Media and Information
The Media and Information major helps you develop knowledge and skills about the role of media and mass communication in society and media storytelling with strategy and purpose.
Media and Information
- Curriculum and Courses
- Catalog Requirements
- University Honors Program
- Transfer Student FAQ
- Major & Pre-Major Advising
- View Student Work
Program Facts
Declaring Your Major
There are no deadlines or prerequisites to declare as a media and information major. To declare, fill out this Media and Information Declaration Form.
Major Handbook
Refer to the Media and Information Major Handbook (Google Doc) for all details regarding this major.
Questions? Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-625-1338
About the Program
The Media and Information major is designed for students who wish to pursue a liberal arts approach to the study of media institutions, processes, effects, theory, research methods and analysis. While this major helps you develop a set of skills and methodological/theoretical knowledge, it could also be applied to, but not exclusively to, professional settings such as psychology, law and politics.
What You Will Study
Media and Information majors can choose a program emphasis in areas such as: Emerging Media, Technology & Management; Global Media & Diversity; Health Communication; Media History; Media Ethics & Law; and Media, Politics & Psychology.
Your Career Path
The Media and Information major helps students develop research methods and analytical skills that can be applied to a number of different fields, including law, academia and the professional sector. Your studies also can serve as preparation for a graduate degree, a law degree or an MBA degree. Alums have gone on to careers as campaign developers, media analysts, media researchers and professors.
"What I love most about Media & Information is its versatility. Whether you are interested in social media management, political communication or information policy, this major provides a rigorous foundation. It’s a space for those who are curious and want to understand the why behind the how in our interconnected world. To support your academic and professional journey, the program also provides opportunities for internships, hands-on learning experiences, and competitive scholarships."
— Valérie Bélair-Gagnon, Associate Professor, Cowles Fellow in Media Management & Director of Undergraduate Studies
Curriculum and Courses
The Media and Information major explores how media shape society, culture, and daily life while developing research and professional skills you can apply anywhere. Students gain a foundation in media theory, analysis and storytelling, then build expertise through thematic areas.
The major totals 34 credits, including:
- Core Courses (13 credits)
- Electives (21 credits) across focus areas
Core Courses
JOUR 1001: Media in a Changing World
JOUR 4999: Capstone
Select 3 from: JOUR 3004 (Information for Mass Communication), JOUR 3005 (Media Effects), JOUR 3614 (History of Media Communication), JOUR 3741 (Media and Popular Culture), JOUR 3751 (Digital Media and Culture), JOUR 3771 (Media Ethics), JOUR 3786 (Media and Politics)
Thematic Areas
Applied Social Media
Understand and apply skills for connecting, creating, and influencing online.
- JOUR 3201 Principles of Strategic Communication
- JOUR 3761 Social Media Management
- JOUR 3762 Social Media Storytelling
- JOUR 3765 Social Media Production in the Media Industries
Emerging Media, Technology & Management
Analyze and lead in the changing digital landscape.
- JOUR 1501 Digital Games and Society
- JOUR 3006 Visual Communication
- JOUR 3551 Business of Digital Media
- JOUR 3553 Mobile Communication
- JOUR 3751 Digital Media and Culture
- JOUR 4272 Digital Advertising
Global Media & Diversity
Explore how media shape identities, representation, and culture around the world.
Health Communication
Use communication to improve public and community health.
- JOUR 3757 Principles of Health Communication Strategy
- JOUR 3758 Kids, Media and Information
- JOUR 4542 Media and Mental Health
- JOUR 5541 Mass Communication and Public Health
Media History
Understand the present by exploring the media’s past.
- JOUR 3007 The Media in American History and Law: Case Studies
- JOUR 3614 History of Media Communication
- JOUR 4605W History of Journalism
- JOUR 4721 Mass Media and U.S. Society
Media Ethics & Law
Navigate rights, responsibilities, and regulations in a digital age.
- JOUR 3771 Media Ethics
- JOUR 3775 Strategic Communication Law
- JOUR 3776 Media Law
- JOUR 4552 Law of Internet Communication
Media, Politics & Psychology
Examine how the media influences publics and democracy.
- JOUR 3005 Media Effects
- JOUR 3786 Media and Politics
- JOUR 4251 Psychology of Advertising
- JOUR 4274W Advertising in Society
- JOUR 4501 Communication, Public Opinion, and Social Media
Refer to the Media and Information Major Handbook for full details.
Transfer Student FAQ
Transfer students are a vital part of the Hubbard School, and this page contains frequently asked questions to help students make a successful transition.
What should I do first?
Apply to the College of Liberal Arts and watch the online Pre-major Information session.
How to Apply (Journalism or Strategic Communication)
Declare the Media and Information Major
What are the minimum requirements to apply to the undergraduate program at the University of Minnesota?
The following items are required from all students, including incoming transfer students.
- Completed or enrolled in JOUR 1001, earning a grade of “C-” or higher.
- Completed 14 credits graded A-F.
Note: To be competitive for admission, students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Do I need to wait until I have finished courses at the University of Minnesota to apply to or declare a Hubbard School major?
No. As long as you are enrolled in a degree seeking program, you can apply to or declare a Hubbard major with JOUR 1001 (complete or in progress) and at least 14 credits graded A-F from your transfer institution.
Note: Transfer courses need to be posted to your UMN record prior to Hubbard application review (submit final transcripts to UMN admissions to have coursework posted to your record). Check your APAS to verify transfer courses have been posted.
When should I apply for a journalism or strategic communication major?
This will vary depending on how many credits a student transfers into the U of M. It takes a minimum of four (4) semesters (including the semester you apply) to complete a major. This means some transfer students may need to apply during their first semester on campus. You can apply during your first semester on campus if you have:
- JOUR 1001 completed or in progress
- 14 credits graded A-F completed
Applications deadlines are posted on the website.
What major is best for me?
The Hubbard School offers three majors focused on distinct areas of study within the discipline that connect to different kinds of work, including Journalism, Media and Information, and Strategic Communication: Advertising & Public Relations. Visit the “Explore Our Majors” page to see what major fits your interests and career goals.
What courses should I register for when I attend orientation?
Many transfer students have completed journalism courses at their previous institutions, so this answer will vary from person to person. The following is a general guide of what to register for if you are new to our majors.
- JOUR 1001
- 1-2 context courses
Notes:
JOUR 3004 and JOUR 3201 are reserved for once you are admitted into a Hubbard School major. You will not be able to take these until the semester AFTER you apply and are accepted.
After you are admitted to the U of M, if you have transfer courses you believe will satisfy JOUR 1001 or other JOUR courses, please contact [email protected] before your orientation date.
How do I know if the courses I have already taken will be accepted for my major requirements?
Search for your course on transferology before your orientation date. If your course is not listed, use the UMN's Transfer Credit Evaluation system to petition a transfer course to count toward a major requirement. Contact Hubbard School student services with questions.
"One pleasantly surprising aspect of my major has been the overwhelming sense of camaraderie and support among students. The sense of community within the Media and Information and Strategic Communication programs has been a source of inspiration and motivation throughout my academic journey."
– Adham Mohamed, Media & Information major
Student Stories
Hear from Hubbard students about their majors, their favorite courses, the internships they've taken and what it's like being a student at the University of Minnesota.