Concentrations in communication studies, film/video, graphic design, interactive media, photography and professional communication
Fitchburg State College's Communications Media Department offers students the education and experience of being part of one of the most fascinating fields of study. In combination with the Liberal Arts and Sciences Program, Communications Media fosters the development of skills critical to adapting to an ever changing technological and knowledge-based society.
Four-Year Undergraduate Program
The Communications Media program prepares students to assume communication positions as freelancers, independent producers, employees of corporations, institutions or media organizations, as well as a continuation in graduate level study.
The program provides a blend of the principles and practices necessary for the effective design, production and evaluation of media for information presentation by graphic, photographic, film, video, electronic and print technologies.
Communication Studies
This concentration provides for advanced studies of the theoretical constructs necessary for strategic analysis, design, application and research. It provides foundational preparation for graduate studies in communication and a number of allied fields. All of our theory classrooms are equipped with smart board technology to aid our students in advancing their studies.
Film/Video Production
This concentration allows students to concentrate in either film or video. Students have access to production and editing equipment that meets industry standards. Most students will have an opportunity to use this equipment within their first year. This concentration is designed to allow students the opportunity to experience the kind of team approach to production that is common to all areas of professional media.
Graphic Design
This concentration provides a learning environment that fosters creative thinking and personal artistic development. The curriculum is highly instrumental in maintaining a healthy balance between design and production, allowing students to focus their attention on specialized aspects of the field in a series of courses. These courses include Computer Graphic Design, Typography, Illustration, Motion Graphic Design, Interface Design and Publication Design. The Macintosh lab facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that gives students a competitive edge when they enter the field.
Interactive Media
This concentration teaches our students the principles of designing interactivity and the user experience. The program focuses on creating complex interactive projects such as Web sites, DVDs, interactive narratives and games, digital training courses and kiosks. Students learn how to use professional tools and techniques by working with interactive design software such as Photoshop, Flash, and Dreamweaver in our Macintosh-based interactive multimedia lab.
Photography
Students in this concentration have access to one of the finest darkroom and studio facilities in New England. Our students work with professional equipment as early as their first year. Students get a hands-on experience with equipment ranging from manual 35mm film to digital SLR cameras, medium format Hasselblad and Mamiya cameras, as well as traditional 4x5 view cameras. The photography lab is equipped with two large group darkrooms and several individual darkrooms. There are also two digitally equipped professional commercial studios in which to learn and create. Students are trained in the ins and outs of both traditional and digital printing.
Professional Communication
This concentration gives students the opportunity to focus their career goals in the following areas: public relations, advertising, technical documentation, journalism or multi-media design and development. Each course in the concentration combines theoretical study and practical application to prepare our graduates for the expectations of professional communication environments. Within their first year of study, students will produce professional text and will have the opportunity to be critiqued by experienced professionals throughout the program.
Faculty
The Communications Media faculty offers a wide variety of experiences to students who attend the college. Every faculty member holds a terminal degree and many provide leadership in their fields through research and publishing, along with producing and directing work. Several of our faculty members are also presenting original theoretical work at conferences and exhibiting their work at galleries and museums. Our faculty are recognized internationally as scholar-researchers and artists.
Internship
Each Communications Media student is required to complete an internship as part of the graduation requirements. The full semester internship requires the completion of 37.5 hours of work per week over 15 weeks. Communications Media majors apply their knowledge and skills to the practical solution of communication problems.
The department of Communications Media regularly places interns throughout the United States and abroad in some of the most well-known and successful firms in the communication industry. Some of these include:
Aigner Associates (New York)
Arnold Advertising (Boston)
Avenue Pictures (Hollywood)
Avid Technologies (Tewksbury, Mass.)
CNN (Atlanta)
ESPN (Bristol, Conn.)
Focus Features (New York)
Kopelson Entertainment (Hollywood)
Late Night with David Letterman (New York)
McGinn Group (Washington, D.C.)
Miramax Films (New York)
Network affiliates in Boston and New Hampshire
PM Studio (Atlanta)
Scout Productions (Los Angeles)
Turner Entertainment (Los Angeles)
Wes Craven Films (Hollywood)
VISIONS
Each year students are given the opportunity to submit original work to be juried and possibly selected for our honors art exhibition, VISIONS. This is a showcase of the year's best student work. VISIONS involves a gallery exhibition and a film/video screening.
Contact
For more information about the Communications Media Department at Fitchburg State College, please contact the Admissions Office for open house and visit options.
