As we gear up for spring break, the CM program would love to look ahead and share our Fall 2026 semester 400-level course offerings. See below for more information as well as course flyers:
CM 490.01 (CRN 34046): Introduction to Podcasting, taught by Professor Courtney Garcia
CM 490.02 (CRN 34045): Television and Popular (American) Culture, taught by Professor Casey McCormick
CM 499.01 (CRN 34241): Capstone, taught by Professor Nina Hien
&
CM 499.02 (34044): Capstone, taught by Professor Elizabeth Alsop
Explore course descriptions here for additional information on 400-level classes. Please note, all 400-level courses require permission before being able to register. Kindly reach out to @frankiemurphy at <Frankie.Murphy@cuny.edu> for guidance.
On March 3rd, Dr. Sarah Ruth Jacobs hosted a roundtable for CUNY SPS CM students interested in graduate school. Below is the video, relevant timestamps, and transcript. Click here as well for a document pertaining to resources for applying to grad school!
Timestamps
4:52 Question 1: How should I begin to research graduate programs? How can I find out if a certain graduate degree will likely lead to a job?
12:40 Question 2: Can I go to grad school while working full- or part-time? How can I find grad programs that might give me employment as part of the program?
18:51 Question 3: What should I be doing now to make myself a better candidate for grad school?
24:17 Question 4 : In practical terms, how much do a program’s reputation and alumni network shape long-term opportunity?
27:59 Question 5: How can I learn about what makes a grad school application successful, especially as a non-traditional student?
36:54 Question 6: Should I plan to attend grad school immediately after graduating from SPS or are there advantages to waiting?
41:53 Question 7: What does a typical timeline of applying to grad school look like? How many programs should I apply to?
45:14 Question 8: What kinds of graduate degrees students from SPS, and our program in particular, have done just to get a sense of, what is the landscape of possibility?
47:01 Question 9: I’m curious what your thoughts are on getting a master’s and job hirers considering you overqualified for a role. I’m pivoting into an adjacent field, but some would consider positions I’m researching entry-level. So is it dangerous to be overqualified?
51:39 Question 10 (paraphrased): Can I get scholarships or free tuition for grad school?
I would like to formally introduce myself. My name is Frankie Murphy, and I am the Communication and Media (CM) program’s College Assistant, here to assist with anything you may need or to point you in the direction of someone who can help. I have a BFA in Film and am very enthusiastic about my job here at SPS! It is my privilege to be able and support your academic plus professional journeys throughout our program.
On Thursdays at noon, I hold a weekly Zoom hour, and students are encouraged to drop in for assistance. This is an opportunity for me to aid in any inquiries/issues you may be experiencing, or to direct you to someone who could have the answer.
Feel free to reach out at any point if you would like to schedule a one-on-one meeting, as well. My typical working hours are weekdays from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., and I can be found at this email: <Frankie.Murphy@cuny.edu>. My office number is also 646-664-8738; if you get my voicemail, kindly leave a message including your EMPLID and I will respond as soon as possible. I always do my best to address any communications in the most timely of manners.
Thank you for reading this message, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
For those of you eligible to register for CM 490 and CM 499 (the capstone) this coming semester, please see below for some information about your options and feel free to reach out to me or Rokshana with questions.
CM 490: Special Topics
For CM 490, you have the choice between two topics—Introduction to Podcasting, and Introduction to Journalism (aka “Journalism for Non-Journalists”). Both will provide you with strong knowledge of each field, and equip you with durable skills that are transferable across a range of professional contexts.
CM 499: Capstone
For CM 499, you can choose between Capstone to Career—a workshop class that allows you to produce a polished piece of work for your academic, creative, or professional portfolio—and Engagement Marketing, a more independently structured class focused on marketing.
In May, the Communication and Media program convened a roundtable discussion with recent alumni who shared their insights and experiences with current students, faculty, and staff. See what they had to say—about thriving during the B.A. and after graduation—in the video below!
As some of you know, Dr. Carla Marquez-Lewis (Psychology) and I have been coordinating a series of events designed to support first-generation college students at CUNY SPS. But not only first-gen students—we also think the topics we cover could be helpful for all students! Check out recordings of our previous events here:
