Mass Communication / 20
The Department of Communication and Mass Media offers undergraduate programs in mass media, advertising and interactive digital media to prepare students for the converged media industry. The mass media major also allows students to learn a core set of production and critical thinking skills within a focused area of interest such as multimedia journalism, sports media, broadcast and production, and applied advertising. In harmony with the mission of the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth College of Business and Professional Studies, students majoring in the mass media degrees develop not only communication skills (verbal, written, listening and interpersonal) but also critical thinking skills and equipment and computer operation skills. Careful attention is given to achieving a balance between cognitive development and specific skills acquisition; therefore, students also develop a broad understanding and appreciation of the historical, theoretical and operational nature of the mass media.
In addition, students are encouraged at the very beginning of their University experience to become involved with a variety of hands-on activities with award-winning media outlets KZLX-LP, KXCV/KRNW-FM, KNWT-TV, Northwest Missourian newspaper, nwmissourinews.com (converged online news site), Tower yearbook and DVD supplement, Framework Interactive online magazine, fwinteractive.com and student media organizations. These experiences lead to a realistic view of professional working conditions. Students are further guided in the acquisition of appropriate time management, adaptation and teamwork skills.
Advanced Standing Requirement
Mass Media majors may not enroll in upper division mass communication courses (numbered 300 or above) prior to successful completion of the Department of Communication and Mass Media’s advanced standing requirements:
- Students must complete MCOM 20110, MCOM 20120 and MCOM 20130 with a minimum grade of “C.”
- The student shall have an assigned major advisor from the Mass Media faculty.
General Education Assessment Requirement
Students must receive a score of at least 1 in two of the three test areas or they must retake the general education assessment test, an assessment given when the student reaches junior status. Students who do not reach this requirement will be notified by either their advisor or the department chairperson. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for retaking the general education assessment test.
Degree Programs
The Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies (31 hours) is designed to provide students with theoretical and applied knowledge and a liberal arts education through the requirements for the B.A. degree.
The Bachelor of Science in Mass Media (55 hours), in Advertising (61 hours), and in Interactive Digital Media (61 hours) are available to those seeking the B.S. degree. In addition to providing a comprehensive theoretical foundation within the discipline, these degrees provide extensive practical knowledge and experience.
A minor in Broadcasting (24 hours), a minor in Journalism (24 hours), a minor in Advertising (24 hours) and an interdisciplinary minor in Interactive Digital Media (24 hours) are available to students with majors in other academic disciplines.