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Students in mass communication take courses in reporting, broadcast media, digital media, public relations and advertising. These courses help them prepare for a wide range of careers. Our graduates work as producers at television stations, as reporters for daily newspapers, in sales and marketing, as authors and as public information officers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide, media and communication graduates earn an average salary of between $65,000 and $70,300 in long-term jobs including photojournalists, reporters, news anchors, announcers, sound engineers, social media directors, writers, public relations specialists and many other careers.

“Mass communication is a common major among students pursuing journalism careers because of its application to all types of mass media,” Karen Johnson said in an  for the Houston Chronicle. “The Internet has rushed in an era of communicating to the masses in real-time, making this major ideal for any communications-related job. Since communications is an integral component of so many careers, the educational background of mass communications prepares you for a variety of job options.”

ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú is the only public liberal arts school in ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú. As such, the foundation of the university is built around giving students a broad-based education. The mass communication program is no exception.

Our curriculum prepares students to be effective written, visual and oral communicators giving them skills to be successful not only in fields directly related to communication but also as nurses, police officers, politicians, lawyers and many other professions. The skills students learn and practice include:

• Verbal and writing | organize and express ideas clearly and appropriately; inform, explain, influence, persuade, mediate and negotiate
• Observation | evaluate ideas and content
• Attention to detail | being accountable to various groups of stakeholders
• Time management | meet deadlines
• Design and development | design projects, generate and adapt ideas, develop programs, evaluate situations, and present information and data
• Teamwork | work independently, as part of a small team and as part of a large team
• Problem solving | look at complex problems, understand the big picture and the components
• Research and analysis | take in, analyze, assimilate and interpret information and data
• Critical thinking | develop independent, objective and precise reasoning skills
• Cultural awareness | understand diverse cultural, social, legal, and ethical considerations in mass communication processes

While many of the mass communication courses focus on skills from writing to design, others focus on the theory of the profession and higher-level thinking skills that help students react appropriately when they face challenges on the job.

“Some people argue that the newsroom is the only place to learn journalism. Don't believe them,” said Marie Hardin, a professor at Pennsylvania State University Hardin. “For instance, newsrooms aren't the place to learn about ethics. You need to learn about ethics before you get there so you don't make mistakes that could hurt others and your reputation. You also need to learn about media law, news judgment and professionalism.”

While Hardin discussed the value of a journalism degree specifically, what she had to say applied to the more broad mass communication degree as well.

What concentrations, if any, are offered within the major?

Students in our major are required to pick one of four minors: broadcast journalism, public relations/advertising, digital media or journalism.

Does the program focus mostly on analyzing the media or does it also offer courses on working for the media?

As a broad curriculum, our faculty teach courses in media management and introduction to mass communication in which students spent time analyzing the media. But faculty also teach hands-on courses from public relations writing to television documentary and news production. Many of our course ensure that students get hands-on experiences to build skills.

Will you have access to up-to-date computers, video cameras, and other equipment?

Yes. Our Macintosh computer lab utilizes the latest Adobe Creative Suite in addition to other software applications. Students also have access to Adobe Creative Cloud to use software such as InDesign, Photoshop and Premiere. Video students also get the opportunity to work in Avid Media Composer and a range of video cameras for their productions. 

Will you have opportunities for hands-on learning at a campus radio station, cable TV station, multimedia lab, or newspaper?

Faculty encourage students to get their work published in the weekly student newspaper, The Wichitan, or as part of the student broadcast, Campus Watch. Many students also work part-time for local broadcast and print media outlets. All students are required to do an internship.

Will the department help you find work after graduation?

As part of their coursework, student refine their resume and other materials in preparation for the jobs search. Faculty members maintain close ties with alumni who often provide job leads for current students. In addition, the campus has an active Career Management Center.