Study Communications on the Coast of Maine
Do you have a talent for crafting a message, selling an idea, or telling an interesting story? UNE’s Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Arts cultivates professional and personal communications skills in a supportive, student-focused environment. In addition to studying the traditional communications disciplines, such as marketing, public relations, global communications, journalism, and business communications, you will develop highly marketable skills in digital media production — so you’ll be prepared to engage 21st-century audiences through multiple media platforms.
Emily Hedegard ’25
Why UNE
I’ve had a passion for writing since I was a little kid, which led to me pursuing journalism. When I came to UNE, I knew that was the path I wanted to follow. I started as an English major, but my interest in storytelling led me to eventually double major in Communications and Media Arts, combining my love for writing with a deeper understanding of the media landscape.
Both programs offer concentration tracks, which I find incredibly helpful in allowing me to tailor my studies to align more closely with my passion for journalism. I’m on the PR and Reporting track for Communications and Media Arts and the Writing track for English. I also decided to minor in writing.
The [School of Arts and Humanities] program at UNE is truly incredible. All my professors are very personable and genuinely care about each individual student. The smaller class sizes allow for more hands-on, one-on-one time with professors, creating an interactive learning experience. Unlike the larger lecture-style classes found in some of the sciences, the humanities classes really encourage conversation and engagement.
Making Connections Through Experiential Learning
The Communications and Media Arts degree program at UNE is full of experiential learning activities. One project that really made an impact on me was in my broadcast media class when the university had its first production shoot in the new Nor’easter Studio. My class had the incredible opportunity to interview Stacia Deshishku, former VP of ABC News.
I was fortunate to conduct the interview and ask the questions on behalf of my classmates. It was so exciting to work hands-on in the studio for the first time. Seeing all of the incredible opportunities opening up for students in the arts and humanities makes me so happy!
I was also given the opportunity to become an editor-in-chief of UNE’s student paper, The Bolt, in my sophomore year. As editor, I learned to navigate the business side of journalism while continuing to grow my portfolio. Additionally, as editor, I was able to introduce dozens of students to the world of news writing, helping them strengthen their writing and interviewing skills.
Engaging in Valuable Internship Opportunities
UNE strongly encourages you to take advantage of internship opportunities. I’ve had several throughout my time here, each offering unique experiences. My first internship started when one of my professors approached me to serve as the reference checker for Across the Disciplines, an academic journal where he is the editor. This wasn’t a typical internship, but it was a good resume builder for when I went forward in my future internships.
From there, I became part of a Community News Fellowship and was partnered with the Portland Press Herald. I wanted to do more than just write two articles during the school year, which was the requirement for the fellowship, so I asked my professors for help expanding the experience. They worked with me to secure two consecutive internships with The Herald. Most recently, I interned with The Maine Monitor, which is an investigative newsroom. The organization has since hired me part-time and taken me on as a staff writer through the Community News Fellowship.
The faculty at UNE truly act as mentors throughout our internship experiences. There’s an internship class where we meet with our peers to casually discuss how things are going at our sites. I find it really helpful to hear from others and receive advice from my professors.
Ready for Success After Graduation
After I graduate from UNE, I am going to be a graduate student at ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication where I will be pursuing my master’s in investigative journalism. I will be working as a graduate assistant and was offered a full ride to the program.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the faculty at UNE, who always encouraged me to take risks and helped me seize the opportunities I found. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I am beyond excited for the future.
UNE strongly encourages you to take advantage of internship opportunities. I’ve had several throughout my time here, each offering unique experiences. The faculty at UNE truly act as mentors throughout our internship experiences.
Why UNE for Your B.A. in Communications and Media Arts
Located on our oceanfront Biddeford Campus, an idyllic setting for undergraduate study, the Communications and Media Arts major offers small class sizes and close working relationships with peers and faculty. We emphasize the practical application of skills, acquired through doing and creating, that will put you a cut above others in the industry.
- Focus on digital media production/media writing and marketing/advertising
- Hands-on training with the latest tools and technologies of the field
- Broad coverage of the classic communications disciplines
- Introduction to the history and ethics of the communications industry
- Intriguing internships to polish your skills – and your resume
Career Paths for Communications and Media Arts Majors
In addition to the oral and written communication skills that are the cornerstone of this major, you will acquire technical mastery of the tools of the trade and an ability to think critically as you explore the different perspectives of your audiences. Combined with your internship experiences, these skill sets will help you become an expert storyteller and will fully prepare you for a highly successful career in the communications field.
