Communications and Media Studies (CMS) is an interdisciplinary program designed to educate Tufts students about mass media and communications within a liberal arts curriculum. Thirty years after its inception, the program continues to focus on the role of media in the United States and internationally. In an era in which knowledge about people and events comes primarily from mass media, responsible citizens increasingly need to understand the historical, social, and cultural significance of film, print, digital and electronic media.

Through its three minor degrees, its core courses, internship program, campus events, and support of related courses in other departments, the program stresses an interdisciplinary understanding of the impact of mass communications on individuals, institutions, and cultures. It promotes critical thinking skills, media literacy, and exposure to a wide range of perspectives on media and society.