Rollins College

What you'll study

The Communication and Media Studies major at Rollins balances theory, research and applied practice. Students explore how media shapes culture and public life while learning skills in writing, audio/video production, digital storytelling and strategic communication.

• Core topics: media and society, media ethics and law, communication theory, and research methods.
• Production and skills: audio and podcasting, video production, digital media design, multimedia journalism, and social media strategy.
• Professional practice: practicum courses, internship placements with local media, businesses or non-profits, and collaborative capstone projects.
• Electives and specialisms: public relations and advertising, political communication, visual storytelling, data journalism, and media entrepreneurship.
• Experiential learning: opportunities to work with student-run media such as the college radio station and campus publications, community projects, and off-campus internships in the Orlando media market.

Entry requirements

Admission to Rollins College for undergraduate study follows the college's general undergraduate admission policies. Typical expectations for applicants include a completed secondary school certificate or equivalent, a competitive academic record, and a personal statement demonstrating interest in communication and media. Applicants often submit:

• High school transcripts or international equivalents (e.g. A-levels, IB).
• Standardised test scores where required or optional depending on the applicant's context.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or counsellors.
• A personal essay or statement of purpose outlining interests in media and communication.
• For some applicants, a portfolio or examples of creative work (writing samples, audio or video) can strengthen an application, especially for production-focused pathways.

International students are expected to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised qualifications or tests unless exempt. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and course descriptions for evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme leave with a combination of analytical and technical skills highly relevant to contemporary media careers. Common career paths include:

• Journalism and multimedia reporting for digital, broadcast or print outlets.
• Public relations, corporate communications and media relations roles.
• Social media management, content strategy and digital marketing positions.
• Video production, podcasting and creative content production for agencies, brands and independent media.
• Research, policy and advocacy communications within non-profit and public-sector organisations.
• Further study in media studies, communication, law, business or specialised professional programmes.

Internships secured through Rollins and connections in the Orlando media market help students build portfolios and professional networks that support job placement after graduation.

Why study at Rollins College

Rollins offers a small-college environment with close faculty mentorship, a liberal arts curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary study, and strong practical opportunities. The college's location near a major metropolitan area provides access to internships and media organisations while maintaining a campus culture supportive of hands-on learning. Students benefit from small class sizes, opportunities to lead student media, and faculty with experience in media production, scholarship and professional practice.

The programme emphasises experiential learning, allowing students to graduate with both the critical thinking and the practical production skills employers seek in the evolving media landscape.