Our graduates have pursued many fulfilling professions, including:
- Filmmaker
- Public Relations Professional
- Blogger
- Journalist
- Videographer
- Marketing Professional
- Video Editor
- TV Studio Manager
- Screenwriter
Career Advising for B.A. in Communications and Media Arts Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Tour the Art and Design Media Facilities
Explore Art Studio Spaces With UNE Students Johnna and Will
Learn about the different studio spaces along with the ceramics, printmaking, and digital photography lab in the Creative and Fine Arts facility.
B.A. in Communications and Media Arts Courses
The following are some examples of the exciting courses that you can take in the Communications and Media Arts major:
- Understanding Mass Media
- Digital Video Production
- Communication Law and Regulation
- Marketing
- Writing for the Screen
- Global Communications
- Topics in Digital Storytelling
Curriculum
| Nor’easter Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 40 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| ART 230 – Graphic Design | 3 |
| CMM 110 – Intro to Communications | 3 |
| CMM 122 – Oral Communication or SPC 100 – Effective Public Speaking | 3 |
| CMM 210 – Understanding Media | 3 |
| CMM 320 – Intercultural Communication or CMM 416 – Global Communication | 3 |
| CMM 430 – Internship in Communication | 3 |
| LIL 120 – Introductory Arts and Humanities Seminar* or open elective | 3 |
| LIL 420 – Arts & Humanities Capstone | 3 |
| One (1) Communications and Media Arts Concentration (see below) | 12 |
| Three (3) credits of program-specific electives from List A (see below) | 3 |
| Six (6) credits of program-specific electives from List A or List B (see below) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 45 |
| Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
*LIL 120 - Introductory Arts and Humanities Seminar is a required course for new, first-year students in the School of Arts and Humanities.
Communications and Media Arts Concentration options
Sports Media Concentration
| Select three (3) of the following: | Credits |
|---|---|
| CMM 215 – Video Field Production or CMM 216 – Sports Field Production | 3 |
| CMM 310 – DV Studio I | 3 |
| CMM 311 – Digital Video Production | 3 |
| WRT 214 – Creative Writing | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 |
| Select one (1) of the following: | Credits |
|---|---|
| CMM 216 – Sports Field Production | 3 |
| CMM 290 – Intro to Broadcast Media Writ | 3 |
| CMM 310 – DV Studio I | 3 |
| CMM 405 – DV Studio II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 |
| Minimum Total Required Concentration Credits | 12 |
|---|
Digital Video Production Concentration
| Select three (3) of the following: | Credits |
|---|---|
| CMM 300 – Documentary Video | 3 |
| CMM 310 – DV Studio I | 3 |
| CMM 311 – Digital Video Production | 3 |
| WRT 214 – Creative Writing | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 |
| Select one (1) of the following: | Credits |
|---|---|
| CMM 216 – Sports Field Production | 3 |
| CMM 290 – Intro to Broadcast Media Writ | 3 |
| CMM 310 – DV Studio I | 3 |
| CMM 405 – DV Studio II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 |
| Minimum Total Required Concentration Credits | 12 |
|---|
Reporting and Public Relations Concentration
| Select three (3) of the following: | Credits |
|---|---|
| CMM 211 – Introduction to Journalism | 3 |
| CMM 220 – Organizational Communication or WRT 233 – Professional and Technical Communication | 3 |
| CMM 290 – Intro to Broadcast Media Writing | 3 |
| CMM 305 – Public Relations in the Digital Age | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 |
| Select one (1) of the following | Credits |
|---|---|
| BUMK 200 – Marketing | 3 |
| WRT 214 – Creative Writing | 3 |
| CMM 415 – Sports Reporting and Writing | 3 |
| SLM 225 – Sport and Recreation Marketing | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 |
| Minimum Total Required Concentration Credits | 12 |
|---|
Program-Specific Elective Options
| List A Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| CMM 115 – Media Production Fundamentals | 3 |
| CMM 130 – Media Literacy | 3 |
| CMM 135 – Evolution of Television | 3 |
| CMM 170 – Evolution of Documentary Film | 3 |
| CMM 201 – Digital Media & Software Tools | 3 |
| CMM 211 – Introduction to Journalism | 3 |
| CMM 220 – Organizational Communication | 3 |
| CMM 225 – Topics in Digital Storytelling | 3 |
| CMM 240 – Social Media: Theory & Practice | 3 |
| CMM 290 – Intro to Broadcast Media Writ | 3 |
| CMM 300 – Documentary Video | 3 |
| CMM 305 – Public Relations in the Digital Age | 3 |
| CMM 311 – Digital Video Production | 3 |
| CMM 315 – Narrative Production III | 3 |
| CMM 340 – Women and Film | 3 |
| CMM 410 – Writing for the Screen | 3 |
| CMM 411 – Communication Law & Regulation | 3 |
| CMM 415 – Sports Reporting and Writing | 3 |
| CMM 420 – Senior Project | 3 |
| WRT 233 – Professional and Technical Communication | 3 |
| WRT 304 – Read & Write in Digital Env | 3 |
| WRT 317 – Proposal and Grant Writing | 3 |
| List B Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| ART 105 – Elements of Acting | 3 |
| ART 106 – Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 111 – Scientific Illustration | 3 |
| ART 214 – Color Digital Photography | 3 |
| ART 234 – Digital Animation | 3 |
| BUMK 200 – Marketing | 3 |
| BUMK 310 – Advertising | 3 |
| ENG 140 – Indigenous Film and Literature | 3 |
| ENV 321 – Env Comm: Expert Prac Eco | 3 |
| HIS 150 – Telling Tales of the Past | 3 |
| HIS 295 – Medicine and the Media | 3 |
| SLM 160 – Introduction to Sport Leadership and Management | 3 |
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
Honors Program
We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant scholarly, creative, or experiential activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.
Learn about UNE’s Digital Storytelling Podcast Class
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Media Arts
The Communications and Media Arts major emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning, providing you with experiences that will set you apart from others. At UNE, communications isn’t just about what you say or write; it’s about what you do.
Opportunities for Communications and Media Arts Students
- Create videos using HD cameras, lighting, sound recording equipment, and editing tools
- Develop your own screenplay
- Learn to use photo editing software
- Design video games using 3D design software in UNE’s innovative Makerspace
Internships for Communications and Media Arts Majors
Internships allow you to explore career options, gain valuable work experience in your field, and network with professionals. Intern near campus during the academic year or elsewhere over the summer. Sites include:
- Television Stations
- Radio Stations
- Newspapers/Magazines
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Minor League Sports Teams
- School/University Communications Offices
For more information email the Academic and Career Advising Center at advising@une.edu.
Learning to film in the Sports Field Production Course
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s B.A. in Communications and Media Arts degree program? Get started today.
Communications and Media Arts FAQ
What is a communications major?
A communications major studies how people communicate in today's digital and interconnected world. Communication and media arts cover a mix of mass communication skills with social sciences and humanities. If you're into sharing information, reporting news, storytelling, or studying media culture, a communications major might be a good fit.
Communication and media arts provide the foundation for creating messages, comprehending audiences, utilizing new technologies, and grasping essential communication theories. UNE’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communications and Media Arts degree program in Maine cultivates professional and personal communications skills in a supportive, student-focused environment.
What can you do with a communications degree?
A communications degree offers a wide range of job opportunities in marketing, public relations, global communications, business communications, journalism, social media, human resources, and more. It spans diverse fields like brand management, corporate communications, government relations, media, nonprofits, and sales. Choosing to major in communications helps you develop essential skills like clear written and verbal communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Job roles that you could find yourself working in as a communications major include:
- Advertising Account Manager or Account Executive
- Brand Manager or Brand Strategist
- Copywriter
- Digital Media Specialist
- Editor
- Human Resources Specialist
- Internal Communications Manager
- Journalist (print or broadcast)
- Marketing Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Social Media Strategist or Director
Graduates of UNE’s B.A. in Communications and Media Arts degree program have gone on to have careers as filmmakers, public relations professionals, bloggers, journalists, videographers, marketing professionals, video editors, TV studio managers, and screenwriters.
As a Communications and Media Arts major at UNE, you will have the ability to work with our Academic and Career Advising Center. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.
What's the average salary for a communications major?
As of August 2022, the average starting salary for a communications major in the U.S. was between $45,000–$50,000, as reported by Zippia. Common salary breakdowns by job according to Glassdoor* include:
- Broadcaster salary: $50,595
- Editor salary: $59,425
- Event planner salary: $41,179
- Fundraiser salary: $44,145
- Human resources specialist salary: $46,972
- Legislative assistant salary: $53,409
- Marketing manager salary: $69,590
- Public relations specialist salary: $47,736
- Sales development representative (SDR) salary: $49,179
- Social media manager salary: $50,344
What classes are required for a communications degree?
Communication majors will study a mix of courses centered on oral and written communication, media studies, technology, and social sciences. Classes will vary depending on the college or university of choice.
UNE's B.A. in Communications and Media Arts program in Maine offers interesting courses covering traditional communication fields like marketing, public relations, global communications, journalism, and business communication. Additionally, you'll gain valuable skills in digital media production, preparing you to connect with modern audiences using various media platforms.
