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This program is tailored for students seeking an academic focus in media studies rather than professional training. The curriculum first introduces learners to diverse perspectives on mass media (including aesthetic, cultural, humanistic, and social-behavioral approaches), then allows specialization through one of four concentration areas. All program tracks maintain strong connections with liberal arts disciplines, requiring participants to possess solid liberal arts knowledge along with advanced language and critical thinking abilities.
This research-oriented major examines media's societal influence and functions. Participants investigate media-public dynamics, scrutinize content and technologies, and assess their cultural and individual impacts. The curriculum spans multiple subjects such as content analysis, media psychology, public attitudes, worldwide media systems, cinematic arts, gaming studies, and digital interaction. Students can personalize their academic path by focusing on film/television studies, media influence, global communications, or socio-cultural perspectives.
The majority of Penn State’s applications come from traditional, first-year students. The following types of students are considered first-year applicants (or freshman applicants, as some refer to them): Current high school student in his or her senior year; Student who has earned a high school diploma or a GED and has no post-secondary coursework; Student who has attempted 17 or fewer credits (semester hours) of college coursework at a regionally accredited college/university before attending Penn State; Current high school student who may have enrolled in another institution(s) before graduating from high school (dual enrollment); Student who may have attended Penn State on a nondegree basis.
English Language Proficiency
The following are ways in which you can satisfy the language proficiency requirement: TOEFL: A minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 550 on the old paper exam and a minimum of 20 in each section of the new paper exam (code #2660); IELTS: A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test.