This interdisciplinary certificate is intended to provide a broad background in the area of media literacy and critical thinking. The certificate is designed to complement undergraduate course work in a variety of majors. The certificate is particularly appropriate for students preparing for, or currently working in, a variety of disciplines or careers in media production, broadcasting, public relations, marketing, advertising, visual arts, critical studies, politics, and literature.
Students must maintain good academic standing in the university, achieve a minimum grade of C in each certificate course, achieve a GPA of at least 2.00 in all certificate courses, and complete all certificate course work within six calendar years. Some courses may have prerequisites that are not part of the certificate curriculum. All course requirements for the certificate must be completed at NIU.
In addition to the approved elective courses listed below, any undergraduate-level special topics course focusing on film or television studies may be counted toward the certificate with the approval of the coordinator of the Film and Television Studies Certificate of Undergraduate Study. No transfer credit is allowed for the certificate. Students pursuing a certificate in Film and Television Studies should meet with the certificate director in the Department of Communication early in their academic careers.