Civic Communications and Media Studies Degree

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Our Civic Communication and Media Major & Minor

Study how people use media to engage the world, define debates, construct identity, develop arguments, and effect change. Find your voice by analyzing rhetoric and media in civic life. Go beyond the classroom to develop your skills.

Why choose Communication and Media Studies at Willamette?

Education goes beyond the classroom. Civic communication and media studies majors can apply their knowledge directly to the real world. Consider the Debate Union, find an internship, or complete a major project through the Senior Seminar.
We emphasize civic engagement. Learn how to shape the future through written and oral communication. Located directly across from the Oregon State Capitol, our campus offers a unique opportunity to participate in state government.
Supportive and holistic learning environment. We offer small class sizes, our faculty invests in students, and our curriculum embraces other academic fields. Dialogue impacts society in a variety of ways, which is why its concepts extend into other disciplines.

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Alumni Stories

From top graduate programs to careers in public policy, law, education, and nonprofit leadership, our alumni find success in a variety of fields. They've created change on a local and national level, turning their knowledge into action. Understand their impact by reading their stories.

CCM Stories

Brandon Chinn '14

From the Bearcats to the Blazers and Celtics
Brandon Chinn '14, now assistant communications manager for the Boston Celtics, credits on-campus opportunities at Willamette University for his successful career in NBA communications.
Claire Pockell Wilson '19

Interdisciplinary knowledge from CCM major fuels success in People Operations
Claire Pockell Wilson '19 leverages her Civic Communication and Media major to excel as a Senior Manager of People Operations, effectively managing processes and supporting team growth.

CCM Faculty

Our professors know how to create awareness and influence society. They've changed policies, created persuasive campaigns, and explored the effects of digital media. Engage in one-on-one discussions with professors and find inspiration through small class sizes.

Meet Professor Richards

Dr. Cindy Koenig Richards, Professor is a renowned scholar in communication technology, education, and civic engagement. As the founding chair of the Civic Communication and Media department, she developed a nationally recognized curriculum.
Meet Professor Wen

Huike Wen's work emphasizes lifelong learning, inclusivity, and the integration of critical thinking and creative ideas in understanding media's cultural impact. Her commitment to student success is evident in her innovative courses and supportive learning community.
Meet Professor Pham

Dr. Vincent Pham's research explores the rhetorics of belonging and marginalization, focusing on Asian American media rhetorics and race relations. Through his innovative courses, he helps students critically analyze public discourse and media representations.

Curriculum

Our degree in communications focuses on public dialogue, discourse, and a variety of other topics. Discuss mass media, market research, and effective mass communication strategies. Our program shows the importance of human connection, preparing students to excel in oral and written communication.

CCM Courses

CCM 364W Political Communication

Master the art of campaign communication and uncover how the presidency and media shape political realities. Dive into the power of language as a tool for creating and projecting images and issues.
CCM 345 Latina/o/x Communication Studies

Explore the rich landscape of Latina/o/x media, from historical to modern contexts. Dive into popular culture, social movements, and political rhetoric while creating your own Latina/o/x media projects.

Program Requirements

Our Civic Communication and Media major requires 33-36 semester hours to complete the degree.

Students pursuing a Civic Communication and Media minor will need to complete 21-32 semester hours in Civic Communication and Media.

CCM Program Requirements

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Admissions Information

Our Civic Communication and Media is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.

Admissions

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Willamette University is dedicated to supporting Civic Communication & Media majors with generous merit scholarships and financial aid. No additional application is needed for consideration. All admitted undergraduate applicants are automatically evaluated for merit-based scholarships, starting at $26,000 per year. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, considering cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT scores, if available.

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Tuition and Fees