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The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses.  The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

The Option in Graphic Design

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: MADT 434.
The course focuses on business aspects of graphic design and developing a portfolio for presentations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Writing Course. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001797)

The Option in Mass Communication Design and The Option in Media Arts

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Senior standing.
This is the capstone course for all students in the Media Arts Option. Students prepare a professional portfolio of work, a resume and learn about other employment issues. Students also complete an advanced collaborative media project. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. This is an approved Writing Course. (020556)

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Course Requirements for the Major: 57-63 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option are outlined following the major core program requirements.

Major Core Program: 15 units

5 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course is also offered as JOUR 101.
This course teaches the concepts, history, and applications of communication. The implications and ethical issues of media and the communication process are covered. 3 hours lecture. (001636)
An introduction to design thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation. Using methodologies or user-centered design, observational research, rapid prototyping, collaboration and system, this course explores creative problem solving. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (001637)
This course is an introduction to the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of commercial digital photography. Emphasis is placed on developing visual competence in the creation and consumption of lens-based imagery. Course content includes the basics of camera and digital production techniques for color and black and white photographs that are produced as exhibition-quality prints and on-screen imagery for commercial use. Includes a broad-based survey of photo history, contemporary theory, and current issues related to the practice of photography. Open to non-majors. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001654)
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement.
Study of various approaches to the critical examination of communication. Application of principles to selected texts. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Media Arts, Design, and Technology. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (001668)
Students acquire a qualitative understanding of how various information and communication technologies work, the social needs that drive technology developments, and the future impact of new information technologies on work and society. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Communication Design. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (001659)

Major Option Course Requirements: 42-48 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.  Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.



The Option in Graphic Design: 48 units

Laptop Requirement

To complete this program, the student must have the use of a laptop computer. Please consult with the department for current hardware and software requirements. Students qualify to receive special education discounts on computers and software sold through the Associated Students Bookstore (an Apple authorized campus store). For some programs, in an effort to lower student expenses, bundles consisting of a specially priced Apple laptop computer with the program's required software will be made available at the beginning of each academic year through the Associated Students Bookstore. This laptop computer package is expected to serve the student for the entire length of the program.

Pre-Portfolio Courses: 19 units

7 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Survey of the major visual arts of Europe and the U.S. from 1800 to the Present. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021084)
Beginning drawing techniques based on studio disciplines. A variety of approaches and materials will be used. 6 hours activity. (000710)
Introduction to hypertext markup language (HTML), Web standards, and the Web publication process. Includes practical exercises in the creation and publication of Web pages and the construction of coherent Web sites. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001660)
An introduction to 2D design, digital color, vector and raster images, typography, digital production and pre-press techniques. Students learn to prepare documents for printing, using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and In Design on the Macintosh computer platform. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021059)
Prerequisites: MADT 206, MADT 283.
For Graphic Design majors only. Introduction to the language, processes, principles and theories of contemporary graphic design, including computational, critical, systems and visual thinking. Students learn to create meaningful visual form in various contexts, using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and web languages (HTML, CSS, SVG) on the Macintosh computer platform. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours laboratory. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001644)
Prerequisites: ARTS 122, ARTS 123, ARTS 125, MADT 222, MADT 284 or faculty permission.
Orientation to the visual portfolio process and review. Successful completion of the course with a grade of CR is necessary for entry into MADT 327 and MADT 334. Review of individual work by faculty committee. 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. Credit/no credit grading. Formerly MADT 230. (001646)
Prerequisite: MADT 222.
A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001773)

Portfolio Requirement

The successful completion of a Portfolio Review is necessary for entry into upper-division Graphic Design course work. The portfolio is comprised of work from ARTS 125, MADT 206, MADT 283, and MADT 284, MADT 285 and is reviewed by Communication Design faculty.

