Communications majors, students thinking about studying communications, and those already involved in related professions can benefit from the following open courseware classes. This collection is designed to give a broad overview of some of the topics included in communication studies, like mass media, public opinion, emerging media technologies, media and culture, and communicating online. These different communication dynamics need to be understood by those in business, journalism, business writing, new media, and anyone who has an interest in the ways in which humans communicate. These courses, offered by top schools like MIT and the University of Massachusetts – Boston, develop students’ analytical abilities, research skills, technology awareness and proficiency, and cultural sensibilities. Coursework and extra readings combine theory and practical application to help students understand concepts like public opinion, mass media culture, cross-cultural communications, highbrow and lowbrow culture, identity, and how other fields like literature, philosophy and science affect all of these concepts.

Because the theories and strategies surrounding communication are constantly evolving, it is important for students and professionals to continuously monitor new issues, trends and technologies in the field. From digital media to gender issues to global media outlets, communication studies incorporates more than just a simple study of speech. Additional resources provided by these courses include readings from Medieval texts, political histories of the U.S., Panama, and other societies, and examples of user-friendly, well-designed websites that communicate a strong message to an audience.

• Media in Transition [MIT] – Students explore the history of communication and media in this course, which studies the first printing machine, the digital revolution and mass media.
• Public Opinion [UMass Boston] – This course explores "the concept of attitude" and public opinion, including theory, social sciences, politics and more.
• History of Media and Technology [MIT] – Learn how media and technology have co-developed in response to society, literature, art, philosophy and history.
• Media in Cultural Context: Popular Readerships [MIT] – This course explores how gender, highbrow and lowbrow culture, judgment and more affect media and communication.
• Communicating in Cyberspace [MIT] – This course will teach those entering the media and other communication fields how to work with the Internet as a legitimate communication medium.