The Media Communication Major

The Media Communication major prepares students for careers in the exciting and demanding fields of Journalism and Public Relations with focus on both solid communication theory and practical communication skills training. Knowledge of how emerging technologies are used by audiences and publics is key to Public Relations, Journalism and Digital Media practitioners in the 21st century.

The Communication major completes a five-course communication Core, including one internship. In addition, they select one of two concentrations. The journalism concentration (eight courses) prepares students for writing, editing and digital media careers in the news media industry. The public relations concentration (eight courses) prepares students for careers in corporate, not-for-profit and agency public relations. The internship is integral to the Media Communication major. Junior and senior majors serve an apprenticeship at more than 30 nearby organizations, including newspapers, radio, network and cable television, public relations agencies and not-for-profit organizations.

Degree Requirements
Majors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication must satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210. In addition, students must complete successfully 11 major courses, an internship and a sufficient number of electives to total 120 credits. Majors are encouraged to apply electives toward a minor or second major.

Foundation Courses
COMM          101          Introduction to Mass Media
COMM          111          Writing for the Mass Media
COMM          240          Electronic Communications
COMM          310          Law and Ethics of Public Communication
COMM          460          Internship – is required of all communications majors

Journalism Concentration
COMM          280          Writing Features and Editorials
COMM          290          Copyediting and Layout
COMM          305          Mass Communication Theory and Criticism
COMM          370          Newswriting, Reporting and Lab
COMM          430          Special Topics in Journalism
and two of the following:
COMM          320          Broadcast News
VARTS          261          Light/Lens/ Digital Media Concepts
POLSC          110          The United States in World Affairs
POLSC          303          Politics and the Media

Public Relations Concentration
COMM          300          Principles and Practices of Public Relations
COMM          305          Mass Communication Theory and Criticism
COMM          340          Mass Communication Research
COMM          350          Public Relations Techniques
COMM          420          Public Relations Case Studies
MRKT          200          Marketing Principles
and one elective chosen from the following:
MRKT          301          Advertising Principles
MRKT          335          Consumer Behavior
MRKT          305          Marketing Research
MRKT          402          International Marketing
MRKT          430          Special Topics in Marketing