Academic Programs

Graduates of CMAT&EWLL are well equipped for careers in television and audio production, digital filmmaking, acting, directing, writing, and producing, as well as public relations, journalism, corporate communications, digital media, theatre, publishing, editing, translation, and language services. Their skills also prepare them for opportunities in education and international communication, as well as graduate study. Outside the classroom, students engage in experiential learning with CSU Theatre, WCSU Radio, CSU Cinema, CSU TV, and Study Abroad; literary and cultural events with the Gwendolyn Brooks Center; and internships with Chicagoland media, theatre, publishing, and cultural organizations.

Select a program to jump to its description later on this page. Detailed degree requirements and course descriptions can be found in the CSU catalog.

Bachelor’s degrees

• Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts
  • Media Arts concentration
  • Digital Journalism & Storytelling concentration
  • Public Relations concentration
  • Theatre concentration
• Bachelor of Arts in English
  • Literature Option
  • Secondary Teaching Option
  • Writing Option
• Bachelor of Arts in Spanish

Master’s degrees

• Master of Arts in English
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

About our programs

Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts

Our B.A. in Media Arts is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers across the media, communication, and performance industries. Within the program, students tailor their academic experience by choosing a concentration in Media Arts, Public Relations, Digital Journalism & Storytelling, or Theatre, allowing them to align their studies with their professional goals.

Bachelor of Arts in English

A B.A. in English allows students to choose from three options: Literature, Writing, or Secondary Teaching. Guided by the motto "Excellence, Scholarship, and Humanity," the program prepares graduates for careers as authors, journalists, editors, lawyers, librarians, teachers, advertising executives, and government service professionals. Students in the Secondary Teaching option can earn the State of Illinois Standard High School Certificate in English (grades 6–12). 

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish

CSU's B.A. in Spanish builds language proficiency alongside a strong foundation in Hispanic literature and culture. The program prepares students for careers in bilingual teaching, interpreting, government service, and business, with employers increasingly seeking English-Spanish bilingual graduates. High-achieving students may also pursue the Spanish Honors Program, which offers faculty mentorship and independent research opportunities. 

Master of Arts in English

A Master of Arts in English deepens students' expertise in literature, writing, criticism, and language while building analytical, research, and presentation skills. The program also offers a concentration in Black Literature, reflecting the university's commitment to literary diversity and scholarship. Graduates go on to teach literature and composition at the secondary or post-secondary level, enter doctoral programs, or work in writing, editing, publishing, and communication-focused business fields. 

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is the only M.F.A. program at a PBI in the country to integrate African American literature throughout its curriculum. Students work closely with faculty mentors and peers in workshops, engage with visiting writers and master classes, and gain access to the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing and the Warpland Literary Journal. With its small cohort size, affordability, and location within Chicago's vibrant literary scene, the program offers an immersive path toward a completed manuscript and a professional writing career. 

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