Program Description
The mass communications program is designed to teach students to think critically and creatively about the global, practical and theoretical dimensions of mass communications.
The curriculum is designed to accomplish the following:
- To educate students for careers in mass communications and related professions.
- To provide hands-on experiences in print journalism, broadcast and electronic productions and “new media” technologies.
- To prepare students to design and produce content appropriate for various media formats.
- To encourage student participation in community service by producing content for WSNC-FM, SU Radio, RAM-TV, The News Argus newspaper, and community-based media agencies.
- To develop professional relationships with media organizations for student internship placement and program development.
There are two tracks offered for majors in mass communications, Electronic Media and journalism. The media track prepares students to create, present and direct digital media. The Journalism track prepares students to work as writers and editors.
Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of The News Argus, WSNC 90.5 FM, SU Radio, RAM-TV, and other media-related activities within the department. Designated laboratories for audio and video production are also accessible to students.
Student Learning Outcomes
Mass Communications graduates should be able to:
- Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, to assemble and petition for redress of grievances.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of groups in a global society.
- 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 accuracy, fairness, diversity and truth.
- Think critically, creatively and independently.
- Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions.
- Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences, and purposes the messages serve.
- Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness.
- Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts to media productions and projects.
- Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
- Comprehend and adapt to the changing environment of media convergence.
Major Requirements
Students who wish to major in mass communications should have good written and oral communication skills. Therefore, students should have successfully completed the written (4 courses) and oral communications (1 course) general education courses before taking 3000 level mass communication major courses. Majors in mass communications are required to complete a minimum of 36 semester hours (SH) of mass communication courses that balance concepts and theory with professional skills. Majors should take 80 SH (approximately 27 courses) outside the department. At least 65 of the 80 SH must be in courses in the liberal arts and sciences, many of which are part of the WSSU general education curriculum. Because of the emphasis on communication skills for majors in mass communications, students are strongly advised to select additional written and oral communication courses as part of their elective courses outside the major.
Students must achieve a grade of C or better in all mass communications courses taken as part of the major.
All majors are required to complete 12 SH of Mass Communications Core courses and choose one of two concentrations, either Electronic Media (24 SH) or Journalism (24 SH) and complete the required courses.
Major Courses
Mass Communications Core (12 SH)
MCM 2325 - Introduction to Mass Communications
MCM 3301 - Law & Ethics of Mass Communications
MCM 3308 - Journalism Language, Style, and Literacy or MCM 3325 - Media Writing
MCM 4321 - International Communications
Tracks - Electronic Media (24 SH)
MCM 2341 – Digital Convergence
MCM 3311 – Studio Production
MCM 3321 – Media Presentation
MCM 3366 – Advanced Video Directing or MCM 3367 - Advanced Video Editing
MCM 3368 – Advanced Video Production
MCM 3370 – Field Production
MCM 4093 - Mass Communications Internship
MCM 4371 - Electronic Media Practicum
Journalism (24 SH)
ART 1314 (Introduction to Computer Art & Design) or ART 2312 (Desktop Publishing) or ART 3355 (Photography)
MCM 3215 – Journalism Practicum
MCM 3312 – Copy Editing
MCM 3340 – News Writing and Reporting
MCM 3380 – News Editing and Design
MCM 4115 –Advanced Journalism Practicum
MCM 4309 - Feature Writing
MCM 4316 – Critical and Persuasive Writing
MCM 4093 - Mass Communications Internship
Transfer credit - Students may transfer up to 12 semester hours of credit for mass communications major courses – the equivalents of MCM 2325 (Introduction to Mass Communications), MCM 3301 (Law and Ethics of Mass Communications) and six hours of mass communications/media electives – earned at a regionally accredited postsecondary institution.
Courses Offered by the Program
MCM 2325 - Introduction to Mass Communications
MCM 2341 - Digital Convergence
MCM 3215 - Mass Communications Practicum
MCM 3301 - Law and Ethics of Mass Communications
MCM 3305 - Mass Media Management
MCM 3308 - Journalism Language, Style, and Literacy
MCM 3309 - Production Writing
MCM 3311 - Studio Production
MCM 3312 - Copy Editing
MCM 3321 - Media Presentation
MCM 3325 - Media Writing
MCM 3340 - News Reporting and Writing
MCM 3342 - Mass Media and Society
MCM 3366 - Advanced Video Directing
MCM 3367 - Advanced Video Editing
MCM 3368 - Advanced Video Production
MCM 3369 - Mass Communications General Internship
MCM 3370 - Field Production
MCM 3380 - News Editing & Design
MCM 4093 - Mass Communications Internship
MCM 4115 - Advanced Journalism Practicum
MCM 4309 - Feature Writing
MCM 4312 - Mass Media Criticism
MCM 4316 - Critical and Persuasive Writing for Mass Media
MCM 4321 - International Communications
MCM 4322 - Minorities and Media
MCM 4346 - Independent Study
MCM 4351 - Broadcast Marketing
MCM 4371 - Electronic Media Practicum
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