Florida International University

What you'll study

This programme integrates communication theory, media studies, and practical production. Core areas typically include media and society, communication theory, media law and ethics, research methods, and digital media strategies. Students learn journalistic writing, multimedia production (audio, video and online), visual communication, public relations and advertising principles.

Course structure normally includes a mix of required core modules, elective options, and experiential components. Typical modules and topics you can expect:

• Media and Society – history and social impact of media, cultural studies and audience analysis.
• Communication Theory and Research Methods – qualitative and quantitative methods, surveys, content analysis and media effects research.
• Media Law and Ethics – First Amendment issues, libel, privacy and professional standards.
• Journalism and News Writing – reporting, editing, feature writing and multi-platform storytelling.
• Digital Media Production – video and audio production, editing, podcasting and web publishing.
• Visual Communication and Design – principles of visual storytelling, graphic design and information design for media.
• Strategic Communication – public relations, branding, campaign planning and media relations.
• Social Media and Analytics – audience measurement, social listening, content strategy and data-driven decision making.
• Capstone / Internship – a supervised practicum, internship with a media organisation, or a final research/project that demonstrates applied skills.

Students may be able to choose concentrations or electives to specialise in areas such as journalism, media production, strategic communication, or digital analytics. Practical work is emphasised through studio labs, multimedia classrooms and required internship experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised secondary-school diploma or equivalent. Admission criteria typically include academic transcripts demonstrating competitive performance in secondary education and any required standardised-test information if submitted. Transfer applicants must provide college transcripts and may need a minimum GPA from prior postsecondary study.

Because this is a media-focused degree, applicants can strengthen their application by submitting examples of written work, multimedia portfolios or links to published content, though a portfolio may not be mandatory for all applicants. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or approved institutional pathways.

Additional elements that may be requested or considered in the admissions process include a personal statement outlining interest in media and communication, letters of recommendation, and evidence of extracurricular involvement related to media, communications, or community engagement.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of media and communication roles across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Journalist, reporter, or digital news producer at local, national or online outlets
• Social media manager, content strategist or digital marketing specialist
• Public relations or corporate communications officer
• Broadcast or multimedia producer, editor, or camera operator
• Advertising account executive, media planner or creative producer
• Media analyst, researcher or policy adviser in think tanks and NGOs
• Further study options such as postgraduate degrees in communication, journalism, media studies or related professional programmes

Internships and practical projects completed during the degree are an important route to employment, especially in a media market as active and diverse as Miami.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University is located in Miami, a major bilingual media market and international gateway, which gives students access to a diverse range of internship and employment opportunities across English- and Spanish-language media, advertising agencies and cultural organisations. The university offers dedicated communication and media teaching facilities, multimedia labs and opportunities to work on student-run media outlets that let you apply classroom learning to real-world production.

FIU emphasises experiential learning and community engagement, enabling students to build professional networks with local broadcasters, digital agencies and public institutions. The programme’s urban, multicultural setting is particularly valuable for students interested in global and Hispanic media markets, multilingual communication and cross-cultural storytelling.

Overall, the degree combines theoretical foundations with practical skills and workplace experience to prepare graduates for the changing landscape of media and communication.