The Department of Mass Communications provides the practical, theoretical, and ethical skills necessary for students to compete and lead in a diverse and highly technological society. The Department delivers quality education through an exciting curriculum that focuses on hands-on preparation and teaches students how to be critical thinkers who are competent in speaking, writing, editing, and communicating information in a digital environment.
Objectives
In accordance with recommendations by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), the following objectives have been adopted. Graduates of this program will:
1. Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press in the United States and around the world.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.
5. Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information. Demonstrate an understanding of professional, ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness, and diversity.
6. Think critically, creatively, and independently.
7. Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.
8. Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences, and purposes they serve.
9. Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style, and grammatical correctness.
10. Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.
11. Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications provides a hands‐on educational experience that prepares students for a professional career in newspapers, magazines, film, radio, television, or multimedia journalism. The student majoring in Mass Communications may become a speechwriter, television or radio reporter, a newspaper columnist, community affairs liaison, an advertising agency account executive, a media marketing specialist, a communication consultant, a sports information specialist, or a public relations executive. Graduates are also qualified to pursue graduate study.