Post-Portfolio Courses: 23 units

8 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: MADT 285 and MATH 105.
Introduction to typographic and diagramatic information design with an emphasis on improving the accessibility and usability of complex data for print and interactive media. Topics include principles of visual and typographic composition, visual perception and cognition, visual symbols, visual representations of hierarchical structures and quantitative information, interaction and navigation in visual interface design. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001750)
The course is designed to expose visual communication students to significant graphic forms, personalities, and movements. Students will relate symbolic, typographic, photographic, and illustrative imagery to informative and persuasive media. 3 hours discussion. (001670)
Prerequisite: MADT 285.
Introduction to typographic syntax, with an emphasis on the organization and visual structure of typographic information. Topics include principle of composition, form-counterform relationships, modular grids, proportion, and visual hierarchy. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001672)
Prerequisite: MADT 334.
Creation of documents to affect audiences, including book, magazine, annual report, newsletter, and experimental formats. Includes publication formula, analysis, and relation to electronic platforms. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001753)
Prerequisite: MADT 334.
Introduction to typographic semantics, with an emphasis on the expression of meaning, experimentation, and discovery. Topics include contemporary typographic theory, font design, mixing messages, non-linear composition and sequence. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001673)
Prerequisite: MADT 434.
An advanced study of contemporary design issues, concerning the application of design process and theory to complex problem-solving across multiple contexts. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021023)
Prerequisite: MADT 434.
The course focuses on business aspects of graphic design and developing a portfolio for presentations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Writing Course. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001797)
Prerequisite: MADT 285 or faculty permission.
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-12.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. The internship is a program designed to provide the student with occupational experience within the industrial environment in the information and communication profession prior to graduation. The internship is designed as a transition to professional practice wherein the student will work full-time within an industrial firm for a length of time to be established between the cooperating firm, the intern, and California State University, Chico. The student will experience a wide range of industrial situations, conditions, and practice. Students will serve their internship under the direct supervision of a practicing member of the profession. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (001788)

MADT 489 must be taken for 2 units.

Elective Courses: 6 units

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: MADT 222.
Modern Web technologies for the production and publication of Web pages and sites. Production of client-side and server-side dynamic Web pages to accept user input and retrieve information from databases. Style sheets for controlling Web page appearance. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001742)
Introduction of letter press printing, with an emphasis on using both traditional hand set type and computer-generated imaging technologies to expand approaches to creative thinking. Topics include paper specifications, fundamentals of ink and color mixing, operating and maintaining platen and cylinder hand presses, basic binding, and finishing operations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001669)
Prerequisites: MADT 285.
To prepare the student to develop communication methodology for solving experimental packaging problems; to develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional package simulation techniques; to understand the marketing aspects of packaging, technical reproduction methods of packaging, and interface them with the visual media. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001682)
Prerequisite: MADT 206 (with a grade of C or higher).
This course addresses photographic perception, creative process, and a more thorough investigation of narrative editing practices and techniques related to commercial digital photography. Technical concepts include advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging processing for high-quality commercial digital output. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001737)
Prerequisite: MADT 335.
Sustainable Design is an introduction to the design of messages, artifacts, experiences, and services that integrate sustainable practices with graphic design. Students become familiar with the major sustainability principles/theories frameworks and tools and apply them to hands-on projects. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001755)
Prerequisites: MADT 334.
Exploration of the physical, cognitive, cultural, and social factors that shape audience contexts and the design of human computer interfaces. Students learn to identify design problems, research solutions, build prototypes, and evaluate their effectiveness through user testing. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. Formerly MADT 333. (001671)
Prerequisite: MADT 285.
Analysis, creation, and presentation of identity, branding, and licensing for corporate, government, education, medical, and non-profit organizations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001754)
Prerequisite: MADT 334.
Introduction to time-based information design and kinetic typography, exploring relationships between music and typographic composition for new media. Topics include historical relationships between music and typography, form and space, hierarchy and structure, texture and depth, time and movement. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001681)
Prerequisite: MADT 396 with a grade of C or higher or faculty permission.
This course addresses the development and execution of a single commercial photography project culminating in a final portfolio. Individual research on historic and contemporary photo-practices is expected. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001794)

The Option in Mass Communication Design: 42 units

Students take the Option Core for 21 units and select 21 units of elective courses from the Writing, Technical, and Criticism Groups for a total of 42 units.

Option Core: 21 units

7 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: ENGL 130W.
An introduction to the styles, formats and creative approaches used in writing for radio, television, film, and new media. Writing and pitching exercises include radio and television commercials, public service announcements, news, journalism, and long form screenwriting. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Writing Course. (001638)
This course will explore the elements of visual design as they apply to the production of video and film. An overview of visual literacy will be given, and the application of these elements to the critical analysis of video and film productions will be discussed. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher. 3 hours lecture. (001649)
Discussion and analysis of the function, structure, organization, operation, regulation, and economics of the various telecommunication industries, including broadcasting, cable, independent production, and other related new technologies. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher. Required for enrollment in upper-division Media Arts courses. 3 hours lecture. (001651)
This course examines the development of radio/television formats, programming types, ideology, and genres from historical and critical standpoints. The impact on cultural functions, political agendas, social judgment, art forms, and human communication will be addressed through interpretation of mediated content. 3 hours discussion. (001771)
The course offers a survey of American film from historical, industrial, cultural, and stylistic perspectives. In Fall, the content of the course focuses on the beginnings of cinema until the 1950's; in Spring, the content of the course focuses on the 1960's to the present. Readings and screenings explore key American directors, genres, film movements, and technological advancements in relation to industrial and cultural shifts. Open to non-majors. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001677)
An introduction to the application of media and learning theories that emphasize efforts and practices on designing, developing, delivering, and assessing the effects of digital media on the development of consumers' knowledge, perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. The understanding and awareness of the impact of media on both intentional and incidental learning will be explored. 3 hours discussion. (021963)
Prerequisite: MADT 303W.
This seminar is intended to provide students with an intensive collaborative experience in media criticism with the main goal of fostering student research and producing a strong final academic paper. 3 hours seminar. (020659)

