Bachelor of Arts: Mass Communication

PLUS offers a liberal studies major with a concentration in mass communications. To earn this bachelor of arts degree, students must complete their general education and concentration requirements. The concentration is a 33 hour combination of mass communications and humanities courses. In addition, students who wish to obtain the equivalent of a traditional mass communications major may do so by completing an additional 24 hours of mass communications courses.

Program Structure
Mass Communications is a professionally directed discipline ideally suited for the adult student who is seeking advancement in an established career or one who is preparing for a career change. Students with mass communications training are prepared for careers in the broadcasting industries, advertising and public relations agencies and print media. The demand for trained mass communications professionals continues to increase in the market place. Join a dynamic and innovative profession.

Track Requirements
33 total credit hours

Introduction to Mass Communications
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of mass communications in the twenty-first century. The course emphasizes the function, role and impact of the media on the individual and discusses the major issues facing contemporary media.

News Writing and Reporting
This emphasizes the elements of good grammar and correct news writing style, with emphasis on practical writing assignments mirroring those that will be encountered on the job. The class consists of lecture and lab.

Principles of Advertising
An overview of the historical, economic and social evolution of advertising. Content focuses on advertising types, functions and content development as well as on the fundamentals of advertising media and critical evaluation of advertising's role in world economic and social systems.

Introduction to Broadcasting
This course introduces students to the broadcasting industry today. Course content covers the development of media, organization, programming and regulatory practices in these industries

Principles of Public Relations
This course is designed to explain the origin, evolution and nature of the profession; to explore the areas of knowledge vital to the public relations practitioner; and to relate those knowledge areas to practical applications. Students investigate public opinion analysis, communications theory and use of various kinds of research by the profession. Finally, the course introduces the basic process skills and techniques required for successful public relations practice.

Broadcast Writing I
This course prepares students to write basic news copy for the broadcast media. Students are introduced to the unique characteristics of broadcast style and story formats. This course is a combination of lectures sessions and writing labs. Basic computer skills are necessary.

Humanities Electives (15 credit hours)
Your choice of upper division electives that may or may not fit into one of the above categories. Students may use these hours to investigate a particular area of study to meet personal and professional interests and goals.