College of Mass Communication

The College of Mass Communication provides professional education for individuals aspiring to careers in the fields of electronic media communication (including photography), journalism, and the recording industry, as well as academic preparation for advanced studies. The college is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the media’s role in a democracy and developing better-informed citizens within the University community by providing theoretical  foundations, professional skill sets, research, creative activity, experiential learning, and public service. Students are offered broad-based knowledge encompassing a global perspective and a professional ethos, as well as an affinity for free expression, critical thinking, and diversity of thought.

Programs

The college offers the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Mass Communication and Recording Industry.

Mass Communication majors have an opportunity to specialize in one of six concentrations: Advertising-Public Relations, Visual Communication, or Journalism in the School of Journalism; and Photography, Electronic Media Communication, or New Media Communication in the Department of Electronic Media Communication. Additional specialties are available in the various concentrations.

Majors in the Department of Recording Industry may choose a concentration in Commercial Songwriting, Music Business, or Audio Production.

All curricular programs throughout the College of Mass Communication attempt to address a common, minimum set of core competencies. The current core competencies include

1. literacy;
2. history, theory, and research appropriate to the area;
3. law, ethics, and policy appropriate to the area.

Degree Requirements

The College of Mass Communication participates in the plus/minus (+/-) grading system. Mass Communication majors must earn a C (2.00) or better in each course in the college in order to graduate. Thus, in order to earn a grade of P in a pass/fail course, the student must earn the equivalent of a grade of C (2.00) or better.

Candidacy Program

The College of Mass Communication includes a candidacy program for all majors in the college. (See specific pages for Journalism, Electronic Media Communication, and Recording Industry.) This program is based on research indicating a relationship between completion of certain required classes with certain minimum grade point expectations and both performance and retention in the major. In addition, the requirements specified in the candidacy program are consistent with requirements of our national accrediting.

University Media

Students majoring in Mass Communication are urged to become involved with the various campus media because they offer excellent opportunities for practical experience. These include student publications-Sidelines, the student newspaper; Collage, the student creative magazine-and MT Record.

Two radio stations and a community cable television channel provide opportunities for students to gain experience and knowledge about the mass media and communications:

• WMOT, the University’s National Public Radio affiliate, is a professionally managed public service radio station featuring classical and jazz, news, and information programming. Located at 89.5 on the FM dial, WMOT-FM also provides enrichment opportunities for selected students majoring in Mass Communication.
• WMTS is a student-operated alternative radio station, located at 88.3 on the FM dial, which carries an eclectic mix of music, news, and student information.
• Channel 10, the University student-operated cable channel, carries sports, news, instructional, and entertainment programming.

Following are the curricula, courses, and specific requirements for majors and minors in each department or school.

Programs

Non-Degree

• •  Art Minor (for Mass Communication Students)
• •  Mass Communication Minor
• •  Mass Communication Minor for Recording Industry Music Business Majors