Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

The programme balances foundational theory with applied media production. You take core courses in media and communication theory, media law and ethics, and research methods, then choose practicum and elective modules to develop technical and professional skills.

• Core subjects: Introduction to Communication, Media Theory, Media Law & Ethics, Communication Research Methods.
• Production and practical skills: Audio and video production, multimedia storytelling, digital editing, podcasting, studio and field production, and basic web and graphic design for communicators.
• Professional applications: Public relations, advertising and campaign planning, social media strategy, media writing and reporting, broadcast journalism and news production.
• Capstone and experiential learning: Internship placements with media organisations or communications departments, practicum courses, and a senior capstone project that typically involves a sustained research paper or a portfolio of media work.
• Electives and special topics: Course options may include crisis communication, data journalism, strategic communication, health communication, media entrepreneurship and international media studies.

Typical programme structure

Students usually complete a mix of general education requirements and major coursework over four years. Early years emphasise theory and basic production; middle years focus on applied skills and electives; final year centres on practicum, internship and a capstone project or portfolio.

Entry requirements

Saint Mary’s seeks applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent and a record that indicates readiness for undergraduate study. Typical materials requested include official transcripts, a personal statement, and a school counsellor or teacher recommendation. Portfolios of media work are recommended for applicants with production experience and can strengthen an application.

Admission typically considers academic record, extracurricular involvement and communication-related experience. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and details of previous coursework; students with relevant professional or military experience may be considered under non‑traditional admission pathways. International applicants must meet English proficiency requirements as specified by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of communications and media roles across public, private and non‑profit sectors. The combination of theory and hands‑on skills prepares students for positions such as:

• Communications or public relations coordinator
• Social media manager and content strategist
• Broadcast or digital producer, reporter or multimedia journalist
• Content creator, editor or web producer
• Advertising account coordinator or media planner
• Corporate communications specialist or community relations officer
• Media analyst, researcher or consultant

Alumni also move into graduate study in media studies, communication, journalism, public relations, or related fields, and many build freelance careers in digital content production and consulting.

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s combines a liberal arts approach with vocationally relevant training in a supportive campus environment. Class sizes are typically smaller than at larger public institutions, allowing close faculty mentorship and opportunities for collaborative projects. The programme emphasises experiential learning with internship placements, practicum courses and capstone projects that connect students to regional employers and media organisations.

Students benefit from access to media production resources and technology, career services that assist with internships and job placement, and a campus culture that encourages ethical leadership and community engagement. The university’s Twin Cities and Winona locations provide varied internship and networking opportunities in both metropolitan and regional media markets.