Information For Students - Communication and Media Studies

Our department has two full-time academic advising specialists, who are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about your major or minor requirements, course sequencing, or graduation planning, they can guide you through your academic journey.

Registration for fall and summer courses begins in mid-March, while winter semester registration opens in late October. Your assigned registration date and time are based on your earned credit hours (not including current courses) and are posted on the Registration Week Schedule and in your MyNMU portal. You’ll also receive an email reminder before registration opens.

To register, log in to MyNMU, click the Registration tile, and use the links to Prepare for Registration, Browse Classes, and Register for Classes once your time opens. Summer sessions offer open enrollment, but for fall and winter, registration begins with graduate students and seniors, followed by juniors, sophomores, and first-year students.

Need help preparing or planning your schedule? Call to make an appointment with Ryan or Jesse, they’re your best resource for ensuring you stay on track toward your goals!

Ryan Bond, Senior Success Advisor
Office Phone:  9062271845
Email:  rybond@nmu.edu

Jesse Koenig, Senior Success Advisor
Office Phone: 906-227-1825
Email: jekoenig@nmu.edu 

Need help changing or declaring your major or minor, opening your degree evaluation, or calculating your GPA? 

Check out NMU's general academic advising website

COM432 Environmental Communication
The course typically explores a range of timely and relevant topics such as environmental advocacy and activism, science communication, stakeholder negotiation, the portrayal of environmental issues in media, our sense of place, and our connection to the world. This course fulfills requirements for some majors. 4 credits, CRN: 11331.

BC274 Live Audio 
Audio often makes the difference between a show that people rave about and one that they rant about. This course is an introduction to the tools and techniques used to create excellent audio in live productions such as broadcasts, live streams, and live-audience venues. The course makes extensive use of hands-on experiences. 4 credits. CRN 12170. 

BC430 Health Communication and Media (Fulfills INTT Gen Ed)
This course examines how communication and media shape health and wellbeing in everyday life, medical settings, and society, offering insights for students in any major, whether pursuing health professions, communication careers, or personal growth. 4 credits. CRN 10996. 

Before starting your internship, meet with your academic advising specialist to determine the best time to fit your 2 internship credits into your plan, which is typically beginning your junior year. Internships can be on campus, in the community, remote, paid, or unpaid, and you’ll need 50 hours of work per credit. You may complete one 2-credit internship in a single semester or spread them out across multiple terms, including summer. Students can earn up to 8 credits of internship experience if warranted. Be sure to connect with a faculty member in your area (Communication, Production, or Journalism) for networking advice and potential opportunities. 

Once you’ve identified an internship, you’ll need to complete and submit the internship approval form, available from your advisor, faculty, or the Department Head, before beginning your internship to receive credit.

Students operate a radio station that provides programming 24 hours per day.

Students produce a daily news program on WNMU-TV.

Students produce an independent, weekly newspaper.

Professor Rebecca Ewalt is launching a new NMU Debate Team, giving students the opportunity to sharpen their public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking skills through intercollegiate competition. Check out the Hub or contact Prof. Ewalt for more information. 

The Student Advisory Committee and COMM Club bring together students from across the department and campus to collaborate on initiatives that enhance the CAMS community. They meet regularly to discuss departmental topics, plan events, and create professional development opportunities that connect students, faculty, and alumni. Check out The Hub, Dr. Potter, or Dr. Shevy for more information. 

In winter 2023 our department hosted week long programming dedicated to civility.

The CAMS Department also honors graduating seniors on an annual basis who have demonstrated academic excellence in the major that sets them apart from their fellow students with a red chord (gpa of a 3.5 or higher) and a medallion (gpa of a 3.8 or higher). 

Each year the faculty also nominate and choose one graduating senior each term from each side of the department (Communication and Media) as our TOP graduate each year. Take a look at some of our super stars. 

It's hard to put into words all that our department does. Check out the past and latest buzz to learn more.