Clarkson University

What you'll study

This programme blends foundational studies in communication theory and media history with practical courses in digital production, multimedia storytelling and strategic communication. Core topics typically include media writing and reporting, visual communication, audio and video production, social media strategy, media law and ethics, and research methods. Students progress through a mix of lectures, lab‑based production classes, collaborative projects and a culminating capstone project that showcases portfolio work.

• Media Foundations: introduction to mass communication, media effects, media history and cultural approaches to media.
• Production and Technical Skills: courses in video production, audio production, digital editing, podcasting and emerging media technologies.
• Strategic Communication: public relations, advertising principles, campaigns, branding and social media management.
• Writing and Storytelling: journalism, feature writing, scriptwriting and multimedia storytelling techniques.
• Research and Ethics: qualitative and quantitative research methods, media law, ethics and policy.
• Experiential Learning: internships, practicum placements, student media organisations and a final capstone or portfolio requirement.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school completion credential comparable to a U.S. high school diploma with a record of strong academic performance. Admissions typically consider a combination of academic transcripts, a personal statement or writing sample, and any relevant extracurricular or portfolio work that demonstrates communication or creative skills. International applicants must present recognised secondary credentials and evidence of English language proficiency where required. Applicants transferring from other institutions should provide college transcripts and any course descriptions for transfer credit evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of communications and media roles in the public, private and non‑profit sectors. Typical career paths include journalism and reporting, public relations and corporate communications, content and social media management, multimedia production, broadcast and podcasting roles, advertising and creative services, and media research or analytics. Alumni also pursue graduate study in communication, media studies, law, business or design. The programme’s emphasis on hands‑on projects and internships helps students build a professional portfolio and industry contacts to support early career entry.

Why study at Clarkson University

Clarkson offers a small‑campus environment where students receive close faculty mentoring and access to well‑equipped media labs and production facilities. The university’s focus on experiential learning means students regularly engage in internships, collaborative projects and cross‑disciplinary work with business and technology programmes. Clarkson’s career services and employer relationships in media, communications and regional organisations support internship placement and employment. Students benefit from the opportunity to combine communication studies with minors or electives in areas such as business, data analytics, arts and technology to broaden their career options.