Students will complete the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Core Requirements, foundational and advanced required courses, required electives, and their choice of a Communication and Media Arts track. Those options are:
- Sports Media
- Digital Video Production
- Reporting and Public Relations
Learn more about UNE’s B.A. in Communications and Media Arts curriculum
Should I major in communications?
There is a lot of consideration when determining whether or not a degree in communications is worth it. Look at the types of skills you’ll learn as part of your coursework — both hard skills and soft skills — that you’ll be able to incorporate into your career. If you’re a creative person, pursuing a communications major allows you to flex your creative muscles while taking a variety of courses focused on foundational oral and written communication skills from technical mastery of the tools of the trade to critical thinking.
Read testimonials from UNE Communications and Media Arts students
Below are some benefits of being a communications major:
- You’ll have a skill set that everyone wants in the workplace — the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with others.
- Communications positions are not confined to just one field or industry. What you learn in a communication degree program can be applied to various industries, whether in the public or private sectors.
- After finishing a bachelor's degree in communication, you’ll have the option and flexibility to explore a diverse range of roles.
- The career outlook is strong. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates that jobs needing a communications degree are predicted to rise by 6% in a decade.
Which colleges have the best communication degree program for me?
If a communications job is the right career path for you, it starts with choosing the right degree program. Here’s what you should look for in a communications program.
Faculty
Identify your priorities in an instructor and learn more about your potential teachers and their professional experience. Discover what kind of professional connections you can make there that will further your career.
UNE’s Communications and Media Arts program boasts small class sizes which offers a closer working relationship with peers and faculty while earning a communications degree in Maine.
Meet faculty and professional staff in the School of Arts and Humanities
Curriculum
Learn about the types of classes you’ll be taking and the types of internships offered. Ask about things that matter to you including the types of media you’ll be studying, skills you’ll learn, and the technology available.
UNE offers a B.A. in Communications and Media Arts. We prioritize hands-on skill application, gained through practical experience and creation, to set graduates apart in the industry.
Our comprehensive curriculum includes a focus on digital media production/media writing and marketing/advertising plus broad coverage of the classic communications disciplines. The following are some examples of the exciting courses that students can take in this program:
- Understanding Mass Media
- Digital Video Production
- Communication Law and Regulation
- Marketing
- Writing for the Screen
- Intercultural Communications
- Topics in Digital Storytelling
Unique learning opportunities include creating videos using HD cameras, lighting, sound recording equipment, and editing tools; developing your own screenplay; learning to use photo editing software and designing video games using 3D design software in UNE’s innovative Makerspace.
UNE takes pride in its commitment to experiential learning. Internships allow Communications and Media Arts students to explore career options, gain valuable work experience in their field, and network with professionals. Sites include television stations, radio stations, newspapers/magazines, non-profit organizations, minor league sports teams, and school/university communications offices.
Learn more about internship opportunities within the College of Arts and Sciences
Career goals
Determine if the program offers career advising and qualifies you for a lucrative, rewarding communications career.
Students in UNE's Communications and Media Arts program learn traditional disciplines like marketing, journalism, and more. They also gain highly marketable digital media production skills, preparing them to connect with modern audiences across various platforms.
UNE's Bachelor of Arts in Communications in Maine equips graduates with essential oral, written, technical, and critical thinking skills for success in both professional and personal spheres. Students are fully prepared for entry-level roles in the public or private sector, as well as for further graduate studies.
UNE offers Career Advising to help communications majors plan their next step. 93% of bachelor’s degree graduates are employed or continuing higher education within six months to one year of graduating.
Location and environment
Ask yourself what kind of environment suits you best. Figure out if you want to stay in your state or if you wish to move. See if you will be inspired or challenged by your fellow students and faculty.
UNE’s Communications and Media Arts program is located on our oceanfront Biddeford Campus, an idyllic New England setting for undergraduate study with over 4,000 feet of stunning shoreline. Overall, UNE boasts small class sizes. We have a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 20.
Learn more quick facts about UNE
Our Global Education Program makes it easy for students to gain valuable international experiences. Our Tangier Campus is a unique facility fostering connections among U.S., Moroccan, European, and more citizens. UNE Morocco provides educational and cultural programs to promote international understanding.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UNE
Financial aid
Does the school you are considering offer financial aid or scholarships to help you in your education?
A UNE education is very affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. All incoming full-time undergraduate students at UNE will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE
UNE's Student Financial Services includes both Financial Aid and Student Accounts offices. Our program maximizes available institutional and federal funds. To discover ways to fund your education, reach out at sfs@une.edu or (207) 602-2342 during our Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m. office hours.