This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2025-2026 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The minor in media studies consists of a minimum of 18 credits in mass communications as described below, including a minimum of nine upper-level credits. To declare the minor, students must pass MASC 101 with a minimum grade of C and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50. All courses counted toward the minor must be completed with a minimum grade of C; to graduate, students must have a minimum 2.50 minor GPA. Permission is required to enroll in all courses except MASC 101. All students in the minor in media studies program are required to register with the Robertson School of Media and Culture prior to beginning course work. Media studies course work will be distributed as follows:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| MASC 101 | Mass Communications | 3 |
| MASC 203 | Journalism Writing | 3 |
| or MASC 204 | Story | |
| or MASC 205 | Introduction to Public Relations Writing | |
| or MASC 285 | Scriptwriting | |
| MASC 408 | Communications Law | 3 |
| Elective courses | ||
| Choose a minimum of three credits of course work at the 100-200 level or higher | 3 | |
| Global Communications | ||
| Curiousness | ||
| Public Relations | ||
| Global Health and Social Media | ||
| Media Production Foundation | ||
| Diversity in the Media | ||
| Topics in Communications | ||
| Choose a minimum of six credits of course work at the 300 level or higher | 6 | |
| Technical Prowess | ||
| Visual Acuteness | ||
| Data Journalism and Visualization | ||
| International Media Coverage: The Middle East | ||
| Media and Culture | ||
| Ethical Problems in Mass Media | ||
| Topics in Communications | ||
| Fieldwork/Internship | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |