This program is designed to educate students for a productive future in an ever-changing world, preparing them for media-related positions in business, government, non-profit organizations, and higher education.
Students who are fascinated by media and media applications choose the Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Media Studies (TCMS). The BS in TCMS features a specialized study of telecommunication, media and quantitative systems. Students select communication courses that address media industries, law and policy, technology and society, media audiences, processes, and effects. The practice of media and acquisition of media skills are included. Students may customize this degree by selecting additional coursework to round out their particular media interests. The degree is supported with the study of research methods and quantitative concepts in statistics and research design.
Coursework for incoming Freshmen begins with a dedicated first semester experience which introduces them to the breadth of the field of communication and of media while also involving them in small groups and acquainting them with Texas A&M University, our resources and our opportunities. We also welcome transfer students, meeting them where they are and integrating them into the Communication family.
A Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunication Media Studies works well in a broad variety of careers. Our students may become media designers, data analysts, digital media experts, online administrators, digital storytellers, content producers, filmmakers, digital media specialists, industry leaders, government officials, politicians, writers, artists, and informed citizens.
TCMS BS students will select a minor. They have the option to also select a certificate in Health Communication, Leadership and Conflict Management, Social Media, or Strategic Communication.
Plan of Study Grid | First Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENGL 104 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| 3 |
| Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences | |
| Business Calculus | |
| Engineering Mathematics I | |
| Engineering Mathematics II | |
| Introduction to Logic | |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 1,2,3 | 4 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 16 |
| Spring |
|---|
| COMM 230/JOUR 230 | Communication Technology Skills 2 | 3 |
| 3 |
| Public Speaking | |
| Communication for Technical Professions | |
| Argumentation and Debate | |
| Introduction to Rhetoric and Composition | |
| Writing about Literature 4 | |
| Technical and Professional Writing | |
| 3 |
| Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences | |
| Business Calculus | |
| Engineering Mathematics I | |
| Engineering Mathematics II | |
| Introduction to Logic | |
| 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ECON 202 | Principles of Economics | 3 |
STAT 201
| Elementary Statistical Inference
or Statistical Methods | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 2, 3 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ISTM 210 | Fundamentals of Information Systems | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 3 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Third Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| COMM 330 | Technology and Human Communication 2 | 3 |
| COMM 375 | Media Audiences 2 | 3 |
| 3 |
| Business Programming Logic and Design | |
| Methods of Social Research | |
| Sample Survey Techniques | |
| 3 |
| 5 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Spring |
|---|
| COMM 308 | Research Methods in Communication 2 | 3 |
| COMM 345 | Media Industries 2 | 3 |
| COMM 350 | Theories of Mediated Communication 2 | 3 |
| 5 | 3 |
| 6 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Fourth Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| 2 | 3 |
| 2,3 | 2 |
| 5 | 3 |
| 5 | 3 |
| 6 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 14 |
| Spring |
|---|
| 2 | 3 |
| 5 | 3 |
| 5 | 3 |
| 6 | 3 |
| 6 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| | Total Semester Credit Hours | 120 |
Graduation requirements include 3 hours of International and Cultural Diversity courses and 3 hours of Cultural Discourse courses. A course satisfying a Core category, a college/department requirement, or a free elective can be used to satisfy this requirement. The required 6 hours may be met by courses satisfying other areas of a degree program. See your academic advisor for further information.
Students take 24 credit hours of the required program core courses and 9-10 credit hours of telecommunication media studies elective courses for a total of 33 credit hours. At least 12 credits must be at the upper-division level. At least 12 credits must be taken in residence at Texas A&M University. Minimum grade of C in each course.
