to almost any profession.
You will work directly with faculty who are producing research and creative work across the globe as you are challenged to develop a deeper understanding of how sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, gender, class, age and ability are represented in and by media — and why such representations matter.
Before you graduate, you'll build career experience by completing an internship in an industry you're passionate about. The BA in Media Studies will equip you with skills you can take to graduate or law school, into government and nonprofits and into a variety of careers in communication-related industries.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Media, Film & Journalism Studies
About this Program
In today's dynamic, communications-driven world, those working in every field increasingly need backgrounds in effective strategic communication planning, media criticism, social media management, video editing and more. The Media, Film & Journalism Studies minor gives students in every major across the University the opportunity to hone these skills.
This highly flexible minor allows you to design a program that supports your career goals by choosing the media, film and journalism courses that fit your specific interests. Learn how to better promote your work, find out how media affects your major field and learn how to think critically about the media world we live in today.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Spanish Language Media Production
About this Program
Roughly 41 million people in the U.S. speak Spanish. The Spanish Language Media Production mico-credential prepares students to address the issues of linguistic access and equitable representation within media and communication industries. This collaborative effort is designed to give students a grounding in both Spanish language and multimedia production.
Students will learn about current trends in the development of content strategy, distribution and media production/consumption. They will be able to create content for Latinx communities, media organizations, marking/advertising, bilingual news outlets and independent distribution, while developing professional and critical knowledge about language use in Spanish-speaking and bilingual career-relevant spaces.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Strategic Communication
About this Program
As a student pursuing a BA in Strategic Communication you will master essential concepts and skills for the creation of successful public information, promotional and advocacy campaigns. You will learn how to set strategic campaign objectives, craft effective media messages, develop sophisticated media strategies and much more.
You will explore media platforms ranging from traditional mass media to emerging digital media, and will learn what it means to be an effective, ethical and culturally sensitive communicator. In many classes you will work with local organizations to address real communication challenges and hone your skills in practice.
You will also be challenged to develop a deeper understanding of multicultural and global issues and reflect critically on the way media and communication impact our lives.
The BA in Strategic Communication will prepare you for careers in public relations, advertising, corporate communication, government and nonprofit communication, digital media management, health communication and sports promotion.