Writing Group: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: MADT 103W or JOUR 260W.
An analysis of the role of the copywriter in the creation of media advertising. Emphasis on effective copywriting. Training in the creation of complete campaigns. Includes brief study of ethics and regulations of advertising. 3 hours lecture. (001666)
Prerequisite: MADT 103W.
An advanced writing course on developing and authoring original screenplays for the television and film industries. Industrial processes of screenwriting are also examined including pitching, treatments, coverage, format, style, and other aspects of dramatic narrative structure. 3 hours lecture. (001721)
Prerequisites: MADT 103W, MADT 216.
Theory, practice, and techniques involved in gathering, writing, and reporting broadcast news. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001714)

Technical Group: 9 units

3 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course provides a theoretical and practical knowledge of digital audio productions techniques for radio, video, and multimedia. Particular emphasis is placed on audio for video and production strategies for effective communication in audio. 3 hours discussion. (001652)
An exploration of the design and impacts of new technologies related to communication through social media. 3 hours lecture. (001772)
Introduction to hypertext markup language (HTML), Web standards, and the Web publication process. Includes practical exercises in the creation and publication of Web pages and the construction of coherent Web sites. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001660)
Prerequisites: MADT 103W, MADT 146, MADT 216. For CAGD majors: CAGD 112, MADT 103W, MADT 141, MADT 216.
Theory and techniques of video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of electronic field video production. The course includes all pre-production, production, and post-production videotape editing elements related to the production of all video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. Formerly MADT 366. (001720)
An introduction to 2D design, digital color, vector and raster images, typography, digital production and pre-press techniques. Students learn to prepare documents for printing, using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and In Design on the Macintosh computer platform. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021059)
Prerequisite: MADT 222.
A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001773)
An introduction to the area of media for instruction and training. The course is divided into three general areas: (1) Hardware; (2) Theory; (3) Application. Students will design and carry out plans for actual use of media in teaching and learning situations. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (021976)
Prerequisite: MADT 206 (with a grade of C or higher).
This course addresses photographic perception, creative process, and a more thorough investigation of narrative editing practices and techniques related to commercial digital photography. Technical concepts include advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging processing for high-quality commercial digital output. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001737)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
Involves complicated and detailed editing of video-based materials using digital and analog linear and nonlinear video editing procedures and techniques. 3 hours discussion. (001758)

Criticism Group: 9 units

3 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
The origins and major movements in the area of the documentary film. Students produce a documentary including research, screenwriting, development, preproduction, production and post-production. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001683)
The course explores distribution strategies adopted by international media industries in the era of globalization. Such strategies include: genre adaptation, content reformatting, audiovisual translation, and programming. 3 hours discussion. (020660)
Examines the creation and propagation of representations of identity, such as sexuality, ethnicity, race, nationality and class within film, video and electronic arts. 3 hours discussion. (020661)
Investigates the concept of world and national cinema within historical, economic, cultural, and theoretical contexts. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (020662)

