DEGREE OPTIONS

Students who are interested in becoming a Science, Technology and Culture (STAC) major may choose one of three degree options:


Media Studies
Gender Studies
Biomedicine Studies

Students may also prefer to add the research thesis option to any STAC degree options.

The School of Literature, Communication and Culture also offers a 5-year dual degree option which combines a B.S. in Science, Technology and Culture/Media Studies Option and an M.S. in Digital Media.


Media Studies

The revolution in computer and digital technology has transformed the art and the science of communication, making media studies one of the most dynamic and rewarding fields in higher education. Students in the Media Studies option of the STAC major prepare for successful careers in film, television, and the evolving discipline of Web design and digital art. Previous students have secured prestigious positions with employers such as CNN Interactive, IBM, the Atlanta Braves, SouthNet, Macquarium, and Brokaft Financial.


Media Studies graduates have the opportunity of attending nationally recognized M.S. and Ph.D. programs. STAC students have also gone on to graduate programs in policy, law, journalism, medicine, interactive telecommunications, and literature at institutions such as the University of California-Berkeley, the University of Chicago, Boston University, and New York University.


The STAC Media Studies option allows students to:

  • Study the techniques, technologies and history of computer arts and graphics, film, television, and video production
  • Learn how to "read" images and understand the stories they tell
  • Prepare for graduate work in film and media studies


Job Opportunities in Media Studies

  • Website designer
  • e-commerce
  • Media teacher or educational media specialist
  • Media career in film, television, or digital art

Download Media Studies Checklist as:
[MS Word].doc | [Adobe PDF].pdf


Gender Studies

The STAC-Gender Studies Option is designed for students who desire to follow careers in public policy, health, or law. This option also serves as a foundation for graduate work in humanities, social sciences, or management programs.


As with the other STAC programs, students are encouraged to seek internships or undergraduate research that provide practical experience outside the classroom.


Download Gender Studies Checklist as:
[MS Word].doc | [Adobe PDF].pdf


Biomedicine Studies

Students who desire to follow careers in the health care and medical professions, medical education, science journalism and communications, and bioethics, policy, and law as they pertain to medicine, may select the Biomedicine option. This option also serves as a foundation for graduate work in science and technology studies, medicine and literary studies, and the arts.


Download Biomedicine Studies Checklist as:
[MS Word].doc | [Adobe PDF].pdf


Research Option

STAC students may elect to add the Research Thesis Option to any Media Studies, Gender Studies and Biomedicine Studies degree options, as well as to the general track. Students who pursue this option must choose a research topic appropriate to the STAC degree and secure a tenure-track LCC faculty member as their research mentor. Once the student has done this, s/he must formally declare the research option by meeting with the STAC Coordinator and filing the appropriate paperwork with the Office of Undergraduate Research.


All students who declare the Research Thesis Option will complete 6 credit hours of undergraduate research (LCC 2698, 2699, 4698, and/or 4699); 2 credit hours of advanced writing instruction (LCC 4700), and 3 credit hours of the senior thesis course (LCC 4102). Upon doing so, the student will receive the Research Thesis Option designator on his or her official transcripts.


This option is highly recommended for all students who plan to pursue graduate or professional study. It is also recommended for all students who plan to pursue careers with research components.


Download Proposed Research Plan for the STAC Degree (multiple tracks) as:
[Adobe PDF].pdf


Download Certificate of Research Option Approval as:
[MS Word].doc | [Adobe PDF].pdf


More information about the research option can be found from the Research Plan page.


5 Year BS/MS Media Studies

The School of Literature, Communication and Culture offers a 5-year dual degree option which provides a B.S. in Science, Technology and Culture/Media Studies Option and an M.S. in Digital Media.


Students who desire to pursue the five-year BS/MS combination in STAC-Media Studies and DM must apply to the School after completing at least 75 hours of work towards the STAC Media Studies degree. Applicants should have a 3.5 GPA. They should consult with the STAC advisor and the Graduate Director in their sophomore year and begin the process of applying to the program as soon as they have achieved Junior status. The application includes a personal statement and faculty recommendations.


Students admitted to the five-year program will select the 4400 seminar option and also take a total of twelve hours of graduate course work during their final undergraduate year. Six hours of that work, in DM media courses, will replace two STAC free electives and will count for both undergraduate and graduate credit. During the summer term after their fourth year, students will participate in an approved internship program. During their fifth year, students will take a total of 24 hours, including either LCC 6800 (Project) or LCC 7000 (Thesis), and with no more than three courses taken outside of the DM program.