The Option in Media Arts: 42 units

Option Core: 24 units

8 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: ENGL 130W.
An introduction to the styles, formats and creative approaches used in writing for radio, television, film, and new media. Writing and pitching exercises include radio and television commercials, public service announcements, news, journalism, and long form screenwriting. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Writing Course. (001638)
This course will explore the elements of visual design as they apply to the production of video and film. An overview of visual literacy will be given, and the application of these elements to the critical analysis of video and film productions will be discussed. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher. 3 hours lecture. (001649)
Prerequisite: MADT 141.
An introduction to audio and video preproduction, production and postproduction. Students apply concepts learned in lecture with a weekly activity in video production and post production. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. Formerly MADT 226. (021043)
This course provides a theoretical and practical knowledge of digital audio productions techniques for radio, video, and multimedia. Particular emphasis is placed on audio for video and production strategies for effective communication in audio. 3 hours discussion. (001652)
Introduction to hypertext markup language (HTML), Web standards, and the Web publication process. Includes practical exercises in the creation and publication of Web pages and the construction of coherent Web sites. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001660)
Discussion and analysis of the function, structure, organization, operation, regulation, and economics of the various telecommunication industries, including broadcasting, cable, independent production, and other related new technologies. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher. Required for enrollment in upper-division Media Arts courses. 3 hours lecture. (001651)
Prerequisites: MADT 103W, MADT 146, MADT 216. For CAGD majors: CAGD 112, MADT 103W, MADT 141, MADT 216.
Theory and techniques of video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of electronic field video production. The course includes all pre-production, production, and post-production videotape editing elements related to the production of all video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. Formerly MADT 366. (001720)
The course offers a survey of American film from historical, industrial, cultural, and stylistic perspectives. In Fall, the content of the course focuses on the beginnings of cinema until the 1950's; in Spring, the content of the course focuses on the 1960's to the present. Readings and screenings explore key American directors, genres, film movements, and technological advancements in relation to industrial and cultural shifts. Open to non-majors. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001677)

Writing: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: MADT 103W or JOUR 260W.
An analysis of the role of the copywriter in the creation of media advertising. Emphasis on effective copywriting. Training in the creation of complete campaigns. Includes brief study of ethics and regulations of advertising. 3 hours lecture. (001666)
Prerequisite: MADT 103W.
An advanced writing course on developing and authoring original screenplays for the television and film industries. Industrial processes of screenwriting are also examined including pitching, treatments, coverage, format, style, and other aspects of dramatic narrative structure. 3 hours lecture. (001721)
Prerequisites: MADT 103W, MADT 216.
Theory, practice, and techniques involved in gathering, writing, and reporting broadcast news. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001714)

Management: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: MADT 261 (with a grade of C or higher) or faculty permission.
A thorough review of the basics of broadcast and online programming practices and theory including both qualitative and quantitative audience analysis. Programming for broadcast, cable, satellite, premium, public, and online media are discussed and analyzed. 3 hours lecture. (001762)
Prerequisite: MADT 261 (with a grade of C- or higher) or faculty permission.
The programming and management principles involved in the operation of telecommunication facilities. Course content includes sales, media analytics, advertising, programming, legal and ethical management responsibilities, and other related topics. Industry professionals are frequent guest speakers. 3 hours lecture. (001717)

Production: 9 units

3 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: MADT 222.
A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001773)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
The origins and major movements in the area of the documentary film. Students produce a documentary including research, screenwriting, development, preproduction, production and post-production. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001683)
Prerequisites: MADT 103W, MADT 216.
The skills and techniques of announcing in audio, slide tape, film, and video presentations. Areas covered include copy interpretation and the objective delivery of scripted and ad-lib material in a variety of audio, film, video, and live presentations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001715)
Prerequisite: MADT 206 (with a grade of C or higher).
This course addresses photographic perception, creative process, and a more thorough investigation of narrative editing practices and techniques related to commercial digital photography. Technical concepts include advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging processing for high-quality commercial digital output. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001737)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
This course introduces both the theoretical and practical applications of cinematography. Students become attuned to light and shadow, learn basic camera and lighting systems, organization of these systems, and the visual thought process of cinematography. 3 hours discussion. (021045)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
Involves complicated and detailed editing of video-based materials using digital and analog linear and nonlinear video editing procedures and techniques. 3 hours discussion. (001758)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
This course focuses on the theoretical and aesthetic challenges faced by the director. Strategies for preparing actors, character development and casting are addressed and workshops provide students with practical experience in staging dramatic narrative scenes. Students further their visual skills and learn to shape and craft screen performances by gaining a thorough understanding of the actor's language and technique. 3 hours discussion. (021044)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
Theory and techniques of color video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of video production. This course includes pre-production and production elements related to the production of all video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001719)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
Selected video production projects involving advanced techniques not covered in other production courses, including integration of other media forms into complete video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001759)
Prerequisite: MADT 396 with a grade of C or higher or faculty permission.
This course addresses the development and execution of a single commercial photography project culminating in a final portfolio. Individual research on historic and contemporary photo-practices is expected. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001794)

Capstone: 3 units

1 course required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Senior standing.
This is the capstone course for all students in the Media Arts Option. Students prepare a professional portfolio of work, a resume and learn about other employment issues. Students also complete an advanced collaborative media project. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. This is an approved Writing Course. (020556)

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

  • You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
  • You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
  • Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  • Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  • Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
  • Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

Students may apply for admission to the Honors in the Major Program in the College of Communication and Education. In addition to other specific requirements, each Honors student will conduct and publicly present an original research project. Consult the honors advisor in the College of Communication and Education for specific details.

Catalog Cycle:19